Bed Lighting on Tailgate Open

matthewharrison · Jan 20, 2018

Has anyone ever attempted setting up there bed lighting to come on when you open the tailgate?

My new ram has built in bed lighting, which I love, but would love it much more if it just came on when I opened my tailgate rather than having to turn the cargo light switch on every time.

If anyone has set this up then I’d love to see a write up on your methods and parts used, but if not I may do it and compile a list of parts and a write up myself.

Thanks guys!

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Pull Ya · Jan 21, 2018

Also interested ---
Jay

craigsez · Jan 21, 2018

Would love just to have them on a different switch,then add some blue lights into them..

NapaRam · Jan 21, 2018

Somewhat related I am lookign to get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX5TFRF/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IVCG7A9UFH603&colid=Y0TO9NYKD9YU&psc=1 Comes with a remote so I can mount in the bed and turn on before I leave the cab.

Razzman · Jan 21, 2018

Use a interior light or alarm pin switch at the tailgate and connect the ground circuit to it. When the tailgate is opened it completes the circuit and the lights come on. Only drawback is you have to drill a small hole. I’ve even seen waterproof pin switches. Been thinking of doing that myself with an additional switch for override when I don’t want them on.

BEAST19 · Jan 21, 2018

I've seen someone mount a Push button switch that turns the lights on when the tail gate opens..... When u close the tail gate it compresses the switch and turns it off . Similar to how our cab lights work when doors.open and.close.

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9th · Jan 21, 2018

Google Search takes only a seconds

Pin Switch Mod
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-bed-lights-w-tailgate-pin-switch.50375/

For Auto-off-switch
https://www.amazon.com/WHITE-Truck-Auto-off-Switch-12inch/dp/B00QG7XT86

Look for a tilt switch in Amazon or Ebay then attach inside the tailgate.
A Mercury switch is much better than a ball switch.
Add relay for larger load.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112044517990

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-ti...ash=item3d23bb2e34:g:dFMAAOSwCU1Yt0oX&vxp=mtr

I like this one, only one wire needed(negative ground)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MERCUR...-TRIGGER-FREE-SHIPPING-MTS-1PCS-/252653564922

matthewharrison · Jan 21, 2018

NapaRam said:
Somewhat related I am lookign to get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX5TFRF/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IVCG7A9UFH603&colid=Y0TO9NYKD9YU&psc=1 Comes with a remote so I can mount in the bed and turn on before I leave the cab.

Cool idea, but I'm looking to use my factory lights and remove the need to have to enter the cab or have any sort of extra remote.

matthewharrison · Jan 21, 2018

Razzman said:
Use a interior light or alarm pin switch at the tailgate and connect the ground circuit to it. When the tailgate is opened it completes the circuit and the lights come on. Only drawback is you have to drill a small hole. I’ve even seen waterproof pin switches. Been thinking of doing that myself with an additional switch for override when I don’t want them on.

That was where my idea came from, was thinking of using one of them door pin switches, but don't like to idea of having to drill a hole in my new truck, kind of why I came here to see if anyone else had done something different. Going to do some research on switches and see what I can come up with.

Razzman · Jan 21, 2018

I like the idea of the mercury switch posted above but as it would have to be attached to the tailgate to function, don’t know where you’d put it and wiring would be exposed. Even the you’d still have holes to drill. When I researched it I found a post on a Toyota forum I think where the guy did the same exact thing, showed pics and all.

Razzman · Jan 21, 2018

I have the factory led light kit sitting waiting for me to get around to it. Soon maybe

9th · Jan 21, 2018

Razzman said:
I like the idea of the mercury switch posted above but as it would have to be attached to the tailgate to function, don’t know where you’d put it and wiring would be exposed.

The switch can be installed inside the tailgate and the wiring can be routed same as the rear camera wires. I ordered one and I will post some pics here when installed.

Razzman · Jan 21, 2018

9th said:
The switch can be installed inside the tailgate and the wiring can be routed same as the rear camera wires. I ordered one and I will post some pics here when installed.

Cool, want to see that one. May use that idea instead of the pin switch.

matthewharrison · Jan 21, 2018

Razzman said:
Cool, want to see that one. May use that idea instead of the pin switch.

+1 on this

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9th · Jan 21, 2018

Project preparation:
http://www.ramforum.com/posts/1647433/

9th · Jan 22, 2018

craigsez said:
then add some blue lights into them..

Not only Blue...

Outbreak · Jan 22, 2018

My plan is to use a Magnetic Reed switch on the drivers side. There is plenty of room for one - I noticed when I installed my Dee Zee tailgate assist.

Then I'm going to run the wire from the Reed swtich, to another switch that fits perfectly in the hole a few inches forward to be able to turn the lights off if I keep the tailgate open for an extended perion.

9th · Jan 22, 2018

Outbreak said:
My plan is to use a Magnetic Reed switch on the drivers side.

Reed Switch is another good option but I hate Magnets

Outbreak · Jan 22, 2018

9th said:
Reed Switch is another good option but I hate Magnets

I can understand. But they’re held in place by 3M tape.

I’m also thinking of addin a flashing LED that mounts in the bull ring plastic that will flash when the light is on.

Razzman · Jan 22, 2018

Found this tilt switch on Parts Express, think I'll try this one.

https://www.parts-express.com/mercu...tm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

Bed Lighting on Tailgate Open

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