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Adding Bed lights to SR5

Discussion in '3rd Gen Tundras (2022+)' started by Cowboyzfan, Aug 24, 2023.

  1. Aug 24, 2023 at 3:17 AM
    #1
    Cowboyzfan

    Cowboyzfan [OP] New Member

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    Anyone know if a prewired harness exists under bed for adding OEM bed light to an SR5?

    I'm looking to add some lights back there when I purchase a bed cover but don't really want to tap if I can use an existing harness.

    If not, where did you get your power for light?
     
  2. Aug 24, 2023 at 4:47 AM
    #2
    raylo

    raylo not so new member

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    I can't say for sure but my SR5 got the bed lights as part of a package. So, it seems like the wiring harness could maybe support them.
     
    Jongie123 and Cowboyzfan[OP] like this.
  3. Aug 24, 2023 at 5:39 PM
    #3
    Woocawachie

    Woocawachie New Member

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    Would like to know also. Can someone trace where their lights connect to ?
     
  4. Aug 25, 2023 at 2:58 PM
    #4
    PNW Tundra Mike

    PNW Tundra Mike Tired and ReTired

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    I’m going to add them as well and am going to find the line to the rear facing cab mounted bed lights. That way you can control all the bed lights with the one OEM existing switch. Haven’t started the wire hunt yet. Will probably pop up on YT any day.
     
    Cowboyzfan[OP] and 303Gen3 like this.
  5. Nov 3, 2023 at 8:26 PM
    #5
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    I see this is an older post, but did any of you add bed lights? I too am interested in this.
     
  6. Nov 4, 2023 at 3:26 AM
    #6
    Cowboyzfan

    Cowboyzfan [OP] New Member

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    Not yet. I'm looking to purchase a bed cover then I'll need lights.
     
  7. Nov 5, 2023 at 5:35 AM
    #7
    thundercracker85

    thundercracker85 New Member

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    $9 and 20 minutes

    until I have time to research how to properly wire my bed lights (and courtesy lights), I used this $9 battery led strip from Amazon. Stuck it on the cleat rail. The strip is narrow enough to not interfere with the rail holes. The Amazon leds came with 2 strips long enough to get the back and one side. I added two strips that’s why there’s two less strips at the front of the bed. So far so good.


    Lights here. Not waterproof, but for $9 I’ll take a chance. https://www.amazon.com/DBFAIRY-Oper...sprefix=fairy+led+battery+light,aps,71&sr=8-3

    IMG_6822.jpg
    IMG_6824.jpg
    IMG_6825.jpg
     
  8. Nov 5, 2023 at 5:46 AM
    #8
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    That was my temporary fix too. It lasted about a month. The set I got claimed to be waterproof. I think it may have been vibration more than water getting in.
     
  9. Nov 5, 2023 at 6:36 PM
    #9
    SC4333

    SC4333 New Member

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    I had some Baja Designs rock lights left over and they seemed look a good fit for the job. Strip lighting would be an easy and affordable option as well. You could even order some bed lights for the 3rd gen Tacoma off Amazon and cut a hold in the bed if you're feeling brave.. Beware of the fiberglass mess if you go that route :eek2: Anyhow, I've since added a Retrax Pro XR bed cover and the lighting makes a huge difference. As soon as the tailgate drops, the lights turn on. Should be easy to figure out if your truck has the wiring present or not for the tailgate light. See link to the specific post below for detailed wiring instructions. Hope it helps!


    WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR 3RD GEN TUNDRA TODAY?


    [​IMG]


     
  10. Nov 5, 2023 at 6:56 PM
    #10
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    I like this! That’s a great idea. Thanks for the link as well.
     
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  11. Nov 5, 2023 at 7:02 PM
    #11
    Woocawachie

    Woocawachie New Member

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    Oh that’s a clean install. Gonna check if my poor man’s SR trim has that harness. That would be awesome
     
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  12. Nov 5, 2023 at 7:22 PM
    #12
    SD Surfer

    SD Surfer Globe Trotting Bon Vivant

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    I wanted constant hot for my LED strips and 12V receptacle, so I ran straight to the battery.

