Bed Underrail Lighting

[C. Charles Hahn]

Very nice! I wish that setup would work for me; I unfortunately have to deal with the cargo management rails being in the way.

[mfennema]

Thanks everyone!

[MarkD]

I would think the CMS was something that could be worked around.

[pwall]

Awesome job!

[Stevens03]

They turned out great. Love the switch too. Nice clean touch.

 

Steven

[Nick The Great]

Sweet write up!

 

[masonbid]

Just a little tip for anyone wanting to do this. Make sure you have a water proof switch!

The switch may look nice and all but if a little bit of water happens to get into it, then it may corrode and you will end up installing another switch.

 

When the weather up here warms up some more then I will be finishing my install and post another write up. It will be slightly different but it will give you some ideas on how you may be able to work around other systems.

[mfennema]

Just a little tip for anyone wanting to do this. Make sure you have a water proof switch!

The switch may look nice and all but if a little bit of water happens to get into it, then it may corrode and you will end up installing another switch.

 

When the weather up here warms up some more then I will be finishing my install and post another write up. It will be slightly different but it will give you some ideas on how you may be able to work around other systems.

 

 

Masonbid brings up a very good point. The switch that I have installed is not water proof because they did not have any at AZ. I am still searching for one online, but am not in a huge hurry for it because with the cover on my bed, the only way it can get wet is it if is unrolled. And the only time its unrolled is when I'm hauling something. And I usually don't haul anything that big in the rain. Still going to change it out though if I find the right switch. Good tip masonbid!!

[MS3DALE]

Cool!

[Z71kris]

I hate it, its stupid, and all you guys who think it cool are stupid too!

[Z71kris]

Na I was just joking, great Idea, came out great!

[masonbid]

I took a quick look on ebay and have found water proof switches for you guys.

Waterproof switch is too general and will only find you the boots which you dont need. Use waterproof toggle or marine toggle or marine switch.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Waterproof-ON-OFF-Extra...p3286.m63.l1177

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Boat-or-Marine-Toggle-S...p3286.m20.l1116

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Marine-Pane...essoriesQ5fGear

 

Check with your local private auto parts store or even a boat/marine shop if you dont feel like ordering off ebay. My toggle switch i got cost me $17 but its completely covered in sealed rubber. They said I could actually use this under water permanently so I think I got a good one

[Silverado_Monkey]

I took a quick look on ebay and have found water proof switches for you guys.

Waterproof switch is too general and will only find you the boots which you dont need. Use waterproof toggle or marine toggle or marine switch.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Waterproof-ON-OFF-Extra...p3286.m63.l1177

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Boat-or-Marine-Toggle-S...p3286.m20.l1116

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Marine-Pane...essoriesQ5fGear

 

Check with your local private auto parts store or even a boat/marine shop if you dont feel like ordering off ebay. My toggle switch i got cost me $17 but its completely covered in sealed rubber. They said I could actually use this under water permanently so I think I got a good one

 

 

I actually had thought about using a single gang waterproof electical box with a spring loaded door to house the switch, relay ( i know these are leds and don't draw much but rather be safe then sorry) and inline fuse. This will also make sure this circuit is only on with the ignition, so I don't accidentally leave them on. I'd mount the box up high near the bed rail. It's heavy duty so it won't get damaged by any cargo I throw back there. I haul alot of stuff back there ususally.

 

Also - I was thinking i might install a Waterproof Quad box instead of a single gang if I decide to add AC to DC converter. That'll give me a 110v outlet at the back of the bed for the cordless tool battery chargers

[stadt11]

Nice write-up Mitch! Just a thought, why not wire those to the existing Cargo Switch on the console instead of putting in a separate switch in the bed?

 

[maybe because you'd like to have that convenience instead of walking back to the cab ]

[Z71kris]

Nice write-up Mitch! Just a thought, why not wire those to the existing Cargo Switch on the console instead of putting in a separate switch in the bed?

 

[maybe because you'd like to have that convenience instead of walking back to the cab ]

my thought...