Ken the electrical guy Q n A

Thanks for the detailed write up

 

Ken, I'm getting these flush mount LEDs (2) for the bed, fairly bright at only 3W each (stainless version). Can I just tap into the brake lights with a simple on/off button? I'm fine tapping into the aux on or lights, don't need an always on lead and don't want to run all the wires to the front. Thanks for any info.

https://www.oznium.com/led-bolts-prewired-leds/led-bolt

 

What are you planning on using the lights for?

 

Flush mount cargo lights inside the bed

 

Ok so Unfortunately If you want to use these with an off on switch there isn't a constant 12v circuit you can tap onto back there from the factory. Anything you tap into will only turn on when its carrying out its original function (i.e. brakes, hazards). You are going to have install a fuse and run a wire back to the rear. It's a bummer cause the lights draw so little power you potentially could add them to an existing circuit but I don't see you being able to use them as cargo lights with the factory wiring. The only thing I can think of is sometimes there's a trailer harness connector under the bed. I don't remember toyotas towing plug design but I know some of them include a constant 12v source for charging a battery on the trailer. If you look under the truck you may be able to find an unused connector which will most likely be where the trailer sub harness connects to. This would be the only existing option I could think of.

After a quick google search it appears first gen toyotas used a 4 wire trailer system which did not include a constant "charging" wire.

 

I'll look under there for the trailer harness. I added and extension when I put on my metal bumper and saw an unused 4pin added to the harness. I'm ok with not having constant on, fine with having aux on to use the bed lights. Thx for the info.

 

If you have a first gen the trailer harness option wont work. I googled the pinout for first gen tacomas and they use a 4 pin system which does not include a constant 12v or ignition switched 12v.

There's no factory option for first gens to tap into to use cargo lights in a 12v constant or 12v ign switch capacity that I know of. Pretty sure you gotta add a wire bud.

 

I've got a 3rd Gen. I'll look into it, just trying not to add a fuse and running more wire.

 

Oh you may be in luck then. If you have a power probe this shouldn't too hard.

 

I'm defintely looking into it.

I was thinking I could tap into my compressor in the bed storage (diagram below) but it's on a relay with a pressure switch on the tank and only comes on when lower than 110psi. Don't think that would be best or even work.

 

Where is the relay mounted?

 

On the battery side of the engine bay after the circuit breaker.

 

Copy thats where Id put it too if it was mine.

Where is your switch located that flows to the pressure switch?

 

The aux switch is in the cab (below), the pressure switch is on the 2 gal tank mounted underneath the bed.

 

Dang I thought we might get lucky and the switch would be in the bed.

 

I thought about putting it in the bed, just seemed easier in the cab. Whichever the case, when I'm not using the compressor, I keep the manual breaker off under the hood.

 

What do you mean? Why are you so resistant to running a wire back to the bed?

 

OCD I guess, just wanted all them in the cab. Although, I'll now have an on/off in the bed for these LEDs, if I get them wired up.

 

Oh ok I get you,

IMO you should just run a wire back to the bed bud. You can install the switch inside the truck if you like or in the bed but youll have to get power from the front with a fuse.

 

Good info, thx. I'm jumping in when I get the LEDs.