1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Meso stage 1 or 2 total tail lights

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Korby, Feb 2, 2022.

  1. Feb 2, 2022 at 6:28 AM
    #1
    Korby

    Korby [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2020
    Member:
    #337610
    Messages:
    272
    Gender:
    Male
    Freeport PA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Magnetic Grey Tacoma TRD Sport
    I was wondering what the big difference is between the stage 1 and stage 2 other than the stage 2 being brighter.
     
  2. Feb 2, 2022 at 6:52 AM
    #2
    shaggy135

    shaggy135 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2019
    Member:
    #279785
    Messages:
    2,027
    Gender:
    Male
    Valley of the Sun, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Barcelona Red TRD 4x4 OR DCSB MT
    That's all that I can gather. Stage 2 is double the brightness using VLED "bulbs." Unless @MESO has more info?
     
  3. Feb 2, 2022 at 7:34 AM
    #3
    eurowner

    eurowner Duke Sky

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2017
    Member:
    #211429
    Messages:
    7,229
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scoty
    The Syncro Ranch, Salida ColoRADo
    Vehicle:
    '17 TRDOR DCLB FTMFWBBQ Silver Sky Met
    Bilstein 8112+650lb coils, 8100+Deaver Stage II leaf pack, SPC UCA, DuroBumps, Mobtown 0* sliders W/fill plates, Mobtown Recovery Bar, Radium PVC & CCV Dual Oil Separator Catch Can System, Snugtop Hiliner Sport, ATH bed Stiffeners (cuz bottle openers!) + front corner tie down, Badger plates for Firestone airbag + Relentless U-bolt flip + Daystar cradles, TRD Pro shift knob, TRD Exhaust, HPS Silicone intake tube, Green Filter, TRD Intake Air Accelerator, 265-70-17 Toyo Open Country ATIII on TRD 17" Rockwarrior Cold Forged wheels, TRD alloy front skid, RCI Aluminum transmission & transfer case skids. Much Meso awesomeness, FreshMexicanTaco TacoGarage Camera Controller + DDM, 67 Designs cradles, Banks Pedal Monster + iDash gauge, WarFab Sheridan hitch skid, Ricochet LCA aluminum skids, Rago lower rear shock guards, FN Koning Countersteer 16" spare, OEM T4R 90105-14104 coilover lower mounting eye bolts
    Stage 1
    "Description
    Introducing the newest version of the Total Tail Light Kit. This is a 100% plug and play harness AND LED conversion. Not only are they brighter than stock, but it relocates the turn signal to the bottom section and makes it Amber in color. The brake light is also expanded into a full "horseshoe" pattern. Redesigned switchbacks, and brake bulbs for the best output!

    When swapping out of a stock truck you may need load resistors on the turn signal circuit to prevent hyper flashing. You can find the resistors here.

    Includes:

    • 2 wire harnesses with all OEM
    • 4 Custom 7443 red Brake LEDS
    • 2 custom switchback bulbs(reverse/turn)"
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Stage 2
    "Description
    Taking the Total Tail Light Kit to the next level with double the brightness! Enter Stage 2. This kit uses all upgraded LEDs from VLEDS. Be warned.. this is bright!

    This kit includes the following:

    • 2 wire harnesses with all OEM connectors
    • 4 VLED 7443 Red bulbs
    • 2 VLED V6 Triton Switchback Reverse/Turn bulbs
    • 2 Tritton Bulb adapters
    Although the wiring is still plug and play like Stage 1, slight modification to the reverse hole of the tail light will be necessary.

    ******NOTE: After testing, most Trucks do not require the resistor. Therefore they are NOT included. But can be purchased separately here.******"
     
    tonered and bubba swift like this.
  4. Feb 2, 2022 at 7:45 AM
    #4
    CSVT

    CSVT Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2020
    Member:
    #328686
    Messages:
    202
    Gender:
    Male
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Pro
    FWIW, the stage 1's are plenty bright if you're concerned about it at all. Every time I unlock the truck the amber turn signals (which look great) are like a light saber igniting in my brain. Look awesome! I almost feel sorry for the people who have to sit behind me when I'm blinking LOL
     
  5. Feb 2, 2022 at 7:46 AM
    #5
    Borracho Loco

    Borracho Loco My truck identifies as a Prius.

