2009 - 2014 F-150

Bedlights Wiring Question

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Old Apr 7, 2011 | 08:59 AM
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5111's Avatar
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From: DFW, Texas
Bedlights Wiring Question

I am putting in a set of LED bedlights on my truck. I am using a rocker switch for power. I need to tap into a power source that is constantly hot, so that I can turn on the lights at anytime. Is there an easily accessible source at the rear of the truck?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2011 | 02:48 PM
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The short answer is no. There is acc power at the towing harness, but if you want always hot my understanding is you have to run from the battery.
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 02:10 PM
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In the end, I soldered in a 9v battery connection and just hooked it up to a 9v battery tucked behind the bedrug. I'm not sure how long it will last, but it works for now.

For those that care, DO NOT PAY $80 for a Recon bedlight kit. I bought 10 pods from Joe Florida on ebay and soldered them together with some wire for my wife's truck. It lights up more than the Recon kit I have on my truck and I only have about $30 in it.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 09:49 PM
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I connected to the entrance light circuit at the taillight - so I can turn on the lights by clicking the unlock on the remote. Also have a simple mercury switch on the tailgate so they only come on when the tailgate is down. 90 second of light is usually more than enough...
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 11:46 AM
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I ran mine all the way to the battery....But I also have interior lights and an underbody light kit on the truck I used to use.

All tied into a rocker switch in the cab on the left side of the driver dash.

For a 12v constant you would need to pull out a volt meter and start looking. The factory harness should run under the driver side foot plate (plastic as soon as you open the door) under the rug.
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 12:32 PM
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I ran into the driver's side kick panel and used the line going to the cargo light. They come on automatically with my cargo light when the doors are unlocked, etc now. I really like it this way.
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 02:02 PM
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I bought 2 LED weatherproof strips from eBay. They are each 1 meter long. They will give off plenty of light and it only cost less than $8 each. I also put some under my step bars to light up at night when my dome lights come on for perimeter lighting.
 
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