Lighting Options for Rear of Truck

This site has helped me with ideas and installs for the last couple of years. So, I'm just throwing this question out there with some history of what I was going to do.

Truck: 2019 Tundra SR5 4WD 5.7l DC

I was going to eventually add a bed rack so I can add lights to the top and point them backwards for camping/off road/outdoors. This will allow me to see into the bed better, help with reversing in the pitch dark, light up the camping area, etc. I was also going to add my recovery items to the rack (as everyone does). Such as a shovel, ax, whatever else.

Now I'm not sure I want to go the bed rack route. I'm not getting a tent for it. And I do use the bed for hauling stuff every so often. I'm thinking of getting the Decked Tool Box to haul my recovery items instead of throwing them in the back seat. It takes away from passenger space.

So, I'm wondering if I could get some ideas and/or pictures of what you did besides getting a bed rack to light the rear of the truck better. I do have VLED bulbs in the rear bed lights, but they're okay.

Thanks!

 

Something like this is on my list to eventually get. It won’t light up the bed, but will help with reversing.

https://zroadz.com/i-23910161-2014-2021-toyota-tundra-rear-bumper-led-bracket-to-mount-2-6-inch-straight-light-bar-pn-z389641.html#!year=2018||make=TOYOTA||model=TUNDRA||submodel=LIMITED

 

Thank you for the suggestion!

 

Don't know if you intend to tow on your excursions but this is pretty nifty.

https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/the-hitchpod.

Add the S1 and their harness https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/2014-tundra-hitchpod-s1-harness?_pos=4&_sid=2f5cb63b6&_ss=r

plug and play with no wire cutting.

 

My rack is pretty much used to house all of my lights for exactly what you described. I've got 2 chase lights, while the rest are for lighting up the surrounding area, which comes in very handy when setting up camp at night.

 

If I didn't want to cut, I'd get a hitchpod.
On my '08, I cut the bumper and installed lights in the bumper that turn on with reverse lights. I am also mounting a rack and platform on top of my canopy which will have switched lights on the back.

 

Check out Matt Gecko bed lights: https://mattgeckoleds.com/ He's also a member here and will respond quickly to a PM. I just ordered a bed light and toolbox light kit from him this week.

For helping with reverse, I'm planning to look into these Rough Country light bars for under the bumper: https://www.roughcountry.com/6in-sl...sLKls0u8ilZWxJvCp4f0My5UaAnFIEALw_wcB#280=535

This is all still a work in progress, but these are some of the ideas I've seen around the forum that I liked best.

 

I wired it independent of reverse lights on a switch. Obvious limitation is it has to come out for hitch stuff.

 

You could get the high output reverse bulbs from Vleds as well. I actually have a set that I just took out of mine. As far as lighting an area, you can get brackets that mount to the bed rails unless you are using a bed cover.

 

Definitely a good idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Yeah, kind of the set up I was thinking. Do you use the rack for anything else? Does it get n the way when hauling? I see you have wood that slides out (that's a hecka good idea). I wouldn't be able to install a tool box with a rack right? Thanks!

 

Yeah, I want to get a rear bumper in the future. The one I want does have cut outs for lights. So that could be an option. Thank you!

 

Thanks! I will check out his site!

 

have some VLEDS for my rear bed light housing. I just spoke to them today actually about their options for the Tundra. Thanks!

 

Depends on what I'm doing. If I'm overlanding (or have extra gear to carry) then I've got a platform on the rack that allows me to mount things on it. If I'm wheeling, then it's just the lights. Can't really see that well out the rear window.

You might not be able to easily open and access the toolbox with a rack above it.

 

yeah. That is like something I was thinking of doing. I wanted to get a tool box that locks because sometimes, I do not go straight to the campground/trail/etc. So i want to make sure everything is locked down. I see you got the RCI rear differential skid plate. I had it on order, but cancelled it because I wanted to get their rock sliders instead. It's been awhile (almost two months) but they're in transit now. What kind of top do you have over your bed that's covering it? Thanks!

 

It’s the Vanish roll up tonneau by Access

Access 95239 Vanish Roll-up Tonneau Cover

$479 Access 95239 Vanish Roll-up Tonneau Cover

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PC5RO2?_encoding=UTF8

My rear diff has dents and scrapes on it but once I got the diff armor on I worry a lot less when I get hung up on things.

 

I have a couple rear pods in the bed, and a hitch pod on the taco.

vled license plate reverse bar for tundra

 

Yep, this is a cool option too. Here's the link: https://www.vleds.com/shop-products/lp-series/lp-reverse-72-w-5500k.html

 

Just installed the VLED license plate light, huge difference! . VLED is having a 20% sale until the 3rd

 

VLEDS has good stuff. My truck is loaded with it lol.

 

That is a huge difference. yeah 20% off. that's why I was looking at those options. I spoke to someone there and they said that the license plate lights and the Triton lights will only be bright for about 5 minutes before it starts to dim. I don't see myself backing up for 5 minutes, but I've been in the middle of nowhere and it could happen if it's some single lane logging road. But that brightness is definitely what I'm looking for in lights. Thanks for sharing!

 

Definitely worth doing!
Eventually I’ll add something switched like a pair of Diode Dynamic’s SS2’s, but this was a clean, cheap, easy install and bright option for now.

 

Nice boat too. That's eventually on my 'to get' list. lol

 

Baja Designs flush mount. Changed the lenses to Amber, and powered through Switch Pros. Just one more option.

 

I also thought about something like this. I do a lot of hunting, camping, kayaking, etc... I also didnt want something permanent. I wanted to move it to the kayak for night floating, and camping on the different sides.

I chose 2 of these. It lights up the night for sure. Of course it has a battery, but I zip tie those to what ever I need.

https://www.olightstore.com/rn-3500.html

I also have some rechargeable work lights that I can stick to my rack because its magnetic.

 

No joy on the link. Post a pic of it on your truck if you would.

 

Another option I've seen done is wiring up a couple lights to make use of the bed's bulkhead track and slide where is needed...it could also be used as a reminder to those that roll up on you with their brights on...

 

How was the install on these? What did you use to cut the bumper? Ive never wired anything from the back, do you just run it under the truck then up to the switch pro? I like the looks of those

 

You run the wiring along the frame with the factory wires for the rear lights and hitch. I brought mine into the cab where most (all?) of the wires enter under the driver's seat. (gen 1)