DIY Automatic Bed Lights (Prototype) | Toyota Tacoma

[@keno6264]

Congrats on graduating! Maybe for version 2.0 you could put the tilt switch inside of the tailgate and wire it through the backup camera hole at the bottom for a more stealth look. Kind of like how you'd install a pop n lock in the tailgate.

[@DonaldChapman]

Great project Chloe! I agree with Ken O. You could easily put the switch inside the tailgate, Also you could tap the 12VDC off of the trailer hitch wiring and make it only turn on when you have the parking and/or headlights turned on (just my preference). All that said and done, I would cut out the extra wire between the strips (or hide it in a loom) for that awesome look. Keep up the great videos! -Update... So I just bought the LEDs an switch from Amazon, I will be building this next weekend!

[@ChloeKuo]

Thanks for the fantastic idea! It would definitely look much cleaner that way.

[@DonaldChapman]

@@ChloeKuo So I received switches today and ran the wires. That was much more of a project than I expected! I connected the tilt switch near the pop-lock inside the tailgate and ran the wires past the license plate light (where I tapped for power) and on up in to the little storage bin on the right of the bed. The bed lights will only come on when the parking lights are on and the tailgate is down. Now I just need to wait for the LEDs to arrive...

[@DonaldChapman]

@@ChloeKuo Thanks for the awesome idea!

[@ChloeKuo]

@@DonaldChapman That's exciting! Glad you improved on the original design, keep us updated when you finish!

[@jayson9814]

Awesome work Chloe! Everything starts with a prototype

[@7913joy]

I got my bachelors this semester too! And picked up my 2020 Taco yesterday! Awesome videos

[@ChloeKuo]

Congrats on your degree and your new truck!

[@hugodominguezguerrero6061]

Hey Chloe, i have the same leds lights kits in the bed of my Taco, are bright white color, in the dark, helps to see all in the interior. Great job !!!

[@chairamirez1449]

Great project!! My husband been complaining about the my bed being to dark. I’ll have to see how it go...

[@jacquesivann]

You can pretty much create anything with 3d printing. I suggest making wire casings/tubings which you can stick on the bed sides so you can virtually hide the wires with it. You can even make L shaped wire tubings for the corners. Your taco looks great btw!!

[@rogerjohnson2515]

Nice, I like how you kept it simple. Thanks for sharing, keep the great videos coming.

[@joeycmore]

Congratulations on successfully completing your schooling; YAY! This is the simplest bed lighting I've seen (I've watched plenty prepping for my own), thanks. I'm pretty sure you'd need to modify a few things for those of us who are lucky enough to experience real winter. I suggest supplementing the adhesive on the lights with exterior grade silicone. Also, instead of only electric tape over the solder, it may be best to use heat shrink tube? Most people prefer to wire the lights directly into the truck battery but your way is simpler. Great video.

[@ernestlee3264]

Can you do a version that connect the wire to the battery or tapping into another wire? It would be extremely helpful

[@michaelmontana4825]

Very cool! Congrats on completing your degree!

[@bjn98]

Nice work!!! You should think about a career in engineering 😉🤪

[@tbirdsdign]

Lol. And or boxing‼️ 🥊. Great video

[@Fundamentalz_]

Maybe people with older Tacoma’s or who don’t have back up cameras the power source could be a solar panel or something else. Great video

[@tomhaxby9130]

Awesome. Just got a new 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport today and have been learning so much from your videos. I would like to do this light installation on my truck. After I get my tonneau cover. Don't have half the skills you have including 3D printing, but maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.

[@Knel_]

Very cool DIY project! Doesn't look as hard the way you did it!

[@drewncars9505]

In V2.0 use heat shrink on the wire solder joins to make it last longer. Best option would actually be to use butt connectors, crimp and solder then heat shrink. This will create a strong and long lasting connection while tape is more likely to wear off or come undone in extreme weather conditions!

[@FoxRacingNYC]

Chloe, Congrats on your Graduation 👩‍🎓 Awesome Truck Bed lighting setup 👍

[@polisidro1407]

This is exactly what my truck needs. Thanks Chloe!

[@qbagcal]

Great DIY project! Looking forward for ver. 2.0 cleaning up/hiding the wires and switch. Will be doing this to my 2020 Taco. Thanks for the video!

[@johngonzales2211]

Impressive! Love this mod. Congrats and best wishes to you as well on your academic accomplishment.

[@dennisranck1613]

Congratulations on your graduating. Initially, I was thinking that the automatic portion was going to be some magnetic switches in the tailgate. I work on alarms, the only tilt sensor that I was aware of, was for wireless contacts for certain manufacturers. I had never even thought of a tilt switch of this fashion. I did a similar install in my 2004 Toyota tundra. I am going to be doing another install in my 2014 (don't hate me) Chevrolet silverado.

