Extra Bed Lighting

[Emurphy26]

I have the Lariat model that comes with a single led light in the bed however I want to add some additional lighting as well. I know I can hard wire the lights into the flexbed connecters by the tailgate but I am wondering if I need to install a switch as well or if those flex bed ports are in any way tied to the switch already located inside the bed. Does anyone know if that’s the case?

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[Gpp]

I would put either a off on switch or off on button on it.i just use a off on button so i can just open the tailgate and the light comes on.

 

[OleFordGuy]

most of the flexible led light strips folks are installing in the bed include a switch. There's numerous threads about them and videos of the install process

 

[The Weatherman]

The auxiliary power pigtails are tied to the auxiliary power circuit. They will come on with key and stay hot for 15mins after it is turned off.

So, if don’t want them on while driving, a switch will be a must.

 

[TCPTX65]

Look for something like this:

AmazonSmile: Nilight - 90116C 2 Gang Rocker Switch Panel with 4.8 Amp Dual USB Charger Voltmeter Waterproof 12V-24V DC Rocker Switch with Night Glow Stickers for CarsTrucks Boats RVs : Industrial & Scientific

Make sure it is waterproof or marine grade.

 

[gear1975]

I did the DIY LED Strip Light option from a kit on Amazon. Works great!

 

[Bj517]

I have the Lariat model that comes with a single led light in the bed however I want to add some additional lighting as well. I know I can hard wire the lights into the flexbed connecters by the tailgate but I am wondering if I need to install a switch as well or if those flex bed ports are in any way tied to the switch already located inside the bed. Does anyone know if that’s the case?

You can tap directly into the existing bed light with your new led strips. Best way to do it in my opinion, because then your led strips come on with the key bob even if the truck is off, and also operate with the existing button. There are a couple threads on the subject - try to search for them

 

[Don806]

I'm in same boat as you, wanting another light opposite the one that is there. I'm gonna give this a try, just ordered today

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L81H5VL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AJLZYO3LUD2L6&th=1

 

[desmobob]

Because the power to the Flexbed 12V leads that Ford provides under the little covers near the tailgate goes off after a short period of time, it would be safe to use those same leads for a lighted switch for DIY LED bed lights, right?

 

[john218]

I'm in same boat as you, wanting another light opposite the one that is there. I'm gonna give this a try, just ordered today

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L81H5VL/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AJLZYO3LUD2L6&th=1

Thanks for sharing, think I’ll try these on my XL and mount on cubby covers one on each side.

 

[Don806]

Thanks for sharing, think I’ll try these on my XL and mount on cubby covers one on each side.

Thought the mounting pieces were plastic, they’re rubber. should still work, I have one but haven’t installed it yet, waiting on the 2nd light to arrive. I installed a 2nd cubby on the drivers side, moved the outlet to inside the cubby, and lost the factory light doing that, but saved the switch and mounted it inside the spot that hides the 12v power in the bed. plan is to use the factory bed light power for the new lights

 

[Don806]

Thought the mounting pieces were plastic, they’re rubber. should still work,I have one but haven’t installed it yet
[/QUOTE

the outlet move idea was swiped from another member here. Hoping the extra cubby takes care of the dirt/stuff getting thrown into the area behind the taillight

 

[Don806]

Thanks for sharing, think I’ll try these on my XL and mount on cubby covers one on each side.

One light in, so I’m doing the other one when it gets here, HOWEVER…..the rubber pieces SUCK and are hard to work with. If you mount without them, you’ll have to watch where wiring hole needs drilled since it’s not in center of back of light (I’m using the rubber mounts) they have a switch on the light and my plan was to leave them on and use the old bed light switch to turn both on and off, but you MUST use the switch on the light itself to turn them on . So I’m going to hook the lights up to the 12v power ports instead, and maybe use the old switch and old power for strip lights, or who knows what else. Lights should be plenty bright and the green light option is neat.

 

[Don806]

Thanks for sharing, think I’ll try these on my XL and mount on cubby covers one on each side.

Little update, have the passenger side in and it provides quite a good bit of light, so two will be more than enough. I’m going to remove it and replace the rubber mounting block with a slightly wedge shaped wood block coated with plastic dip to give the lights a slight turn toward the center of the bed. Still waiting on the other light and extra wiring plugs to arrive.

 

[StillWaiting]

I installed dual led strip lights. Less than $10 on eBay and really simple.

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