Drop in Baja Hitch reverse light

I will get you some tonight

 

I think we want to know from this photo (credit @mynameistory) how do we get to the hitch (outside the vehicle) with the shortest path, least disruption to the vehicle interior, minimal install time, and maximum waterproofing.

 

The least intrusive method would be to craft a harness that incorporates power from the Transmission's reverse signal. I'm heavily contemplating a puncture in a floor grommet to feed into the cabin or just running a full length setup to the switchpro 9100 I have set up in the engine bay. Nonetheless the pigtail on the light will most likely get cut off for a DT plug.

 

Can’t wait to install this bad boy.

Ended up deciding to wire it up to the Switch-Pros in the engine bay.

 

So, do you want a different harness? It'll be a long run. If you calculate the length required and send back your P&P harness I can build it. It's going to take a bunch of zip ties though. 25'?

 

I've got a spool of thick poly insulated 16 ga I'm gonna use with some DT connectors. If anyone needs the harness let me know, if not I'll just return it.

 

The harness came in and tonight I was able to get it all installed.

So... this is what its like to have a backup cam that works at night.. amazing.

 

#191

 

Simple and effective. I want the functionality of what the SwitchPros offers and I don't need extra light ALL the time.

 

2 wires to the engine bay with DT plugs to the switchpros is my preferred method.

 

Still want some way to enable when not in reverse right?

kinda need the rocker for this to go auto or manual control.

 

If replying to me, I find myself using the bluetooth feature a lot more than expected so being able to wirelessly control rear facing light is nice.

 

It was to caribe as I figured you’d go direct off Switch-Pros and just turn it on yourself if you want it on while in or out of reverse. At least that’s how I read it.

I think he was solving for a disable switch in cab but didn’t also solve for the enable when not in reverse which is cool for stuff where you’re parked.

If I get one for myself I’ll likely tie direct to Switch-Pros as well. Don’t think I’d want it on when in reverse most of the time.

 

3rd GEN-Adding Back-up LED's to rear bumper
Long ago...

 

or

 

What about a blocking diode on the truck side of the. Reverse circuit to prevent backfiring and possible issues.?

 

Could you use the wiring for the bed lights?

 

If anyone cares, here is how I wired my auxiliary reverse lights. I used an SPDT center off switch from anytimebackupcamera
“A - B” Light Switch - Toyota – Anytime Backup Camera

In the drawings below, Red is 12v+, Black is ground. Pink and grey are just there, not carrying anything. Hopefully this makes sense, it has quite a bit going on.

I wired so that the center position is always off. The OEM reverse lights still work, but no auxiliary lights will.

Even with the reverse lights on, the center position keeps the auxiliary lights off.

Then, I can switch to "A" and the auxiliary lights will come on anytime the reverse circuit is on. Also, the indicator light will not come on unless the reverse circuit is on. So here it is not in reverse:

And here is in switched to "A", but with reverse on:

And finally, if I switch to "B", the auxiliary lights come on regardless of anything else. Since I used a constant to the battery, the ignition doesn't even have to be on.


Hopefully that makes sense? It took 4 diodes, 3 relays, and 2 fuses, but I got it to act how I wanted it to. If anyone were to do this, you could put everything in the front and just run a single power wire to the rear, one to the battery, a ground, and 3 wires inside the cab for the switch. Then you will need to tap the reverse signal, but that could be done easy enough with a harness using the signal from the under hood fuse box. It could all be contained in a 24 position GEP fuse holder. Like this:
GEP 24 Position Waterproof PDC – CE Auto Electric Supply

And as I type this, I realize it is all pretty doable as a plug-n-play option.... damn, I need more time in the day!