[@vouyroy]

I kindof just discover A23 batteries... such a space saver

[@MarkoFuenzalida]

Congrats to you! Just found your channel, and I really like what you are doing here. The tilt switch is new to me, a great idea. Looking forward to more of your videos, especially all electrical topics. You've got fresh ideas to bring to everyone.

[@gadgetguy3579]

Yet another great vid providing exceptional content. Congrats on graduating.

[@Porroquio]

This is really nice!! But I think it's not really practical to power them using batteries when you can just run a fused line to the car battery. Also I'm not so sure about the tilt switch working properly when driving on steep roads, or maybe off-roading. I would rather use a magnetic switch in addition to a manual kill switch just in case I need to have the tailgate open for long periods of time or during the day. Another thing to note, those led strips are not waterproof at all, even using a tonneau cover the truck bed still is exposed to water, dust, humidity, etc. So that will surely decrease the life of those led strips. Those are my 3 cents. I am going to do this same install on my Tacoma, but slightly different. I'm still in the planning stage, but some ideas I have are using a photocell sensor switch in addition to the magnetic switch and kill switch. Or maybe wire it to the trunk light using a relay. Not sure what I'm going to do yet, maybe next weekend or the following I will be uploading a video of this install. Congrats on you graduation!!! I hope to see more of your projects!!!

[@mattlewandowski73]

Version 2: Use 1/4" black split loom to clean up the wiring, and you can then use printed brackets to hold the split loom in place or secure it with commercial brackets. You can also install a contact switch in the tailgate, or print a better bracket for your tilt switch that can mount inside the tailgate (using the rear view camera wiring harness to conceal you wiring) (other notes below) I do like your idea of using a tape up LED strip below the cargo rail, though I am concerned for the long term longevity of the LEDs in an environment that is prone to moisture. I have been looking at a similar project for my Tacoma as I have an ARE bed cap. In my case I plan on making a switch bank that will mount to the side of the bed cap next to the rear gate. This will include a couple 3 way switches for lights as I will be installing light strips on the ceiling of the bed cap and near the bed rails, plus a light source on the rear bed cap window to illuminate a drawer system, and plus a pair of switchs for a couple plugs for modular power to storage boxes I can mount to be accessible from the side windoors as well as a switch to be a master power switch for bed mounted 12v outlets and USB ports. Each of the 3 way switches will be wired to a contact switch or tilt switch attached to the rear window so that with the switch in one position, the lights will be turned on when I open the rear window but in the middle position will be off completely and in the third position will simply be turned on (probably only used when I am camping in the bed of the truck) Such a 3 way switch might also be of benefit to you with your bed light project as it would allow you to switch your bed lights off or on manually when you set up your truck tent for camping since you have to drop your tail gate to set up the tent. I presume your bed tent is one of those that includes a liner inside the truck bed much like a normal tent has a ground cloth built in. Since you have to open your tailgate, that would turn your bed lights on the whole time you had the tent set up unless you removed the batteries from the pack. this could be remedied by a switch, or even a wireless remote receiver that bypasses the tilt switch to turn the lights on and off manually when desired, or switched back to automatic operation the rest of the time.

[@BigHesh81]

Hi Chloe! Great video, and I like the project idea, but as mentioned, despite the master on-off switch, I think you could benefit from replacing the tilt switch with a Reed Switch (aka A Magnetic Switch). Im not sure if youre familiar with them, but they are commonly used on home alarm systems for sliding windows/doors, and one side is wired into the system, while the the other is just a magnet, that way when the two items are pulled apart the circuit is broken (or closed, depending on the type you get) and thus your "trigger" for the system. Given that you are working with a 12V setup, Directed makes a nice switch ("Directed Electronics 8600 Micro Magnetic Switch" on Amazon and elsewhere ) that can be configured as "normally open" or "normally closed" and would eliminate the possibility for illuminating your led's on downhill parking, rough roads, etc. This would also be easier to conceal, and just as simple (if not, easier) to set up as the tilt switch was. The other alternative you could go with would be a pin plunger switch (google hood-pin switch) but if not installed correctly, these can be more problematic with situations like the plastic plunger breaking, etc. Ive been in the car electronics & remote start industry for over a decade, and these would be the sensors I would utilize if you were a client/customer. You are on the right path, and have some excellent responses/suggestions down below, and I'm eager to see version 2.0! Keep up the awesome work, and consider me a new subscriber!

[@ChloeKuo]

Thanks for the suggestions! A Reed switch sounds like a better solution to trigger the system, I'll consider it for V2!

[@richardclause2852]

Graduation on college and DIY on the Tacoma. Will be looking in that same setup. 👊

[@agfa663]

Run one single light strip that is long enough for the 3 sides. Heat shrink tube the 2 corners so lit lights won't be visible there and there will be no loose eire either.

