2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: Bed Light

Project Description
The Tundra comes with an exterior bed light located on the top center of the cab just above the sliding rear window. This light is controlled by a switch on the dash with three positions: Off, On, or Automatic based on the door switch. This works fine if you have an open bed but as soon as you install a bed cover like my BAKFlip then the factory light is virtually useless. The bed is totally dark when the cover is closed and this is a problem at night since I don't normally open the cover all the way when loading or unloading cargo. I came up with a simple idea to mount a new light under the bed cover. I wanted a light that was small and relatively low current so it wouldn't heat up, yet it had to be bright, weatherproof, made for automotive use, and of course I wanted it to be cheap and easy to install. A small fog light was the obvious answer.

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

Parts & Cost

One small fog light. Any type should work but I decided on a basic pair from Walmart for $14.96 and saved the spare one for another project.
One small normally-open magnetic reed switch that closes when the magnet is removed. I had several left over from a security system but you can buy these at any Radio Shack for $4.95 or less.
One large stainless steel washer roughly 1" in diameter and 1/8" thick so it will fit inside the factory deck rail track.
One nylon lock nut that will fit the mounting bracket bolt that came with the fog light.
Two 18-20 awg wire taps
Small amount of primer, paint, and clear coat or some other paint sealant
Small amount of clear exterior grade silicone

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Drill with 1/8" bit
Allen star key to remove left rear tail light
Soldering iron, solder, and electrical tape

Install Process

Remove the left rear tail light assembly.
Insert the large stainless washer and nylon lock nut inside the left factory deck rail track and hold them in place. Align the fog light mounting bracket on the outside of the washer and insert the mounting bolt. Tighten it just enough that the bracket is firmly held in place but so it can still be rotated or moved back and forth in the track with gentle pressure.
Run the fog light wire up through the narrow hole in the bottom of the bed rail and then down inside the bed wall. If the wire or shielding is thin then you might want to cover the entire wire with heat shrink tubing first to protect it.
Drill a 1/8" hole in the left bed wall as shown in the pictures above. Use a slightly larger drill bit or a round file to smooth out the edges of the hole, then coat the edges with primer, paint, and clear coat or some other paint sealant.
Mount the switch body next to the hole and mount the magnetic portion to the tailgate with 3M tape or other strong adhesive. Make sure both halves are aligned parallel with each other so that the gap is no more than 1/4" when closed. Test it with a multi-meter to be sure that the circuit is opened when the tailgate is closed.
Run the magnetic switch wire through the hole into the bed wall and seal the wires in the center of the hole with exterior grade clear silicone.
Connect the hot wire from the fog light to the hot wire from the left rear running light using an 18-20 awg wire tap.
Connect the ground wire from the fog light to one side of the magnetic switch.
Connect the other side of the magnetic switch to the ground wire from the left rear running light using an 18-20 awg wire tap.
Secure any loose or slack wires with tape or wire ties then reinstall the left rear tail light assembly.

Total Time: ~2 hours including prep and cleanup

Comments

Operation: The light will come on automatically whenever your running lights or headlights are on and your tailgate is opened. It will go off when you close the tailgate or turn off your lights. If you plan to drive with your tailgate open at night then you should install another small toggle switch under the bed rail near the light so that you can manually bypass the automatic function, otherwise you will be driving around with your bed lit up for all to see.
Adjustable: The movable bracket allows the light to be rotated to any angle or reversed to light up the back of the truck. This is helpful when packing gear or working on a trailer.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.