Wiring LED light strip to truck

[sugarray]

So, I saw where someone put an LED light strip under their bed rails to get light in the bed. This really is an awesome idea and I'm going to do it.

I would like to have a switch to turn on and off when I want them. Saw where someone used a Reed switch to turn them on anytime the tailgate was open, but I'm not interested in this.

So:

1) I have a supernite 300 LED RGBW set. Can I hook this up with a switch and have it work with the controller? Would be neat to be able to use the colors if wanted. I don't want to have to use the remote each time though. Also, I don't want it to always be on a color, I want white on when I flip the switch. You all are super smart and I believe you can help. I may have to get a white only strip, which would be fine, but I already have 2 strips. One will go under the awning and I was going to put the other under the frame rail too.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

With the controller, the only way to get it to turn on is the on/off button on the remote. Using the remote might not be a bad idea. I used the white LED strip and a door jamb switch in my installation but anytime the tailgate is open the lights are on. They don't draw much but sometimes I don't start the truck for several days...

[Seann45]

Radio Shack has small 12vdc switches you can wire along the power cord.. please note though that if you turn off the lights with the remote then you will need the remote to turn them back on..

[sprale]

Originally Posted by LiftedAWDAstro

...but sometimes I don't start the truck for several days...

I picked up a solar trickle charger that connects to the cigar lighter in my truck, I just plug it in and leave it on the dash. I drive it very infrequently, mostly on trips with our camper, and it sits in the driveway for weeks sometimes between use (I commute on a motorbike). The charger keeps the batteries topped off well, though I don't recall the wattage, but with dual batteries on our diesel F-250, its cheap insurance.

[sugarray]

What size wire should I use? I have 18, but is 16 more appropriate? Should it be single strand or multistrand wire?