Light Installation Within the Bed
Hot wire ??
Is there a hot wire at the trailer hookup? If there is, that'd save a ton of time and trouble.
As to the switch, Snappy's got the right idea! If you don't have a rigid bedcover, a rocker switch is the way to go. It looks like you can even order them straight from the manufacturer. I like the ones with the LED light in the switch, although that would probably drain the battery, being on all the time.
Great ideas, you guys..we'll think this sucker out in no time!!
DC
As to the switch, Snappy's got the right idea! If you don't have a rigid bedcover, a rocker switch is the way to go. It looks like you can even order them straight from the manufacturer. I like the ones with the LED light in the switch, although that would probably drain the battery, being on all the time.
Great ideas, you guys..we'll think this sucker out in no time!!
DC
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 0
From: Pikesville, MD
I read another post that seem to indicate there was (hot wire). Seems to me it may only be hot when you turn on at least the parking lights but I haven't tested it.
Even that setup would be ok with me but it is worth checking in to.
Just not sure if the wiring and fuse could handle the extra load.
Even that setup would be ok with me but it is worth checking in to.
Just not sure if the wiring and fuse could handle the extra load.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Originally posted by vader716
How possible would it be to tie in to the hot wire from the towing package? That wire is already at the back of the truck and would save from running wire direct from the battery.Jim
How possible would it be to tie in to the hot wire from the towing package? That wire is already at the back of the truck and would save from running wire direct from the battery.Jim
SL
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Here's what I'm going to try.
I collected a bunch of server indicator lights from work. They're LED's in a slick little cast aluminum housing that has a clip on them. They're status indicator lights for Dell 2650 servers that no one bothers to use. Until now! I've got 17 of them complete with pigtails.
I went to Lowes and bought two 5' lengths of very thin aluminum to serve as the rails the LEDs clip onto.
My plan is to clip the LEDS onto the piece of aluminum and cover the entire length of the aluminum strip (except of course for the lights themselves) with heat-shrink tubing. A few strips of velcro strategically placed in the bed and on the aluminum strip, and I should have a pretty nice lighting system. The only drawback is this system is going to require a transformer.
I'll make sure and post pics when I get a good start on the project.
-Fatz.
I collected a bunch of server indicator lights from work. They're LED's in a slick little cast aluminum housing that has a clip on them. They're status indicator lights for Dell 2650 servers that no one bothers to use. Until now! I've got 17 of them complete with pigtails.
I went to Lowes and bought two 5' lengths of very thin aluminum to serve as the rails the LEDs clip onto.
My plan is to clip the LEDS onto the piece of aluminum and cover the entire length of the aluminum strip (except of course for the lights themselves) with heat-shrink tubing. A few strips of velcro strategically placed in the bed and on the aluminum strip, and I should have a pretty nice lighting system. The only drawback is this system is going to require a transformer.
I'll make sure and post pics when I get a good start on the project.
-Fatz.
Just curious.....
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: katrina's waste land
Bed lights
http://users.cableaz.com/~kinzerford...150_Entry.html
ROCKPICK, check out this guys (one of the members)
I bookmarked his page because he has some great mods.
enter the site and scrol down to the lighting section. instructions of how he illuminated his bed
ROCKPICK, check out this guys (one of the members)
I bookmarked his page because he has some great mods.
enter the site and scrol down to the lighting section. instructions of how he illuminated his bed
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: University of Oregon
I just got a set of $12 fog lights from Wal-Mart, I am going to mount them inside on the lid of my truck box.
I will use the illumated rocker switch that came with the set, but after a switch like the one on the hood that turns that light on. That way when the box is opened the switch will light up. I can either set it to turn on when I flip the switch or be on when I open the box.
I can't count the times I wish I would have had something like this while I am camping, working, etc.
Also, I plan on mounting an air compressor back there. This will be a great summer for rafting!!!
Wahoo!
I will use the illumated rocker switch that came with the set, but after a switch like the one on the hood that turns that light on. That way when the box is opened the switch will light up. I can either set it to turn on when I flip the switch or be on when I open the box.
I can't count the times I wish I would have had something like this while I am camping, working, etc.
Also, I plan on mounting an air compressor back there. This will be a great summer for rafting!!!
Wahoo!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
How's everyone been doing with their bedlights? any photos. I am interested now that my bedrug and cover are on the way. I want to see who's idea worked best. rope light vs. closet light vs. cold cathode vs. fog light vs. server indicator light.... and who's wiring solution worked out the best.
thanks
thanks