I updated the 2nd post with pics and video of the bed lighting but Im going to post it here too.
UPDATES!!!
Spent 3 hours outside as it was warm (high 30s) compared to the frigin -20 we've been having… it was so hot I was out in a tee shirt lol. I got the bed lighting done! Whoop whoop. I tapped into the tow plug as I looked for other 12v sources and none were readily available in the area. Then It took about 5 trys to position the switch where it would activate… I had some great hidden spots but it was a **** hair too far away and wouldn't open the switch (turn off lights). Running the lights took only 30 min. I looked for the best option for placement of the LEDs but My cover clamps took up some good spots… then I saw that the tonno cover rails where perfectly straight and smooth… great spot for the LEDs… bc they are off the sides of the bed it puts more light toward the middle. Plus If I trade in the truck I can use the tonno cover and LED lighting on another truck with the same size bed… so its a win win. I decided also that I don't need a relay for this… no need to complicate the wiring and the LEDs only pull alittle over 1 amp and the switch doesn't seem to have any issues. I did give myself some extra wire (hidden for now) so that I can install a switch to turn the lights on with the truck bed closed. That will be going in the bed cover rails as well, that way I don't have the touch the truck or drill any holes.
All I have to say is it looks great… its very bright and goes with the theme of my truck. I need to get a shot of the cover rolled up and the lights on… i bed it looks like a bright red hole. I'm really diggin it!
This is where I put the switch
Here is the magnet, as soon as the tailgate handle is popped it turns on… so its close to the edge of the switches sensing distance.
Daylight shot of the wiring… this is the power feed that I ran up behind the tail light in the open space that goes straight down.
This is how each light strip is connected in series with each other. (driver side)
Same here (pass side)
Some night shots!
Shot with the running boards/nerf bars on as well
Here is the video of me opening the tailgate (lights are off when close) then at the end I roll up the cover alittle so you can see the lights shut off and turn on when the tailgate opens and closes.
http://youtu.be/oBaJJrIrwMA