    I wanted to be able to open the tailgate and turn on lights or plug in my shower after surfing and not need to go in the cab to switch anything on.



    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Nov 5, 2023 at 10:07 PM
    #13
    PNW Tundra Mike

    PNW Tundra Mike Tired and ReTired

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    Thank You so much for posting the connector location, wiring diagram and connector map. I”ve been hoping this would come along so I can do my bed lights. Having them on the Bed Light switch is exactly what I wanted. When tailgate goes down is an added bonus. Bravo!!
     
    SC4333[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Nov 12, 2023 at 7:31 AM
    #14
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    I added some rock lights to my bed yesterday. Your information was spot on. Thank you again for posting it.
    After seeing that they come on momentarily when you unlock the truck, I added some under the cab, as puddle lights. I’m really happy with the results.
     
  15. Nov 12, 2023 at 8:15 AM
    #15
    Woocawachie

    Woocawachie New Member

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    Do you mind showing your puddle light setup? I’m planning on doing the same
     
  16. Nov 12, 2023 at 12:02 PM
    #16
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    This is the driver’s side. I don’t know what this little outcrop of metal is for, it had holes that lined up perfectly for the rock light I used. I just ran the wiring down the frame, over the wheel well to the back.
     
  17. Nov 12, 2023 at 12:17 PM
    #17
    Woocawachie

    Woocawachie New Member

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    That’s neat! What brand lights you used? Baja design is out of my budget.
     
  18. Nov 12, 2023 at 12:30 PM
    #18
    Limitrd

    Limitrd New Member

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    I just got some cheapies off of Amazon. I suppose if these don’t last very long, I would shell out for better quality.

    6 Pods White Led Rock Lights,Automotive General Under Body Neon Glow Led Pure Light Kit Ip68 Waterproof 3.8ft Extension Wires for Car Truck Boat Rv ATV Utv SUV RZR Motorcycle Trail Rig Lamp(White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF54XNGR
     
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  19. Nov 12, 2023 at 7:45 PM
    #19
    SC4333

    SC4333 New Member

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    Glad it worked out! I like what you did with the rock lights. The fact they turn on via proximity, door, and cargo lighting is pretty awesome. Bonus points that they can be turned off via the cargo light switch as well! I've been thinking about doing the same but haven't got around to it yet. Let us know how those Amazon lights work out after some winter use. I have been eying the same lights off amazon, just wasn't sure how they'd hold up under the truck.:mudding:

    Should probably put a quick reminder here to anyone looking to add lights off that circuit.. Make sure to verify additional amperage load prior to install. I cant tell you guys exactly what the circuit will hold safely, but with less than an amp of additional load for my particular setup, I wasn't too concerned and have had zero issues. If I was adding more than a couple amps, I'd likely use said circuit to trigger a relay vs supplying load directly to the lights. If you go the relay route, I recall this same circuit being present somewhere in the driver side kick panel, which would be an easier place to tap into since you would likely be pulling from the battery/auxiliary fuse panel/etc for 'line in' power. Of course all this goes without saying, but we've seen worst things happen on the internet :bananadead:
     
  20. Nov 13, 2023 at 6:30 AM
    #20
    Northern Toyota

    Northern Toyota New Member

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    Toyota sure dropped the ball on this one. My Tacoma was so easy to buy the bed lights/T harness and install. Why would they make 2 bed moulds?
     
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  21. Nov 13, 2023 at 8:54 PM
    #21
    SC4333

    SC4333 New Member

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    Agreed.. I've had both a second and third gen Tacoma in the past, so when I got the Tundra and realized 1) it didn't have knock outs in the bed side where the lights would normally go, and 2) decided to use separate wiring harnesses for models that didn't not come with the factor bed lighting.... Well, I was a little disappointed to say the least.
     

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