[@808surferboy3]

Oh snap, make sure you patent your ingenious work... totally would buy the final version.

[@coolbeans353]

Love your videos! Thank you! I really want to get a Pro. I think I’m going to wait until the 2022 pro comes out!

[@Gorlami90]

That’s brilliant, drill a small hole in the top of the compartment and find something to thread the wires through and that’s perfect. I may have to borrow your idea

[@luiscards]

Congratulations on your degree. Great video on those lights. I am thinking about doing something like that for my Tacoma. Thanks for your videos as they are very helpful.

[@foodinbob]

Just found your channel, I have a 2013 Tacoma and now that i've got time because I graduated too, I'll be doing little mods to my truck as well. Will probably pick up a bed cover first tho. Congrats for Graduating in EE :)

[@dlcanuck9258]

Congratulations on graduating during these crazy times! I've been looking for a better lighting solution for the back of my YJ and this looks ideal. I'm likely to use the onboard 12v power and the existing cargo door switch to activate them. Thanks!

[@lanceontai]

Awesome video! Try using some wire loom to conceal the wires, it’ll looks so clean! And some how try to mount the tilt switch inside of the tailgate for an even cleaner install! Looking forward to V.2!

[@bad_vaporizer]

This is cool. I have a 2020 and it already comes wire ready for me. I just have to buy the led bulb kit, but I have been thinking that I want to turn it on manually at the bed of the truck so I've been looking at different options. Good work

[@dennisranck1613]

My biggest modification that I would make to this setup, would be to hide the wiring and to put the tilt switch inside the tailgate. That way, everything is stealth.

[@stevenreynolds5978]

I may have to do this for my tacoma too getting a bed cover soon and I know I'm definitely gonna need lights to see back there at night.

[@mariosmanansala3262]

Great Job!! Congrats 👩‍🎓 Chloe.

[@user-qd8wf4qv7k]

Multi talented young lady. Terrific video

[@juanpena1656]

Awesome Build 👍

[@bmwproboi05]

Nice job! Something you can do in the future is also use a window contact switch like the ones for alarms. As for batteries, you can get a rechargeable battery pack that had USB type c with PD. There a mini circuit board you can buy and program to have the type c output 12v when plugged in. Just some thoughts. Great work!

[@michaelhead8668]

Thought the tilt switch was a perfect application. I think i'll do something similar, but add a micro-controller and a pot with brightness control, then a small solar cell to trickle charge batteries. Congrats on your EE. Consider applying to Ball Aerospace, great company in need of good EE's.

[@KrisPlorer]

Congrats on graduating....great video...now I wish i still have my truck

[@300ZX31]

Chloe, Congrats and also idea and also you should add solar power for the battery pack!

[@CT_Yankee]

You should investigate the battery circuit on the 7-pin trailer connection. You may be able to tap into that and get rid of the battery pack and having to buy a stock of AA batteries.

[@MrJmduffy]

Just watched Loved it Perhaps small solar panel near front of topper to keep battery pack charged

[@majbuster1996]

First idea I seen. Great work! Thanks for the idea imma do it on my 2012 tacoma😊🤙🌴

[@stephenkosuda5307]

Madd skills ! Thank you for sharing

[@joebonic1415]

Definitely gonna do this on my taco, awesome job 👍

[@trd3786]

Great job on the lighting! The only concern I would have is where you stored the battery case. I had a 2001 Tacoma and it had compartments like that in the bed but water was able to get in. This is a much newer truck so maybe it’s airtight.

[@awdgsx415]

Great DIY Chloe 👍how's the lighting holding up after several months now?

[@TheJuansanjuan]

Nice mod. This is actually my next mod have the kit just sitting in my back seat. Maybe try some convoluted tubing to protect and hide some of that exposed wire.

[@geezyj24]

How long will those batteries last outside in the bed of the truck?

[@Nick.Barnes]

awesome idea

[@alexisquintero2782]

It looks clean! Wish I had this

[@zbenavente1988]

Awesome work gave me some inspiration.

[@allentolbert8404]

Wow CK you have everything taken care of all the mods this is a CK Edition I would buy it CK you have style and smart GBU And Family Always Be safe love the auto lights for the tail gate nice touch CK Big Ups

[@Alex.AL_26]

Congratulations on Graduating!

[@svtjackal]

Nice, I'm going to do it, thanks for the DIY

[@anthonydesrivieres7721]

Congratulations on graduating!

[@peterholub7662]

Love your videos. You do a great job explaining everything. Just got a 2021 Tacoma and am going through your mods playlist and getting so many ideas. question: how does the adhesive hold up to the SoCal heat? In the past, I've had a few mods that relied on tape/adhesion just seemingly melt in the August heat.

