LED Bed Strip Lighting
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Hahaha ya, I had the switch laying around from a wiring harness I hadn't used. You can swap the wires and have it illuminated when it's off so then it would actually be useful. But I would rather not have that draw on the battery even if it's barely anything.
And Robby, I never looked any further into the popper switch. I'm sure someone else would have more info on it.
And Robby, I never looked any further into the popper switch. I'm sure someone else would have more info on it.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: Canandaigua, NY
I just wanted to say thanks for the write up! I did this mod yesterday and it's awesome.
Not sure if you kept your led strip one piece per side, I cut mine into 4 pieces and ran the wire thru the stake pockets, word of advice, keep your led strip one piece, they are a little bit of a pain to solder wire too. One, they need to be kept in line, you can't switch them around and two, getting all the clear plastic off to solder is a bit of pain.
I too just ran a line from the battery back and put the switch in the same spot. Works great. They are bright as all get out.
All total I have about 25 bucks into it and probably 4 hours... but I wasn't in a hurry.
I did put a few of those square plastic stick on hangers up to help hold the wiring.. the ones you can put the zip tie thru in both directions. Used them at the front of the bed to help keep the wire tight across the front and help with the weight.
Not sure if you kept your led strip one piece per side, I cut mine into 4 pieces and ran the wire thru the stake pockets, word of advice, keep your led strip one piece, they are a little bit of a pain to solder wire too. One, they need to be kept in line, you can't switch them around and two, getting all the clear plastic off to solder is a bit of pain.
I too just ran a line from the battery back and put the switch in the same spot. Works great. They are bright as all get out.
All total I have about 25 bucks into it and probably 4 hours... but I wasn't in a hurry.
I did put a few of those square plastic stick on hangers up to help hold the wiring.. the ones you can put the zip tie thru in both directions. Used them at the front of the bed to help keep the wire tight across the front and help with the weight.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
I just wanted to say thanks for the write up! I did this mod yesterday and it's awesome.
Not sure if you kept your led strip one piece per side, I cut mine into 4 pieces and ran the wire thru the stake pockets, word of advice, keep your led strip one piece, they are a little bit of a pain to solder wire too. One, they need to be kept in line, you can't switch them around and two, getting all the clear plastic off to solder is a bit of pain.
I too just ran a line from the battery back and put the switch in the same spot. Works great. They are bright as all get out.
All total I have about 25 bucks into it and probably 4 hours... but I wasn't in a hurry.
I did put a few of those square plastic stick on hangers up to help hold the wiring.. the ones you can put the zip tie thru in both directions. Used them at the front of the bed to help keep the wire tight across the front and help with the weight.
Not sure if you kept your led strip one piece per side, I cut mine into 4 pieces and ran the wire thru the stake pockets, word of advice, keep your led strip one piece, they are a little bit of a pain to solder wire too. One, they need to be kept in line, you can't switch them around and two, getting all the clear plastic off to solder is a bit of pain.
I too just ran a line from the battery back and put the switch in the same spot. Works great. They are bright as all get out.
All total I have about 25 bucks into it and probably 4 hours... but I wasn't in a hurry.
I did put a few of those square plastic stick on hangers up to help hold the wiring.. the ones you can put the zip tie thru in both directions. Used them at the front of the bed to help keep the wire tight across the front and help with the weight.
You have a pic of the square plastic stick on hangers your talking about?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Interesting, never seen those before. Thanks for the pics
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 16
From: Battle Ground Wa.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,654
Likes: 20
From: Tewksbury, MA
Truxedo and a few other companies make them as well if you seach Truck Bed Lights or Bed Lights on amazon it brings up a bunch. Here is an example of one by Truxedo its $57
and Prime two day shipping 
I love being a student because i can get amazon prime for half price so i just buy everything form there lol.
I love being a student because i can get amazon prime for half price so i just buy everything form there lol.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
Truxedo and a few other companies make them as well if you seach Truck Bed Lights or Bed Lights on amazon it brings up a bunch. Here is an example of one by Truxedo its $57
and Prime two day shipping I love being a student because i can get amazon prime for half price so i just buy everything form there lol.
I love being a student because i can get amazon prime for half price so i just buy everything form there lol.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Jeepgod, I used the exact clips you did. It definitely helps with keeping the wires tight under the truck. I am not sure why I didn't mention this earlier.
Scorpion, send me $80 and I can make you out of the box lights that will blow away whatever is available for sale haha. Really though you can do this for half the price at most, and be very pleased with the outcome.
Scorpion, send me $80 and I can make you out of the box lights that will blow away whatever is available for sale haha. Really though you can do this for half the price at most, and be very pleased with the outcome.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Ya, it is with the electical tape and zip ties. Every time I go into lowes or Home Depot I walk out with things to start a new project. That's unfortunate for my wallet.
While you're in there get yourself some heat shrink tube. The stuff you put over a spliced connection and heat it up and it shrinks around it. Dielectric grease and silicone for water tight splices are a good idea too.
While you're in there get yourself some heat shrink tube. The stuff you put over a spliced connection and heat it up and it shrinks around it. Dielectric grease and silicone for water tight splices are a good idea too.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
We offer two kinds of waterproof LED bed lighting: 12-volt (in lengths from 12" to 60") and AA-battery powered (18").
You can see both kinds here: ACCESS LED Lights | Battery LED and 12V LED Light Strip
You can see both kinds here: ACCESS LED Lights | Battery LED and 12V LED Light Strip
Senior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Well.. I read the thread 3 times I think, maybe 4
. It was either read it again oooooor... order the gear to make it happen!!! There was a smart ole man that used to tell me "Dont talk about it, be about it!" Gear is now on order, should all be at the house mid to late next week. I am pretty excited to get this install done!!
Will post pics when all is done!! I am loving this place for ideas, my savings account, not as much 
hahaha Keep the pics and ideas coming!!
Rex
. It was either read it again oooooor... order the gear to make it happen!!! There was a smart ole man that used to tell me "Dont talk about it, be about it!" Gear is now on order, should all be at the house mid to late next week. I am pretty excited to get this install done!! Will post pics when all is done!! I am loving this place for ideas, my savings account, not as much hahaha Keep the pics and ideas coming!!Rex