Ranger bed lighting options

[r2ranger]

Hi all. Just curious as to what everyone is going with for bed lighting. I know they sell the touch link kit for $249 at the dealership before install. Has anyone purchased the kit and installed it yourself or know of a cheaper option that’s easy to install? Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been discussed already. I tried searching for a similar post.

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[awd.nv]

I have been wondering what I can do about it. I have the builtright side bed rack though. Hopefully some good info comes. I have not spent too much time on it other than a brief look on Amazon.

 

[renewedcaper]

There's been some recent coverage of this topic that might help here.

 

[r2ranger]

I have been wondering what I can do about it. I have the builtright side bed rack though. Hopefully some good info comes. I have not spent too much time on it other than a brief look on Amazon.

Just called my local dealership and they told me install would range between $185-$370 depending if the truck is prewired. That’s a hefty price to pay for some bed lights. They look good though and probably more durable and waterproof over the knockoffs.

 

[awd.nv]

Just called my local dealership and they told me install would range between $185-$370 depending if the truck is prewired. That’s a hefty price to pay for some bed lights. They look good though and probably more durable and waterproof over the knockoffs.

Gez, what a price range. I suspect there is no pre-wiring for that unless they tap into another source that is in the area. Wonder if the company has a pdf instruction page to check out?

I am not too worried about weather since I have a Bakflip MX4 bed cover. I think the only water I got in from a drive through wash was from the tailgate not being sealed. Drove through a Vegas monsoon the other week and the bed was about 95% dry. There are openings in the front of the bed floor and the unsealed tailgate I think were the main areas water got in. Nothing crazy though.

 

[MXGOLF]

TruXedo makes a simple lighting solution and it's battery powered. It's called TruXedo Truck Luggage. I will be ordering it soon. They are either 18" or 36" lengths. On amazon but I will buy direct from TruXedo. I hate Amazon.

 

[Stage3Motorsports]

I have used the above mentioned truxedo light kit many times and was going to suggest that. Also looks as though we have the Recon kit in stock which visually looks identical to the truxedo kit.

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/26417-recon-led-bed-rail-light-kit.html

Allows you to install and space as desired, install is easy, hardest part would be finding a 12v source that you decide to use.

 

[Trigganometry]

The thread mentioned above covers it all pretty much. There is a power tap under the bed that you can get power from. The harness and any lighting is on you though. Lots of members here have done some pretty creative solutions on their own.

Myself, my son has an F150 that we’re going to make our own harnesses for and the factory push button switch. He also has the same power point as us. After doing his will do mine same as his. Will just need to add the square hole for the push button switch.

 

[Raacerx]

I'm using $20 worth of cheapo 12v LED lighting strip that is attached to a cheapo $20 12v switch panel that has a voltmeter and usb ports in a small sealed box bolted under the lip of the bed, behind the taillights. It is powered off a second isolated battery (a 12v 20ah AGM powersports battery).

I'm not running a traditional hardwired dual battery setup off the alternator, I charge primarily off a solar panel, although I can trickle charge from the 12v port or 110v when running if needed. Initially I had the lights also controllable via the Tremor aux switches, but in the end I found it too cumbersome to operate from inside.

I found this more convenient because I need to charge 12v batteries like for fishfinders.

 

[HDEO]

I’ve installed the Ford bed lights. The kit includes a harness that connected directly to the battery. You will need a step drill and know how to tighten rivnuts. It wasn’t too hard but it wasn’t trivial either. They work really well.

 

[Grooge]

I plan to follow the attached video with some modifications. I was the light to come on when the hitch opens, and turns off when I close it. I also want a kill switch when I don't want to attract bugs.

 

[micl9]

I plan to follow the attached video with some modifications. I was the light to come on when the hitch opens, and turns off when I close it. I also want a kill switch when I don't want to attract bugs.

When I installed mine I was going to follow that as well. I decided against it bc my OCD brain could not figure out a clean enough solution the didn't result in any exposed wires. I ended up with some Amazon LED strips a water proof switch and the WolfHaus harness with the extra pig tail.
There is another thread I will need to search for and link to later when I am on a computer.
I have plans to wire in a relay so that the lights will turn on with switch or with the cargo lights.

 

[Bt_ostate]

Hi all. Just curious as to what everyone is going with for bed lighting. I know they sell the touch link kit for $249 at the dealership before install. Has anyone purchased the kit and installed it yourself or know of a cheaper option that’s easy to install? Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been discussed already. I tried searching for a similar post.

Yes and have loved them.

 

[r2ranger]

Yes and have loved them.

Did you do the install yourself?

 

[Bt_ostate]

Did you do the install yourself?

No dealership did at delivery. Drilling was required so I let them do it. Charged an hour's labor so I was good with it.

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