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Aux Back-up lights

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by HillJackJDS, Jul 28, 2018.

  1. Jul 28, 2018 at 4:56 PM
    #1
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am “electrically capable” but wanted to see if anybody else out there has done this upgrade and has opinions before I start.
    I have a 2008 Tacoma base, 2.7L, 4wd, 2dr, manual everything... i bowfish and back down a lot of dark ramps at night. I have 2 small LED floods that I want to mount up under my truck and have come on automatically when I am in reverse.
    I see it as I have two options: I can either feed in parallel from the factory reverse lights or have the reverse lights wiring actuate a relay for a separate dedicated 12v feed for the LED’s.
    If you have done this job, what did you do? Thanks ahead for your ideas.
     
  2. Jul 28, 2018 at 5:09 PM
    #2
    andrew61987

    andrew61987 Well-Known Member

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    I haven't done the job, but I have a plan for how I want to do it.

    I don't always want them to come on automatically. There will be times where I want to reverse like normal and not have super bright lights behind me. There are also times where I want them on when not in reverse. To do this:

    Dedicated fused lead from battery to reverse lights interrupted with a standard 12v trigger relay (like your option #2). The trigger from the relay will go to the middle lead of a SPDT switch in the cab. One "ON" (labelled "AUTO") will lead to the reverse light wire (hot-in-reverse). Switch in this position means the relay will be triggered and activate the secondary lights anytime the factory reverse lights on. The other "ON" (labelled "BATT") will be wired straight back to the previously mentioned dedicated fused hot lead. Switch in this position will put the lights on regardless of shifter position of key position. If you want you can wire it to ACC or something so you need the key to activate them.

    Of your two options I like #2 with the relay. I'm not usually a fan of tacking extra load on factory circuits/switches unless I'm 100% sure I'm still well below the max current for that circuit.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2018
    Naveronski and HillJackJDS[OP] like this.
  3. Jul 28, 2018 at 5:42 PM
    #3
    vssman

    vssman Rocket Engineer

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    I have LEDs in my bumper and tapped right into the reverse circuit. Took out the regular bulbs as the LEDs are much, much (ok one more), much brighter making the standard bulbs unnecessary.
     
  4. Jul 28, 2018 at 7:48 PM
    #4
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    And...a better idea emerges!! That’s why i asked!
    What would be the preferred location of a relay for this install?
     
  5. Jul 29, 2018 at 4:12 AM
    #5
    08TacoTrD

    08TacoTrD Well-Known Member

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    5100's and 883 OME Coils TRD Exhaust Deaver 1.5" AAL Rear Differential Breather Extension, 4WD Light, Tailgate Pipe clamp, Fog lights on while High Beams on, Carrier Bearing flip
    This is how I did it and having the 3 options is great. Either on with reverse, off all the time or on all the time.
     
    HillJackJDS[OP] likes this.
  6. Jul 30, 2018 at 2:31 AM
    #6
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How and where did you mount the relay? Where did you grab your power feed? I know there are many options for each, but if a system works, why fix it? Thanks!
     
  7. Jul 30, 2018 at 5:20 AM
    #7
    Hot Tacoma Blown

    Hot Tacoma Blown Well-Known Member

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    Super charged,urd u - conn computer 7th injector, headers, pipe bomb y pipe,high flow exhaust.etc....
    Do you have the seven pin trailer connector? That's what I tied into with a old 55 watt Halo/bulb and no issues 2 years later.Ps what do the pod lites draw? U can also swap out reverse bulbs. For LEDs.then u will no issue also..
     
    TomTwo likes this.
  8. Jul 30, 2018 at 5:33 AM
    #8
    joeyv141

    joeyv141 Well-Known Member

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    I installed flush mount lights on my last truck and loved it, need to do it again on the new truck.
    I ran a the switched 12V to the lights along the brake lines to the bumper and I grounded them on the hitch if memory serves.
    lights - https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-2-Dual-...hts-For-Truck-Jeep-Off-Road-ATV-/322705391862
    switch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0117B3TFI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    2.jpg
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #8
    DaveB.inVa, DANGERMONEY and CMD-KY like this.
  9. Jul 30, 2018 at 7:03 PM
    #9
    08TacoTrD

    08TacoTrD Well-Known Member

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    I can't find the page with the instructions I followed right now and it's been a few years since I did it. I mounted the relay next to the fuse box in the engine bay. It's still temporarily mounted with a zip tie.
     
  10. Jul 30, 2018 at 11:37 PM
    #10
    andrew61987

    andrew61987 Well-Known Member

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  11. Jul 31, 2018 at 5:17 PM
    #11
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No 7 pin. I have the 3+1 flat.
     
  12. Jul 31, 2018 at 5:18 PM
    #12
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Pretty good deal AND waterproof!
    No prob! You answered my question. I can run with it from here. Thanks for the idea!!!
     
  13. Jul 31, 2018 at 5:20 PM
    #13
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    A lot of my lights have been replaced on my Taco with the LED swaps. Theyre not cheap, but they sure do a nice job.
     
  14. Jul 31, 2018 at 5:57 PM
    #14
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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    Yeah, I swapped out the reverse lights with LED and they are much brighter than halogens.

    A835DA73-0995-44EF-B8A9-C72772E59705.jpg
     
  15. Aug 2, 2018 at 5:55 AM
    #15
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They are brighter AND have better color in my opinion.
     
  16. Aug 2, 2018 at 5:57 AM
    #16
    HillJackJDS

    HillJackJDS [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I got onto my wife’s Amazon acct last evening and started ordering stuff for this and other mods/upgrades. I can see now how this website might make my truck better, but it’s going to cost me $$$!! LOL! It’s fun, though.
     
    TomTwo and stickyTaco like this.
  17. Aug 2, 2018 at 11:20 AM
    #17
    michael636

    michael636 Well-Known Member

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    I didn’t want to get too crazy so I just replaced the built in reverse lights with some high output LEDs
     
  18. Aug 2, 2018 at 12:47 PM
    #18
    outxider

    outxider Never stop exploring. Rest in Paradise Big Bro.

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    A few mods here and there and counting....
    Amazon flush mounts wired to trailer reverse wire. Also have a pair of Cali-Raised side shooters on At the Helm corner braces. 0657113A-8857-43A1-B405-44F085F3CDA9.jpg
     
    HillJackJDS[OP] and dandrilla like this.
  19. Aug 4, 2018 at 10:44 AM
    #19
    NavyDiver72

    NavyDiver72 I DO ALL MY OWN STUNTS

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    Any Mods? One. Maybe two, tops...
    This is how I connected the RI lights, I tapped into the reverse trigger and they are either on with reverse automatically, off all the time, or on all the time via a switch.

    IMG_11501.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2018
    HillJackJDS[OP] and outxider like this.
  20. Aug 4, 2018 at 3:46 PM
    #20
    dandrilla

    dandrilla Member

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    3 inch lift, AM nerf bars, Plasti-dip badges, Areis bull bar, KC 6in spotlights, AM stereo + sub, AM high performance Halogen headlight bulbs
    Those look awesome. What did you use to cut through your bumper?
     

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