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Aftermarket install - bed lights - WOW !

Kimo7

Kimo7

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Like everyone on this forum I’m accessorizing the new truck. So far I’ve added a Truxedo LoPro tonneau cover, tinted the front windows matching the back and just had an LED bed light kit installed. The lights are tied into the factory installed bed lights and are super bright. The light kit is a Nilight TR-05 model, 60 inch led strips. Totally worth the money, I bought them on Amazon for $21.87. The truck shop charged me a half hour labor to install, professional job. Will definitely help looking for stuff in the dark under the cover especially when we’re towing the travel trailer and I throw everything I normally carry in the bed. I hope the pics demonstrate how bright they are.

Before & After

A3D18137-6209-4038-BE2B-D9C190A3A8B1.jpeg62651FF0-5A95-4A97-8784-83D5E5474540.jpeg
 
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I have those same ones just not installed yet. can you post a few pics where you mounted the switch? looks awesome!
 
Hopefully the pics show what you’re looking for. There is a natural indentation in the bed where the guys mounted the lights. They tied them into the factory lights for power source which enables them to work with the factory installed OEM switch. That was my preference. I didn’t think an additional independent switch was necessary since the OEM was already there and no extra holes drilled in my brand new truck. The wires are tucked behind the LED light frame. The YouTube videos are all over the place with running wires everywhere so be careful, those videos can help you but also send you down a wrong path too. The guys had it done in about 15-20 minutes and spent the remaining time telling me how awesome it was. They install a lot of light kits and said this was among the brightest they’ve seen so you made a good choice. I’m hopeful they will last for several years. Good luck with your install. Post before and after pics here when you do.
 
I really like your setup with the bed lights. The shop wired your lights just like I'm planning to do mine. How are the wires run behind the factory light housing? Did they notch a spot in the housing so that the new wires can run back there, but still allowing the factory light housing to sit flush with the side of the bed? Thanks.
 
nytmare said:
I really like your setup with the bed lights. The shop wired your lights just like I'm planning to do mine. How are the wires run behind the factory light housing? Did they notch a spot in the housing so that the new wires can run back there, but still allowing the factory light housing to sit flush with the side of the bed? Thanks.
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Yes, slight notch to make room for the wire. Fits flush and sealed.
 
Nice... this is on my list of stuff to do... also run lights along the top of the cap.
 
@Kimo7 thanks for the idea and for posting the pics. This is happening on my truck before camping season starts.

Greg
2019 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | 6.4 HEMI
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310
 
Kimo7,

Thanks for posting those light strips. I looked at yours on Amazon but couldn't tell how bright they might be. Thanks to you and your installer's comment I'm convinced they will fill the bill.
I have ordered 2 sets for my on order 2020 3500, just waiting for it to arrive.
 
Does anyone know if the harness for these lights is in a truck that did not have bed lighting ? Looking to add the factory lights and a set of these as well.
 
some trucks do get the pigtails that dead head by the rear fenders, but seems hit or miss, generally.
 
Just checked for harness this morning on mine and no luck. :mad:
 
Below is a YouTube video link where the guy does a pretty good job explaining installing of OEM bed light kit that comes with a wiring harness. It is for an older model 1500 but the principle would be the same. Good luck and post some pics before and after if you decide to move forward with the install.

 
Thanks, @Kimo7 I got my truck just a couple of weeks ago. It came with the OEM bed lights. But, after having had the same/similar led strip lights in my 2019 1500, I was wanting more light. I was wondering how to tie into the factory bed lights...now I know.
 
For those who don't have the factory lights, this posting from sister-site 5thgenrams may help. I used this same wire on my 1500 to add LED strip lights that came on with the cargo light. I do not know if the same harness/wire is there on the 2500. But, for about $25 total cost of the LED strip light route, it might be worth a look.
5thgenrams.com

Bed Lighting Kit

My truck didn't come with the bed utility group so I missed out on the bed lights, which are very useful especially if you have a tonneau cover. So I found the wiring diagram and followed the wires from the third brake light down to the driver side rear kick plate, my plan was to tie into the...
5thgenrams.com 5thgenrams.com
 
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