[PiercedTiger]

I know there's a thread on bed lights with no real solution yet. I ran across these today:
http://ledunderbody.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4

$89.99 for LED underbody kits with wireless remote control. Seems like one of the cheapest ways to add lights to the bed. I first saw them with they were $150+ and decided there's no way in hell I was paying that much for bed lights! :lol:

Now I'm thinking these would work well if I mounted them along the sides just below the rails.

I'm also thinking about a set under the truck to light up the ground like rock lights, or so my wife and kids can see when getting out at night. Remote controls mean no extra wiring or switch placement! And I can kick them on before I get to the truck.

I figured white would produce a good amount of light, and would be street legal if I left them on "by mistake" with a cop around. :lol: In NY you can only have white or amber on the front, and white, amber or red on the rear. So I'm half tempted to leave them on and tell the cop they're legal if I get pulled over. :clap:

They seem VERY bright in this pic, so I can only assume the light would disperse more and light up more ground being mounted higher on my truck.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Man I like that, I did the backup light mod, but those seem to add alot more!!!

Tha'ts what I thought! Instead of 2 lights aimed to the back you would have one on each side and one behind the cab to light the bed/cap/under cover from three different angles. Only thing I haven't worked out is where to put the 4th one.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Sorry PT, but I gotta say :rice:

maybe a different style/type of light would be better?

eh... to each his own. Since no one has a better idea about lighting up the bed, this will work for me. Especially since no one has made an aftermarket part for the third brake light or any other way of mounting a light that doesn't run off AA or D batteries.

As for the ones under the truck, I really don't care wtf people think of them. :lol: I don't see anyone calling a rock crawling truck with lights under it to see it's route at night "ricey". Besides, they'll be tucked up under the truck between the frame rails so it's not like a Fast N Furious car where you can see the neon stick hanging under the body kit. :lol: All you'll see is light under the truck so it doesn't really matter what the source turns out to be. And with 2 tubes down each side it'll produce a nice distributed lighted patch under the tube steps or sliders so we can see what we're stepping into when we get out at night.

 

[PiercedTiger]

PT, I remember a thread in which we were throwing around some ideas for bed lighting. I like what you've found here. I would like to see what the actual lights look like to get an idea of their quality and to decide how to mount them under the rails.

I also agree with you that a battery-powered solution just doesn't cut the mustard. And I'm not sure how white LED lights in the bed would qualify as "ricey."

I know the bed rails are held on with Torx screws about every foot or two so I'm thinking we could pull those out to mount the led's to. I had neons on my car a few years back that had a mount like this:

I'm thinking something like this would go around the LED tube, up under the rail, and let you put the screws back in. Would need one with a longer flat part to reach the screw hole though. Similar parts may come with the LED kits, but I'm sure you could find something better at a hardware store.

I plan on getting a couple sets along with my slider/bumper/bed cover buying spree after taxes come back so I can post how I do it and how they mount! :clap:


I also don't see the "ricey" bit either. Sure, if you're driving down the road with the flash-to-the-music crap going, but I have no plans for EVER using those options. Unless I get this crazy drunken urge to turn my back yard into a disco club! :lol:

 

[PiercedTiger]

ouch! 4k..... :ugh3: I guess kids ARE good for something afterall.... :lol:


If I had a beach around here, that idea might have come to mind too.... :naughty:

Depending how they throw light it might be useful while camping too, and have very little draw on the battery. I have no idea on the specs for the LEDs, but my neons had a 3amp fuse. Smallest one on the car! And yet the transformer took 12v and bumped it up to 9000v.


I'm thinking about putting 3 of the LED tubes around the bed, and the 4th one under the frame behind the bumper somehow. I'm wondering if it would illuminate behind the bumper enough so see while unloading. As in, see the hitch so we don't trip over it or step in mud under the tailgate. :thumbsup:

 

[PiercedTiger]

I've been thinking about something along these lines. I want to find some 12v led rope light thin enough to tuck under the tie-down rails. Mount a piece under each of the 3 rails. Maybe wire it up with a switch in the bed and in the cab. . . . .

Anyone know any good online sources for the rope light??

http://www.sailorsams.com/mall/led-rope-lights.asp


Thing is, the white ones are $7.20/foot so if you figure 14-20 ft of them will run you $100.80-$144 for just the LED rope lights. No wiring or switches.

The red ones are a little cheaper (and brighter!) at $2.70/ft or $37.80-$54 before wiring and switch.

I was planning on getting the red ones myself since they are way cheaper and brighter, but I think the ones I originally posted would be better. They include the wireless remote (no switch to locate somewhere), wiring, and mounting hardware. I could add a wireless remote switch to the rope lights, but that's an extra $20 so that's nearly what I'd pay for kit and still not have wiring or mounting.

Edit:
Also remember rope lights don't focus or aim the light anywhere. They tend to scatter it in all directions so you won't have it directed towards the center of your bed where the load is that you're trying to find.

