Bed lighting with no bed lights

[alrashid2]

Hey ya'll. I have to assume that bed lighting is a modern amenity? My Ranger will be my first truck and I didn't opt for the LED bed lighting because I didn't want the entire Convenience Package (no need for power, didn't want the silly wireless charger up front).

Anyway, what did guys do before bed lights came from the factory? And what do you guys do that don't have the LED bed lights?

I see there are aftermarket kits and such but I'm not the best with wiring electrical and didn't want to mess with any of that on a brand new truck. My current thought is to get a nice LED camping lantern, like a Fenix or Streamlight, that is rechargeable and simply hang it on a carabiner from one of the tie down points.

What do you guys think? Thanks all!

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[pablo94sc]

I say use whatever portable option gets you the light you'll need. I have a $1 harbor freight clip on light that has a spot and flood pattern that lives under the rack. Takes 3 AAAs. Before the rack, I used whatever was handy. Lantern flashlight, little harbor freight LED flashlights I keep in the truck (they may be dollar tree), headlamp, led camp lantern...

 

[purdyd]

Flashlight?

 

[superj]

Every truck I have ever had has had a built in light for the bed, it's on top by the brake light. My 80s and 70s truck just had a white light up there that you turned in with the headlight switch or a separate switch by the headlight switch.

On my ranger, I think the bed light switch is the same one that turns on the interior lights. I have never tried it though I know they come on when the doors are opened

 

[SLJ]

I use these USB rechargeable stick-ons, one on each side under the cover. These have metal plates that stick on and then the light magnetically sticks to the plates. Can pop them off to use as a portable light if needed.

 

[bluemarlin25]

I used LED AA battery powered strip lights on my ZR2 with great results

Strip and waterproof battery pack have an adhesive backing (like tape)

Simply, peel off the strip tape backing and attach to anywhere you want in the bed

battery pack controller has a button to turn it on with a built in timer, which you can override, that turns it off (in case you forget)

cheap and lights up the whole bed

 

[Homestead Chris]

I have the bed lights and never use them. The only way to turn them on is the switch next to the headlight switch. If there was a switch in the bed or if it came on when you open the tailgate it would at least be usable.

 

[alrashid2]

I use these USB rechargeable stick-ons, one on each side under the cover. These have metal plates that stick on and then the light magnetically sticks to the plates. Can pop them off to use as a portable light if needed.

Thanks all for the replies! @SLJ could you link these?

 

[SLJ]

Thanks all for the replies! @SLJ could you link these?

https://amzn.to/4xNpOU3
I use them in the camper also. They have three levels of brightness and can detect movement so one is in the bathroom so no one has to fumble for the light at night.

 

[John B]

I just use a 2 level led light from Menards. Works fine, and is water resistant (about $10). Although it has 2 magnets for attaching, they are not real strong and don't attach well to the bed with a sprayed liner. So I attached a couple of much stronger magnets that I got for a prior project from amazon. It's attached at the rear/side of the bed and allows good visibility at night when the bed cover is closed.

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