Good write-up Kai. Looks really good, and sounds like a pretty easy install. :smileup:
I think i will have to add this to my future mod list.
I think i will have to add this to my future mod list.
Bed Lights Installed
I did not do a write up on how I installed and wired my bed lights as it seemed common knowledge at the time, however I have been receiving multiple requests in recent weeks for how exactly I got the job done. So I figured I would offer a write up for anyone interested.
These steps were performed on a 2012 1500 and they should work on other 4th Gen Rams. Please check the color of your truck's wires and the wiring layout to confirm.
Following these steps, your bed lights will be tied to the cargo lights (located in the 3rd brake light assembly). They will illuminate when you unlock the truck and then fade out with the cargo light after about 1 minute. If the lights are required for a longer period of time, simply hit the unlock button again and they will illuminate again. Alternately, you can control the bed lights with the cargo light button located on the dash near the headlight controls for a constant on.
I bought this kit from eBay.
Installed the strips to either side of the bed (wire ends toward the cab) using the 3M tape the strips come with on them.
My Ram has a spray in bed liner and I have had no issues with the 3M tape holding fast to the liner on the underside of the rails.
Fed the wire ends through the driver side hole on the stake post in the bed (it is a pass though about 2/3 up from the bottom of the bed that passes through into the space between the bed and the cab).
Snaked the wires down under the cab and up through the access hole located under the driver side rear passenger seat. (Flip up your driver side rear passenger seat, then open the storage compartment. Under that carpet liner is the access hole I am referring to. You can see it also by looking under the truck.)
Popped the cover off the driver side rear passenger door sill to access the wiring harness. I tapped into the dome lights wire (white w/tan stripe) and grounded the black/ground wire to a nearby frame screw.
Finished product:
![]()
![]()
![]()
These steps were performed on a 2012 1500 and they should work on other 4th Gen Rams. Please check the color of your truck's wires and the wiring layout to confirm.
Following these steps, your bed lights will be tied to the cargo lights (located in the 3rd brake light assembly). They will illuminate when you unlock the truck and then fade out with the cargo light after about 1 minute. If the lights are required for a longer period of time, simply hit the unlock button again and they will illuminate again. Alternately, you can control the bed lights with the cargo light button located on the dash near the headlight controls for a constant on.
I bought this kit from eBay.
Installed the strips to either side of the bed (wire ends toward the cab) using the 3M tape the strips come with on them.
My Ram has a spray in bed liner and I have had no issues with the 3M tape holding fast to the liner on the underside of the rails.
Fed the wire ends through the driver side hole on the stake post in the bed (it is a pass though about 2/3 up from the bottom of the bed that passes through into the space between the bed and the cab).
Snaked the wires down under the cab and up through the access hole located under the driver side rear passenger seat. (Flip up your driver side rear passenger seat, then open the storage compartment. Under that carpet liner is the access hole I am referring to. You can see it also by looking under the truck.)
Popped the cover off the driver side rear passenger door sill to access the wiring harness. I tapped into the dome lights wire (white w/tan stripe) and grounded the black/ground wire to a nearby frame screw.
Finished product:
3
1 - 20 of 98 Posts
This is how I wired mine. Compare this to what you did and see if you can't pinpoint the issue. The eBay seller we purchased from is very good at working with you. LEDs, like everything else, can be defective some times and you can get a bad batch. If your problem isn't fixed after checking the wiring, then contact the seller and see what ideas he has as he did wire them himself. Hope this helps!
Thanks guys 
My dealer and svc manager have seen everything electrical I've done and say there's no issues or concern about voiding my warranty. If an aftermarket mod is installed correctly (basically, without stripping the factory wiring and doing bare splices), then you should be good to go. :smileup:
Kai, the guy on E-bay owes you some commissionThanks guys
My dealer and svc manager have seen everything electrical I've done and say there's no issues or concern about voiding my warranty. If an aftermarket mod is installed correctly (basically, without stripping the factory wiring and doing bare splices), then you should be good to go. :smileup:
I ordered a set last night and I got a e-mail today that it had already shipped. I know of two others that said they had or were ordering.:smiley_thumbs_up:
Rrriiiiight! LOL! Nah, I'm good. I'm just glad he is getting the business he deserves. He is a superb seller - quality items offered with fast shipping. And he backs up his product. So, as wonderful as a monthly check may sound, just happy you all find him (and his product) as useful as I did. :smileup:Kai, the guy on E-bay owes you some commission
1 - 20 of 98 Posts
