Auxiliary cargo lights

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Gonzo406

Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
32
Reaction score
40
Location
WTX
While browsing the LMC catalog I came across a kit for bed lights for ~$80, if I remember correctly. I liked the idea however I did not like how the kit came with light pods which weren't exactly low profile. So I decided to make my own auxiliary cargo lamps from L.E.D. strips.

I ordered this spool of leds from super bright L.E.D.'s of https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...-chip-smd-led-5050/1622/3985/#tab/PhotoViewer along with a 30 amp relay and connectors. I'm sure the factory switch would handle the LED as they don't draw much amperage but I rather use a relay and be safe.
You must be registered for see images attach

I had originally planed on including a strip on the front bed rail but when I removed my drop in liner I realized that it would be visible as the front rail doesn't have a channel to hide the lights like the side bed rails do and I wanted a very slick install so I ditched that idea. Instead the connectors were cut in half, one for each strip and extended the wires. I measured the length of bed with some twine and used it as a template to cut the strip accordingly. Used a step bit until I had the proper sized hole needed for the grommets.
You must be registered for see images attach

I ran the passenger side wires along the gas tank cross member and covered it with wire loom for a little protection and to keep it looking factory under there. After extending the passenger side to the driver side I just spliced those bad boys together and continued running the power wire inside the stock loom that runs along the fuel lines. I used the factory bed ground strap by the gas filler hose to ground the lights.
I grabbed power from one of the studs at the rear of the fuse block and used an in-line mini fuse.
You must be registered for see images attach
The relay was screwed in to the sheet metal behind the left headlight. I had previously added wire loom through that location for my temp/compass mirror harness so I just used that to conceal the wires going to the relay. I also used this loom to hide the wire going into my dash. This wire should be spliced to the blue/white wire at the cargo lamp switch pigtail.
After the lights were installed I turned my attention to modifying the 3rd brake light harness to allow it to work independently of the interior courtesy lights.
What you need to do is find the wire in location "A" of the harness, snip it, crimp a terminal and ground it. Kinda hard to see but if you zoom in on the highlighted area you'll see what I'm talking about. Now your stock cargo lamp switch should activate both the led strip and stock cargo lamp independent of whether or not your interior lights are on.

You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

Gonzo406

Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
32
Reaction score
40
Location
WTX
You must be registered for see images attach
Final step is to grab a cold beer and admire your good work. I went slow, loomed every wire, soldered, and used marine shrink wrap. I'm very satisfied with the result. Final price was about $130 not including wire, loom, shrink wrap, and whatever else I used that I already had, quite a bit more than the pre-made kits. I have never used one of those kits or even seen them in action but I find it hard to believe they would put out this much light,
You must be registered for see images attach
plus it's much more satisfying
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

Gonzo406

Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
32
Reaction score
40
Location
WTX
That's a great job. Looks almost like fluorescent housing hidden under there. Super bright.
I actually thought the exact same thing. I opted for the "warm" 3250k option thinking it would match the factory lamp but it was whiter than I expected. I think the white bed exaggerates the white light. You can actually see how the led's themselves do have a yellowish tint in the picture showing the grommet locations.
 
Last edited:

Gonzo406

Newbie
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
32
Reaction score
40
Location
WTX
Top