A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the
interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate
controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup
box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and
attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch
electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power
supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate
when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the
tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is
activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to
the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.