Wiring Led Truck Bed Lights To Cargo Light
Adding LED truck bed lights to your pickup truck can make it easier and safer to load and unload cargo in the dark. These lights can be wired to your cargo light, so they turn on automatically when you open the tailgate or turn on the cargo light switch. In this article, we'll show you how to wire LED truck bed lights to your cargo light in a few simple steps.
What You'll Need
Before you start, you'll need to gather a few tools and materials:
- LED strip lights
- Wire strippers
- Wire crimper
- Butt connectors
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
Step 1: Plan the Wiring
Start by planning the wiring for your LED truck bed lights. You'll want to connect the positive wire from the LED lights to the positive wire of the cargo light and the negative wire from the LED lights to the truck's body. Make sure you route the wires away from hot or moving parts and secure them with zip ties.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
Before you start working on your truck's electrical system, you should always disconnect the battery to avoid any accidental shocks. Locate the negative terminal on the battery and use a wrench to loosen the bolt. Then, remove the negative cable from the battery and set it aside.
Step 3: Access the Cargo Light Wiring
Next, you'll need to access the cargo light wiring to connect the LED lights. Depending on your truck model, you may need to remove the tailgate or the cargo light assembly to access the wiring. Check your truck's owner manual for specific instructions.
Step 4: Tap into the Cargo Light Wiring
Once you have access to the cargo light wiring, use a wire stripper to remove a small section of insulation from the positive wire. Then, use a wire crimper to attach a butt connector to the positive wire of the LED lights. Insert the stripped end of the cargo light positive wire into the other end of the butt connector and crimp it down. Repeat the process for the negative wires, connecting them directly to the truck's body.
Step 5: Test the Connection
Now it's time to test the connection. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery and turn on the cargo light. The LED lights should turn on as well. If they don't, double-check your wiring and connections. Once everything is working properly, use electrical tape to wrap the exposed wires and protect them from moisture and dirt.
Step 6: Install the LED Lights
Finally, you can install the LED lights in your truck bed. Clean the surface where you want to install the lights and peel off the adhesive backing. Stick the lights in place, making sure they're evenly spaced and aligned. You can use zip ties to secure the wires to the truck bed and keep them organized.
Conclusion
Wiring LED truck bed lights to your cargo light is a simple and effective way to improve your truck's functionality and safety. With these easy steps and some basic tools, you can add LED lights to your pickup truck and enjoy better visibility and convenience when loading and unloading cargo. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions and check your wiring before you start using the lights.