Hacking the bed light switch

[Dad]

I didn't think I wanted or needed all around lighting for the truck bed until I had to locate and remove some items after the sun went down and no moon. The cab over lights weren't much help despite my LED replacement. My package included the LED light on the driver's side, but that was insufficient as well. So, I've decided to go with the LED strips around the entire bed. I'd like very much to be able to turn them on using the switch that turns on the factory LED bed light previously mentioned, but I'm not confident enough to just go in there an start messing around. Anyone in the club have the experience of using the switch for alternative lighting?

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[grumpyunk]

If you are still interested in connecting, remove the panel and take a look at the wiring to the LED. It should have a ground wire and a 'switched power' wire. Using a VOM, set to handle 12VDC, touch the black lead to an unpainted ground, such as the bolt/fitting holding the bed restraint cable. Touch the red lead to the LED wires in turn. One of them should indicate 12-13VDC. That is the power lead. The other should be at chassis ground. You will need to have the LED turned on to read voltage.
You can get weather protected connectors to connect your string of LEDs to the factory LED wires. Generally red wire to the 12v lead, and black wire to ground.

I have a string from 'zon, and will be looking to connect as above, but do not have the factory LED, so if you can post the wire colors that would be helpful.
tom

 

[clavicus]

I am wanting to do this exact same thing

 

[Dad]

If you are still interested in connecting, remove the panel and take a look at the wiring to the LED. It should have a ground wire and a 'switched power' wire. Using a VOM, set to handle 12VDC, touch the black lead to an unpainted ground, such as the bolt/fitting holding the bed restraint cable. Touch the red lead to the LED wires in turn. One of them should indicate 12-13VDC. That is the power lead. The other should be at chassis ground. You will need to have the LED turned on to read voltage.
You can get weather protected connectors to connect your string of LEDs to the factory LED wires. Generally red wire to the 12v lead, and black wire to ground.

I have a string from 'zon, and will be looking to connect as above, but do not have the factory LED, so if you can post the wire colors that would be helpful.
tom

Due to unforeseen life complications I was not able to install the bed lights until just recently and completely forgot about my thread of hooking them up to the factory switch. As I was so excited to finally have some free time to do the install, I went ahead and used the kit switch. After seeing your reply, I'm thinking of making the move to using the factory ON/OFF. Much cleaner and more convenient than having to use two switches for light.

Thanks.

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