[@zhijianyang9017]

Nice video! I would suggest connecting the tilt switch to a relay and use relay to control the LEDs. I did some Google search and found the datasheet of sw520d(the switch you used), seems the maximum current is around 20mA, which seems too small given the number of LEDs you have. One other thing to verify is will the tilt switch keep turning on and off while car is moving?

[@4runner4wd79]

Use heat shrink, the electrical tape will fall apart and moisture will get in the ckt

[@StrictlyPlinking]

Channel name change: Clever Chloe 😜 Good idea and well executed project. 👍🏼 I have a 2015 Taco Double Cab SR5 4x4. Speaking of college; congrats on your graduation. We have 2 grads and one more to go; hence the reason I don’t have a TRD Pro. My rig is paid off and no plans to trade up.

[@007PJG]

Great job

[@frankr111th]

Congrats on getting your degree! 👍🏾

[@ST-wi9eq]

I wonder if the AA batteries will be ok under hot weather conditions?

[@Overlandtravel_adventures]

I'm about to do this after seeing this video!! Great channel!

[@briankwok7457]

Hi Chloe Great idea. Would you tell me where did you get the battery pack? I tried to check with Amazon and seems they don't have it. Appreciate to let me know. Thanks.

[@ChloeKuo]

I have one linked in the description that you can get off of Amazon

[@Jack-fy2db]

Nice job

[@almasilva7322]

Hola...oye una pregunta ... como se cambia el foco d la plancha de las velocidades .. no encuentro videos ..

[@Fakingittilimakeit]

Wow I need this. You should post this on TW.

[@Rapisaurus94]

🤙🏾Looks Good !!!

[@mr.2d749]

Very cool

[@groot5441]

Pretty impressive

[@512nestor]

Is there a specific reason why you decided to go with external power?

[@ChloeKuo]

Since this was a temporary setup, I decided to power it independently since I knew I would eventually replace it. I’ve been working on/thinking about V2, which likely will tap into the truck for power 😁

[@roberttorrence4799]

You should get you a bed mat

[@munenex]

Congrats dear. I will be visiting Your channel more often now that I'm hoping more content. Got my undergraduate degree back in 2005.

[@sorryitsjenny]

honestly you should just start daily vlogging! id enjoy that!

[@ChloeKuo]

I've been thinking about that... maybe I'll put up a vlog and see how it goes haha :)

[@juliogomez_119]

U have a beautiful truck

[@jameswalder833]

Awesome

[@aubreybarker9032]

Nice work

[@jokerxx414]

Sick

[@kamnapavon4638]

I have seen Pens, like that Switch...

[@xbantrax7757]

You should make a website and sell your projects 😂

[@ChloeKuo]

I totally would! I'm hoping that I can do that someday, but life has been getting busy with work at the moment.

[@philandrews6300]

hey ! what tonneau cover do you have for it ?? i have a short bed too on my 2020 and not sure which cover to get

[@ChloeKuo]

Hi! I have a TrailFX soft tri-fold. Mine is pretty new and untested, but for a cheap soft cover, it's held up really well so far!

[@philandrews6300]

@@ChloeKuo very nice :)!

[@txkingg]

I have an sr5 model and it came with bed lights, weird the your trd didn’t. Anyways mark my words your channel will grow fast.

[@Knel_]

Do you mean just the rear light on top of the cab?

[@txkingg]

Kyle Nelson nah on both sides, one by the little storage box and of course another mirroring the position on the other side, never noticed until I installed the tonnoue cover,

[@Knel_]

@@txkingg is yours a 2020?

[@txkingg]

Kyle Nelson yes

[@TNAWWE]

yeah the 2020's have the sweet bed lights.

[@foxy-cz7gi]

Congrats on graduating college. Does it turn on when you hit a bump?

[@ChloeKuo]

Thank you 😊 And in theory, yes, it could turn on when I hit a bump. However, the battery pack has a master "off" switch, which I plan to use if I'm going on a long drive!

[@christophermartinez5314]

👍👍👍

[@AGTG33]

Will you sell me one already put together?

[@ChloeKuo]

I'm working on making an improved version, as this project needs a lot more work. When I have something that is better put together, I may start producing it!

[@AGTG33]

@@ChloeKuo lmk because I will buy even know I will

[@tommcl8548]

👍👊😁

[@IBEW126]

😮😮😮💪🏽💪🏽❤️

[@chrismeredith3603]

Having a 3D printer helps alot lol

[@omaronly2014]

You should sell this

[@carlosvalencia9115]

Hi 👋

[@samratsuklabaidya7368]

JAI SHRI RAM 🚩

[@linocruz1028]

Checkout runnin4taco to get more idea on taco mods

[@Michael-xb1el]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWjXYoiNabaWbck If your looking for re-install

[@jasonphelan2120]

Seventh