 

[PiercedTiger]

I'll definitely give it a shot if I can get a little more information:

1. What is the diameter of the tubing? I wouldn't want anything with a real large profile that would get hit loading or unloading stuff into the bed (this would be one nice thing about the rope lights).

2. I'd like to see a picture of the wiring harness to judge the quality.

Have you talked to them PT?

Actually, I just noticed that they have a live chat option on the site! Apparently no one's there now so I left a message. I included a link to this thread, mentioned how we were planning on using them in the bed, asked about mounting hardware, thickness, and if 1 remote could controll multiple sets of lights.

The last question was for me as I'm thinking about 2 sets: one set to illuminate my step bars (soon to be sliders) and ground below so my wife and kids can see to get out at night better, and another set in the bed. With the truck's key fob, 2 more for lights would be a lot so it would be cool if one remote can control 2 sets of lights. :clap: I could probably put the unused remote with my spare key. lol

 

[PiercedTiger]

Good solution to the bed light problem. I know PT is gonna love this.

:clap:

Nice to see someone has the same thinking as me and also nice to know my idea works out well. I can only imagine what it would look like with the set I was looking at that would put one along the cab end of the bed. I bet it would light it up even better! Enough to work at night even! :lol:

 

[PiercedTiger]

I looked on ebay and found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330099504988&rd=1,1

It's pretty much the same thing that was posted by PiercedTiger but here you can see the remote and everything. I would put the two shorter tubes in the bed and wire those to a seperate switch and then put the other two under the doors so they can be turned on via remote. This is a pretty exciting idea I think. Good lookin out PT:thumbup:!!

Thanks! :clap:

The problem is, they have flash patterns. I assume that means a controller box somewhere that they all plug into. I could be wrong, but I can't imagine all 4 tubes having RF recievers in them to work with the remote. That being said, you probably could not split the set up between 2 different switches. You may be able to run less than all 4 at once, but I doubt you could do 2 on 1 swtich, 2 on another. I don't know how these wire up, but my old neons had to be wired in series, looping around the car. LEDs may be different. I don't know for sure yet.

 

[PiercedTiger]

^It's not just the remote. i know there would have to be some sort of circuits in each tube to controll strobe, pulse, fade, chase, etc, but they still need a box to sync all 4 I would assume. So unless you can find a plain, on/off, set then you won't be able to split them. I'd be happy with that myself as I don't plan on turning my truck into a disco ball, but I didn't see any that were just on/off.... unless..... :whatthe: I wonder if you could eliminate the controler box, and just run a fused and switched 12v line to a distribution block for the tubes.... I wonder if they would just function as on/off like that.

:lol: Depending on the controller/wireless remote box and your electronic skills maybe you crack open the box. Possibly even separate the wireless switching part from the flashy/controlly part and still use the wireless remote.

 

[PiercedTiger]

X2! I may have to add some under the hood too! As it is I have to use my 500W work lights or a flashlight to see anything under the hood in my barn! :lol: I'm hoping to add some more light to the barn, but that'll require a lot more electrical work and money than those LEDs.

 

[PiercedTiger]

There is one mounting screw on the ends of each LED strip...the bracket in the middle is for additional support. They probably aren't necessary. In fact, had I seen CBRBob's setup before I started, I would have excluded the middle bracket in order to get the strip closer to the bedrail.

I was thinking about using zip ties wrapped around the LED bar with the end sticking up between the rail and side of the bed. Then run another tie down that end so the locking part acts as a block keeping the tie from pulling down, and then cutting the extra off each one. 3M tape would work I suppose, but I haven't had good luck with it in the past. Temperature changes and water here tend to make it come loose. The zip ties would also elminate any screws that might rust or come loose.

 

[PiercedTiger]

That's a good idea...with the salt and winter weather we see up here, I could definitely see the screws rusting. Using rivets in place of the screws is another idea, and still relatively reversible if you ever wanted to change things.

no doubt! :lol: I snapped a bolt head off my passenger headlight mount on my car trying to change the bulbs a couple months ago.... Damn rust.... :disappoin

 

[PiercedTiger]

PT, correct me if I'm wrong, but those Striplytes that CBRBob used look a lot better than anything else I've seen online in terms of size, profile, output, and quality. Unfortunately, they only sell on ebay in 6 packs. I'm probably going to go ahead and get some for under my hood. Anybody want to split the purchase with me and take some or all of the other four?

I was thinking the same thing myself. I was seeing prices of $200+ for some of the 6-packs in their store: http://stores.ebay.com/Acolyte-Indu...0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfclZ3QQfsubZ13QQftidZ2QQtZkm

However, there are individual ones for ~$20. You could just buy a couple of those and not have to bother with repacking and reshipping.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Well I finally pulled the trigger and bought some today.

http://www.vminnovations.com/product/id/1166/Undercar_4_Piece_Car_LED_Neon_Kit_WHITE_%2b_REMOTE.aspx

Not the ones I originally found, but they were $42 cheaper (so damn near half the price) with shipping. AND these have 2 remotes instead of 1 so I can leave one with the valet key. Only going to be lighting up my bed (REALLY need them now with the canopy on the bed!), and maybe under the doors so we can see whats on the ground before we get out so I don't care if they are cheap. :lol: Even my weak LED flashlights would be enough to do the job so 36" and 48" tubes aught to put out some decent light regardless of the quality.

