BTS installation guide · Blade

Fit a Blade light to the Toyota bed rail

Install the four AA batteries and position the light on the existing Tacoma or Tundra accessory rail.

Check the rail and prepare the tools

This guide covers DD8981 with the Toyota factory bed-rail adapter for the specified Tacoma and Tundra applications, including the 2016–2023 Tacoma. Have a Phillips screwdriver and a 3/32-inch Allen key ready. No vehicle wiring is required.

1. Open the battery compartment

Release the two plastic clip tabs on the back of the lamp to open the compartment.

Open the battery compartment.
Open the battery compartment.

2. Install four AA batteries

Pull out the carrier and insert the four included batteries with polarity matching the markings.

3. Remove the preinstalled hardware

Reinstall the carrier and close the compartment. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the preinstalled mounting screw and T-slot nut.

Remove the preinstalled hardware.
Remove the preinstalled hardware.

4. Install the Toyota mounting hardware

Fit the included screw and T-slot nut. Orient the nut with its curved corner facing right, as shown.

Install the Toyota mounting hardware.
Install the Toyota mounting hardware.

5. Fit the end cap

Slide the included end cap onto the exposed end of the light pole.

Fit the end cap.
Fit the end cap.

6. Locate the rail notch

Find the installation notch in the factory accessory rail; this is the opening for the T-slot nut.

Locate the rail notch.
Locate the rail notch.

7. Insert the T-slot nut

Hold the nut horizontally and pivot it through the rail notch. Alternatively, remove the rail end cap and feed the nut in from the end. Position the lamp against the rail.

Insert the T-slot nut.
Insert the T-slot nut.

8. Choose the position

Slide the light along the rail to the desired position, then press the fitted end cap securely into place.

Choose the position.
Choose the position.

9. Secure the light

Tighten the mounting screw with the 3/32-inch Allen key. The T-slot nut rotates from horizontal to vertical inside the rail, where its shape stops it and allows the mount to clamp securely. Check the light is secure.

Secure the light.
Secure the light.

Use and battery life

The lamp shuts off automatically after five minutes. The manufacturer estimates approximately 4.5 hours of total operation with alkaline batteries; battery type and conditions affect actual life. Replace the four AA cells with polarity matching the carrier and close the compartment securely.

Original guide and matching light

Manufacturer Blade installation guide · Blade light with Toyota bed-rail adapter

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Plan the rest of your Tacoma lighting

Compare 2016–2023 Tacoma lighting options · Read the Tacoma lighting buying guide. Check equipment, complete-kit contents and the illustrated instructions before choosing.