How to Add Bed Scene Lights to a Base-Model Tacoma SR5

[xipoqix_official]

We recently went through the process of adding bed scene lights to a base-model Tacoma that didn’t come with factory ones. I wanted to share a quick breakdown of how the install went.

I’ve put together a few photos and basic steps below in case anyone is working on a similar project. Hope this helps!

First, pop off the bed rail cap. Use a rotary tool (like a Dremel) with a cutting wheel, and carefully cut out the openings along the factory-molded guide lines.

Next, insert the scene lights into the cutouts you just made, and secure them using the factory mounting holes on the back.

Moving on to the wiring. Remove the factory side light and unplug it. Then, use the splitter harness to connect the factory plug, the side light, and the new scene lights.

To keep things looking clean, route the wire under the bed rail cap and secure it in the clips.

Finally, snap the bed rail cap back into place to complete the installation.

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[ejosesa]

Interesting. I just replaced the caps entirely with the lighted version.
How much did it cost for just the lights and wire harnesses?

 

[xipoqix_official]

Interesting. I just replaced the caps entirely with the lighted version.
How much did it cost for just the lights and wire harnesses?

Hi, if you're interested, you can browse this post: https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...ti-function-bed-scene-lighting-xipoqix.22158/

 

[maxx075]

It should also be worth noting that this title and thread only applies to the mentioned 3rd party lights (or any lights that cut out the caps).

Adding OE Bed Scene lights is a different process.

 

[TX-MD]

Anyone have these already? I’m curious about any water intrusion under the rail cap and onto the underlying body panel - any more than the stock un-cut bed rail

 

[Cabby30]

Anyone have these already? I’m curious about any water intrusion under the rail cap and onto the underlying body panel - any more than the stock un-cut bed rail

Based on this image it doesn't look like there is any sealing involved, from the factory or this installation. I ordered these so I'll know more once I attempt the install when they arrive.

 

[dante116]

Based on this image it doesn't look like there is any sealing involved, from the factory or this installation. I ordered these so I'll know more once I attempt the install when they arrive.

Looking forward to seeing how they turn out. I'm hoping you'll be able to do a little better job on the trimming than the install video shows.

 

[Gaming]

If you make them available in Canada and make a smoked lens version, I would happily buy them and make an install/review video.

We recently went through the process of adding bed scene lights to a base-model Tacoma that didn’t come with factory ones. I wanted to share a quick breakdown of how the install went.

I’ve put together a few photos and basic steps below in case anyone is working on a similar project. Hope this helps!

First, pop off the bed rail cap. Use a rotary tool (like a Dremel) with a cutting wheel, and carefully cut out the openings along the factory-molded guide lines.

Next, insert the scene lights into the cutouts you just made, and secure them using the factory mounting holes on the back.

Moving on to the wiring. Remove the factory side light and unplug it. Then, use the splitter harness to connect the factory plug, the side light, and the new scene lights.

To keep things looking clean, route the wire under the bed rail cap and secure it in the clips.

Finally, snap the bed rail cap back into place to complete the installation.

 

[TacoFreak]

Based on this image it doesn't look like there is any sealing involved, from the factory or this installation. I ordered these so I'll know more once I attempt the install when they arrive.

There is no seal for the bed caps and any water that gets in drains out the bottom of the bed sides.

Those look nice and let us know how your install goes.

 

[Kjc]

I just ordered these too... Didn't wanna spend the $400 plus for the oem set... Any tips for cutting these out... The video showed a cutting wheel... Anyone try something else... Also of anyone finished the install pictures would be awesome....

 

[Cabby30]

My process:

1. Cut out the bulk material with a Dremel and die grinder bit;
2. Then I used a fine file to remove remaining material and try to straighten out and smooth the cuts.
3. Used a lighter to heat the material to smooth it out; applied the flame and then just used my finger to get any extra material smoothed/removed.
4. Mounted everything to the truck and checked function.
5. Protected the truck paint with painters tape and applied black RTV to caulk the seams. Used isopropyl wipes to remove excess RTV and clean the trim and light. (This was very messy)

My main advice is to go slow and not over cut. The first light took me 1.5 hours as I worked out my process. The 2nd took less than 30mins. I have only done one side so far)

Light output is good; especially for the price. I havent seen the OEM ones so I cannot compare. I'll upload a night shot later.

I did like that the kit came with the harness and everything else was plug and play. I would recommend it. Maybe the only other thing I would do is add even a little bit of extra RTV where the connector wires comes out of the light, just in case.

Before RTV:

After RTV cured:

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