Has anyone wired auxiliary bed lighting to their factory cargo lamp switch?

[Barrera92]

I have a 96 c1500 with a bed cover. The cargo lamp switch convenient on the dash but is pretty much useless since the cover blocks the light. I want to install some LED bed lights because its a pain to unload groceries, bags or whatever at night. I really like the idea of the lights but I don't really want to drill a hole for a switch or stick one on the side of the bed because theres a chance it might get damaged with all the **** I haul around sometimes. I thought the switch on the dash was perfect since its still the "cargo" area. Has anyone ever done this before?

Bed lights similar to this https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HYJYdOC3hQY/maxresdefault.jpg

Switch in question

https://cl.ly/230M12400G0T

https://cl.ly/2X0Z2C3O3a3l

 

[GaryCCR]

You could certainly do it. The proper way would be to use the 12v from the switch as a turn-on, and have the auxiliary lights wired with a separate relay and fuse.

That way you're not creating an issue with excessive draw. Good luck.

 

[aleebee156]

I like your thinking and thoughts. For me, i sleep in the bed of my truck when i go camping, so i like having a switch in the bed itself so i can turn them on and off from there. I haven't wired mine up yet so can't tell you how I'm gonna do it exactly yet, but there are plenty of places in the bed to install and switch that will be safe

 

[sewlow]

I've snagged 4 black GMT400 license plate lights from the wreckers that I intend on installingfor box lighting.
2 on the front sides of the rear stake pockets, and the other 2 on the rear sides of the front stakes pockets, all facing downwards.
On the sides, so that they are somewhat protected from anything that I throw in the box.
The switch will in the left rear corner of the box, tucked up into the corner near that light so that it is also protected.
The L/Plate lights are already fitted with LEDs.

 

[Barrera92]

You could certainly do it. The proper way would be to use the 12v from the switch as a turn-on, and have the auxiliary lights wired with a separate relay and fuse.

That way you're not creating an issue with excessive draw. Good luck.

Nice.

Could you help me out with a drawn diagram I can follow? I can't really picture it in my head.