Wiring question.....for a noob.

Okay,

I am not sure really how to go about asking these questions, so here goes.

I am new to the whole automotive wiring thing, however since I purchased my 2017 Tacoma OR in Quicksand......I have had all kinds of plans to wire in some additional wiring and maybe other things eventually.

Currently, everything is stock on my Tacoma. However, I have a front and rear bumper guard on order from Avid Off Road. Once they arrive and I put them on my truck, I want to add some additional lights.

I have a pair of Rigid SRQ Diffused lights that I would like to install onto my rear bumper guard. This will require me to run the harness supplied and purchase and install a switch in the cab of my truck.

I plan on purchasing and installing a CaliraisedLED 32" light bar onto the front bumper guard. So, same thing applies with it as far as running the harness and installing a switch.

Additionally, I have purchased a pair of Baja squadron Pro lights and would like to mount them in the A-Pillar postion with a set of hood brackets made by SDHQ.

So, you see I have big plans and need to learn as much about wiring and installing these light switches as I can.

I have no idea where to start as far as running things from the fuse/bus boxes, battery, to switches and such.

So, is there any videos, write ups, books, or something that you guys can suggest that I study to learn to do the wiring that I want to do.

I have considered using the following products for my projects.........but am not sure what else I will need to obtain to complete all these projects. Also, will my OEM battery be enough for these lights or if I decide to install even more down the road...........???

Switch plate to go over cubby (left side of steering wheel)
https://www.shapeways.com/product/C...-switch-plate-for-16-tacoma?optionId=59283471

Various switches for my different lights
http://www.ch4x4.com/switches-gallery/

Thanks for any advice you can give me to start learning this process.........so I can better plan what additional items I will need to wire these lights.

 

@GHOST SHIP @nd4spdbh

 

Do you know how to read wiring diagrams? Wiring is really intimidating but most stuff gives you a wiring diagram and they are pretty easy to follow. I'm no expert, but I've been able to wire up some lights using the diagrams without issues.

I will give you one piece of advice since you'll be fishing wiring a fair bit for the switches- on driver side there's a rubber plug in the firewall you can snake wires through- I'd use some rigid piece of metal for this, like a straightened out coat hanger (or your CB antenna, when you're too lazy to leave the garage).

Sounds like most of the products you named have good support and you should be able to find plenty of help on installing them. Just take it slow and take the time to make your wiring look neat as you go (buy a tube of zip ties), or you'll end up hating it and redoing it all later. It's super satisfying the first time you wire something up and flip the switch and it actually works

 

Thank you so much! Yes, from some of things I have read already......I will be needing lots of tools and supplies. I would like to and plan on keeping everything very neat and secured well.

 

A lot of this will depend on your budget and the depth to which you want to learn about wiring. Things like an S-Pod or Bussman box are more "plug-and-play", whereas a Blue Sea setup puts you in the nitty-gritty to learn how everything works together (and sacrifices the size of the unit and necessary components). I'd suggest reading up a bit here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wiring-in-switches-and-how-to.408214/
@3378jakesr5 did an awesome job of compiling simple diagrams that you can expand on based on your needs.

This thread has some examples of how other people have installed various panels if you want visuals:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-off-your-aux-fuse-panels.308677/

Other than that, there's a lot of meat to your question. Once you narrow down what you want as far as the panel itself, then it'll be easier to guide you in a specific direction for how to put it all together with your switches and such.

 

Thank you, I will study away........and post some questions. I appreciate it greatly!

 

the only thing i would also recommend, is a nice relay setup. something like the bussman, switchpro or spod. it really helps clean up the wiring when adding a lot of items.

 

I'm a fan of the blue sea boxes only because it forces you to learn how to wire everything. The bussman boxes seem to be the most compact option and is self-contained ( I may switch over to this setup soon), the s-pod and switchpro boxes add features like strobe programmability and blue tooth connectivity if you want to pay for that sort of luxury.

 

its so dumb and a feature i would use like 3 times, but for some reason i really want that strobe feature lol

 

You will definitely want to run relays for everything, and i like to switch the ground side of the relay at the dash to further mitigate any possible shorting issues. Bluesea gets you fuses and terminals but no relays. I know there are options out there Bussman would probably be what i would use as you can get relay and fuse in an all in one package.

Also... get your scum 3rd gen out of these parts. we dont like your kind. (Just messing, you seem like a nice 3rd gen guy)

 

It'd be cool just to show someone that I can turn on my lights with my iphone, but I have no use for that sort of thing in a "real world scenario". Other than showing a buddy, "Hey look at this!"



Lost in the parking lot at the mall maybe? Turn the lights on! Homing beacon.

 

usually my truck is tall enough to see at the mall. but yea, might have to go buy the spod now just for that one feature lol. nothing like rewiring it all for one dumb feature. The only time i lost my truck in a parking lot was at the offroad expo where there were 20000 lifted trucks in the parking lot lol

 

Okay Friends, I have tried to read as much as possible but its been a tough work week so far....lol
But these parts seemed like something I could use..........so I pulled the trigger.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-bussman-rtmr-5-relay-10-fuse.520525/

Please tell me these will work for me? The below list is what I am planning on wiring into my Tacoma at first......with switches on the left side of the console and eventually the center if I can find a pro switch panel.

- Baja Squadron Pro A-Pillar lights
- CaliraisedLED 32 light bar on my front AVID bumper
- Rigid SRQ diffused rear lights on my rear AVID bumper
- LED under hood lights
- LED bed lights
- CB or Ham radio......later on
- Possibly additional fog lights on a top rack......later on.

Thanks for all of you that have shared and given links/advice!!!