Am told the new GM pick-up trucks have led lighting available under the rail to light the cargo bed area.

I'm thinking that is something I'd like to do to my pick-up (2010 GMC). I have a hard cover on my cargo bed and some led lights tucked up under the rail would be handy.

I'm thinking a switch that activates upon opening the tailgate. Keep it simple, rugged, and protect the wires and connections as much as possible from corrosion.

Anybody have any ideas or existing parts that could be utilized?

A switch on the tailgate is a problem if you ever remove the gate. You could install a switch anywhere even in the cab as you would power from the cab back.
Best lights would be string lights - a string of LEDs installed under the rail on both sides.

I've seen the following, but no first hand knowledge.

http://www.truxedo.com/b-light/land.php

http://www.ledunderbody.com/Tr...ED-Lighting-Kit.aspx

Good luck and let us know your experience

I just bought a roll of LED strip lights like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/White-...&hash=item2a2780ce7e

[IMG]http://i.ebayimg.com/t/5M-16-4ft-cool-White-300-LED-5050-SMD-Strip-Flexible-car-lamp-Light-waterproof-/00/s/NTYwWDU2MA==/$(KGrHqJ,!i!E-0+m0ZJ,BP3583YlQw~~60_3.JPG[/IMG]



I got mine in blue as I am using them for emergency vehicle flashers but they are pretty bright. For your application, they are not only waterproof but also have a self adhesive backing so you could just cut a strip off and stick it under the bed rails. I'd be tempted to just wire it into the dome light circuit so it comes on when they do.