Best Method to Tap into Reverse? (LED Backup Lights)

I have a pair of Rigid SRQ Pro I want to use in conjunction with my taillight reverse lights. I don't need a separate switch for the Rigids just want them to light up when I go into reverse. What is the best and safest method to do so? I read that simply tapping into the factory reverse harness does it? Solder or use a tap?

Here is the SRQ model I have:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rgd-905513

Light Style:Flood
Bulb Type:LED
Lens Color:Clear
Bulb Color:White
Shape:Rectangular
Watts:31.0 watts
Length (in):5.000 in.
Height (in):2.000 in.
Housing Color:Black
Housing Material:Aluminum
Volts:9-36 V
Amp Draw at 12V DC:2.21 amps
Number of LEDs:4
Lumens:3,168
Beam Distance:73.20 m

Thanks!

 

I used THIS harness and just cut the plug off and wired it to my reverse light

 

I did the same, but mainly because the plug position was just a bit too far away for the old harness to reach when I replaced my OEM bumper. Rather than rewire, I used the Curtis harness to extend the loom and as a bonus, had a tap line for the backup lights.

 

Pop the taillight off, extend the wires of your new lights over up into the tail light cavity, and splice into the positive and negative wires of the reverse bulb.

then swap your halogen reverse bulbs for LED. Those plus the aftermarket lights won’t get near the fused rating of the reverse lighting circuit

 

I don't believe that's true, the Backup Light circuit on a 3rd Gen Tacoma is fused for 5 amps. Each one of his Rigid BU Lights draws 2.21amps (x2 =4.42 amps). The stock BU lights probably draw less than 1 amp, however, it would be a very close tolerance. If he wants to avoid running a line back up to the front of the truck for power, it would be better to install a relay to the BU light circuit, and then tap into the towing tail light or towing brake controller circuits for power, which both are 30 amp. The other alternative is to tap straight into the towing harness backup light lead without a relay. Both should also use a 5 amp inline fuse to protect from a short. I used the second method, shrink wrapped the connections and placed them in a loom for additional protection. It works well, and avoids overloading the backup light circuit.

BTW, I purchased a pair of similar BU lights from Amazon that flush mounted in my bumper and work really well, and under $35.

Flush Mount LED Pods, AAIWA 40W 2PCS Off Road Backup LED Light Bar Driving Lights Fog Lamp for Jeep Bumper ATV UTV SUV Truck Boat
by Aaiwa USA
Learn more:

$37 Flush Mount LED Pods, 40W 2PCS Off Road Backup LED Light Bar Driving Lights Fog Lamp for Jeep Bumper ATV UTV SUV Truck Boat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4Y6JWW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_SOhrFbZGNGVYG

 

It’s fused for 15A big dog

 

I went out and checked on my truck, I stand corrected, never trust Google, lol!

 

15A split to vehicle (5A) and Tow (10A)

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I ended using a 40amp relay with a fuse to the battery and tapped into the reverse tail light hot wire to trigger the lights only when I shift to reverse.

 

Simpler & cheaper...(V6 only)

 

Im in the same situation as OP. Does this method work? Seems simple and easy. I don’t know anything about wiring and relays and flux capacitors and stuff.

 

I can make you a tap for the reverse light. PM me if you need it.

 

I would love that thanks but I live in the Middle East.