Bed Lights

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Mar 21, 2007 | 08:20 PM

johnshiredman

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From: Central WI

Bed Lights

Anyone with a truck cover put lights in their bed? I am thinking about looking at different ways to light up the bed when the tonneau cover is blocking the light off the back of the cab. I would love to just buy some rope lighting from the local hardware store (6' for $6) to mount under the rails and wire it to the entry lights, so I could turn them on with the key FOB, but from what I have read it doesn't sound like that would work. It would be nice to just buy a line of fire light that wires into the trailer lights and mount it under the rail instead of on the back of the truck, but I don't want to spend that much money for this project.

I just don't want to have to hold a flashlight to see what I am pulling out or putting in the back of the truck at night. I did see one post on some blocks with L.E.D.s that mounted under the rail, but even those were $80-100. Call me cheap, but it shouldn't be that expensive for a simple light. Maybe I'll just have to stick in some of those lights that you push to turn on (but then I would have to replace batteries and that's no fun.

Any suggestions?

Mar 22, 2007 | 06:55 PM

ReAX

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From: Central Florida

The problem with rope lights are they are 110volt. I would suggest neon/led strips or EL wire, the accessory kinds. You could run constant power to them and put in a door jamb type switch. So when the cover is open the lights are on.

Mar 22, 2007 | 07:16 PM

cdrmotorsports

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From: Lancaster, MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnshiredman

Maybe I'll just have to stick in some of those lights that you push to turn on (but then I would have to replace batteries and that's no fun.

Those lights last for about 2 weeks and then crap out. I bought a pair to put in my enclosed trailer so that I could see what I was doing at night. They worked good until the first cold night and then they crapped out. These would be good for a wuick fix just for the time being. I'd look to something else. I know there are many companies that make them, but can't think of any off the top of my head. Try a Google search for pickup truck bed lights.

Mar 22, 2007 | 08:05 PM

Beerstalker

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From: Peoria, IL

Here ya go.

http://www.reconaccessories.com/Bed%...20Lighting.htm

I haven't seen them personally but I have a few of Recon's other products and have been very happy with them so I am sure these are great too.

Mar 22, 2007 | 08:36 PM

johnshiredman

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Central WI

Thanks for the replies, it's nice to get feed back from others with experience!

Thanks for the link Beerstalker, that's what I am looking for. I stopped by an auto store today and looked at various L.E.D.'s, but I don't think I would get enough light for the money if I went with something other than a strip light like the one you posted. I think I will give them a call and see if they are able to provide more info on the product. I am wondering if detailed instructions come with and if there are two 4' foot lights in the kit or two 2' lights for a total of 4'.

Thanks again,

J

Mar 27, 2007 | 10:19 PM

angus

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From: Vancouver Island

There's some reasonably priced 12V LED lights at marine stores.

Apr 11, 2007 | 09:13 PM

nighthawk285

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From: La Grande, OR

dont know if you're looking still, but if you dont mind colored light (such as amber or red..i recommend the red) you can go to a truck stop or anywhere that sells semi-truck parts and get some Trucklite LED's....I have the Model 30 LEDs with a clear lens and red light....works great!