Edit: They should be here middle of next week so I'm hoping to get them installed and get some pics.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Why is it people can't read what I say and jump to "rice" immediately"? Maybe I shouldn't have posted a pic and make people use their imaginations to see what I was talking about.

OBVIOUSLY our trucks look nothing like that car so it won't be the same effect, they won't be going behind the grill, and they won't be on all the time. Who gives a fuck what they actually look like if you use them for what I posted about? If you're on the trail and hung up on something at night "rice" will be the last thing on your mind when these let you see what's wrong. Or maybe lights up a section of ice before your wife/gf gets out and breaks her neck.

Funny how no one said "rice" to this guy....

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161340

 

[PiercedTiger]

Hey PT, funny how you can't just get functional or practical opinions. Instead you get the unimaginitive general, "it looks ricey". I've been searching for LED stripe lights for the bed for a while. I was considering the StipLytes: http://cgi.ebay.com/LED-Light-Strip-50x6-Ultra-Bright-White-DC-Instruments_W0QQitemZ130078308147QQihZ003QQcategoryZ116019QQcmdZViewItem

I'm concerned they won't have the intensity or pattern for the cost. I'm hoping the few people who have bought them will post pics and reviews.

Yeah I know....

Anyway, I think a few people have bought those lights. Look around for more auctions. They do sell individual ones, but $282/6 is still $47 per tube.... Plus you have to buy wiring, switch, etc. I forget how much the individual tubes went for but if you use the math above that's $94 for 2 tubes while the ones I posted just above are $64 for 4 tubes, fuse, wiring, and 2 wireless remotes.

Even if they're not perfect it's more light than I have now (none! :lol, AND a fraction of the price. I don't need a lot of light, but right now it's total darkness at night unless I back up to a porch light or something. I always just drive forward into my inlaw's driveway so their light never helps, and my mother in law always wants us to take stuff home.

I might even grab a second set at some point to put a set under the look like a few guys have, and maybe put the other 2 under the truck for extra lighting. Not sure yet though. Will see how the first set works out first though.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Well, I finally got them installed! :whatwhat: I must say, for the cheapest ones out there they are VERY bright! I was hard to tell with the flood lights on my barn coming on during the pics, but after a trip to the store we could tell they REALLY light up where you're stepping. They'll be great on those muddy access roads at night when I need to get out and look around! :thumbsup:


Need to get better shots, but here's some quick ones. Apparently my hands shake a little too much for the night mode of my camera when they're cold.


Side lights to tell if it's mud, water or hard dirt! (or dog crap at my inlaws.... ) Lights up the canopy real nice too.

Sooooo nice being able to see what the heck I'm unloading!

Close up of one of the tubes in the bed.

 

[PiercedTiger]

Ok so it's 9pm and WARMER than when I was installing these during the day... :whatthe: So I pulled out the tripod to get some better ones.

Front: (wife should be able to avoid ice and mud puddles now.... should anyway )

Side: (hmmmm.... I'm thinking I could actually change a tire without a flashlight now!) :whatwhat:

What I had to deal with while unloading before:

After:

 

[PiercedTiger]

I'll be curious to know how the under cab lights hold up to mud and/or snow and ice.

They look good and appear to be practical. After seeing them I got to thinking the undercab ones could be hooked up to the door light circuit and use the remote for the bed lights.

Well, they're supposedly water proof and are in an acrylic tube. Same stuff they use around underbody neons, and the ones on my car survived a winter. Even sliding off the road into snow so deep the tires were off the ground. Also survived -29F temps that winter. They didn't break until I miscalculated where my jack was.... :hammer:

But, these are LED's not neon so even if the tube cracks I can just seal the crack with glue and be fine. The LEDs won't shatter like the neon tube did when my jack cracked the acrylic case.

Not sure about the dome light idea. I'd like that too, but there's a controller box with built in transformer (apparently, very short description on website). Each tube has 4-5 wires each in a plug so you'd have to figure out what they are for. My neons had a 9000v transformer. I have no idea what these would need.... I thought LEDs had low power requirements, but with so many LED's per tube (every inch or so) they might need to bump it up above 12V and split it to each segment. It seems the LEDs are grouped together in sets of 4 or 5. I didn't pay much attention when I stumbled on the chase function. Just enough to notice it was groups of LEDs "moving" down the tube rather than individual ones. Oh, and when I had the plugs at an angle 1 section didn't light up so I'm guessing 1 wire per section, plus a common ground.

Thinking about it now, you might be able to just wire them in parallel to the dome light circuit so each section gets 12v. :dunno: It was cold and I didn't wanna deal with any more wiring! :lol:

EDIT:
Oh, and the undercab ones are on the outside of the frame rails near the top. I'd have to bury the frame before they really get hit with anything. I'm mostly concerned with the bed lights so if the bottom ones die.... f'it.