Adding LED lights to the bed and need 12v

[tonybosco33]

I have some LED light strips I want to add to the bed. I do not have the outlet in the bed and I do not have the Aux switches.
Does anyone know if there is a wire that runs under the bed somewhere that has 12v Acc power?

The lights I have came with an inline switch and I want to turn them on and off via that switch. But I'd like to tap into power that is only on when the Jeep is running/Acc. I don't want to risk leaving the lights on and killing the battery).

If there isn't anything that runs back there, where is the best place under the hood to tap into?

TIA

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[Minty JL]

I just saw a thread about this the other day. A fellow member tapped into the OEM bed lights for power.

 

[tonybosco33]

I thought of that but those lights don't stay on long enough for me. By the time I get back there the damn things turn off and I have to dig into my pocket for the key fob and hit the unlock button.

 

[HooliganActual]

Do you by chance have the tow plug? There’s power in that harness.

 

[HorneyBadger]

There is a switch that controls the bed lights on the dash. Just have to activate that when you want bed lights.

 

[tonybosco33]

I do have the tow plug. Good idea. That has power but I believe it's always hot so I would run the risk of leaving the light on and killing the battery. That would be my only concern.

 

[HooliganActual]

There is a switch that controls the bed lights on the dash. Just have to activate that when you want bed lights.

This might could be a good solution but this still leads to the OP’s concern. With the ignition off, activating that button still turns the lights on and forgetting to shut it off could drain the battery.

@tonybosco33 I’m not sure that there is a switched power source to the bed. Just “hots”.

Realistically, your LED lights would have to be left on for quite a while to kill the battery. What is the amp draw on your lighting strips?

 

[Gatorized]

What makes you think you’ll remember to shut off the ignition if you can’t remember to shut off the light switch?

 

[fishburger]

I also would not be concerned of leaving them on an always hot wire, if switched they will not draw power unless you turn them on. LEDs also draw very low power

 

[tonybosco33]

Good points guys. I think I’ll tap into the power in the tow plug. I’m not sure of the draw my lights would pull but it’s just led lights, can’t be much.

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