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2021
    Member:
    #376357
    Messages:
    3,046
    Gender:
    Male
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Voodoo Blue - Tacoma TRD Offroad DCSB
    Oh look, another mod....
    From what I have read & seen, the only difference is the brightness. I have the stage one and they are seriously bright.
     
    Montana_Actual likes this.
  6. Feb 2, 2022 at 9:39 AM
    #6
    Korby

    Korby [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2020
    Member:
    #337610
    Messages:
    272
    Gender:
    Male
    Freeport PA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Magnetic Grey Tacoma TRD Sport
    Thanks everyone!
    I thought that's was the only difference between the two. I will more than likely get the stage 1 or wait until there is a fire sale on the sale page when everyone jumps to the meso full led. Lol
     
    Montana_Actual and #4TOY4ME like this.
  7. Feb 2, 2022 at 10:29 AM
    #7
    dan33410

    dan33410 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Member:
    #313870
    Messages:
    140
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 Quicksand TRD Off Road
    Agreed, the brightness is more than enough on the Stage 1 kit, I'd imagine the Stage 2 kit would piss people off at night.

    Stage 1 is an awesome upgrade and I have zero complaints. The switchback bulbs can be a little temperamental in extreme cold (-40C), but I haven't read of anyone else having that problem but me. MESO sent me replacement bulbs, they take care of their customers!
     
    Montana_Actual likes this.
  8. Feb 2, 2022 at 11:56 AM
    #8
    baldbeardedtaco

    baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2018
    Member:
    #265223
    Messages:
    3,321
    Gender:
    Male
    FL
    Vehicle:
    18 TRD Sport DCSB MGM
    That is the least of my worries… if your pissed off being behind me then that means your ass can see me! Stage2 upgraded triton extremes in all holes… light up the night, hell light up the day
     
    Tacospike likes this.
  9. Feb 2, 2022 at 12:03 PM
    #9
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2017
    Member:
    #231055
    Messages:
    31,113
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    tony
    Lynnwood, WA
    They are not that bright. Although one of my friends asked if my third brake light was out because the running lights are so bright.



    Regardless, fixing the piss poor stocking brake / turn signal lighting is the major bene of either kit. Seeing stock Tacos versus a few that I have seen with the TotalTails is night and day different.
     
  10. Feb 2, 2022 at 12:05 PM
    #10
    Taco_mike73

    Taco_mike73 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2019
    Member:
    #311413
    Messages:
    3,165
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    York, PA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Cement SR5 DCSB 4x4
    Lomax tonneau cover, oem bed lights, AJT Design chrome delete, black out badges & tailgate letters, AVS hood deflector & vent visors, Solkie tech hood supports, interior LED lights, Tufskinz mud guards, RedArc TowPro Liberty, bed mat, kicker speaker upgrade, Hikari ultra H11 low beams, Diode Dynamics SS3 fogs in yellow, Meso customs total taillight stage 1. Coming soon: Compact powered sub install Future mods planned: bigger tires (265/75/16) BILLSTIEN 5100 lift
    I have stage 1 couldn't be more happy. they are plenty bright. the amber turn signal is good as well as bright too. On my SR5 I need load resistors but seems not everyone does.
     
    Tacospike likes this.
  11. Feb 2, 2022 at 12:23 PM
    #11
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2018
    Member:
    #273198
    Messages:
    14,420
    Gender:
    Male
    512
    Vehicle:
    16 Tacoma TRD Sport DCSB / 17 Tundra 5.7L 4X4 CM
    Two Trucks
    Stage 2 is bright but it’s not blinding like most people might be assuming. The break bulbs are in a diffused hosing, they aren’t exposed diodes in your face like other higher end manufacturers. Those can be hard on the eyes. The switchback bulb uses radial lenses to distribute light in the housing. More than actually might shines outward. They have updated some of the lens designs for this as well. Both are great options and neither will blind anyone.

    I have no personal experience with the extremes (only seen pics), but imagine those would put out some light.

    Now, my VLED brake bar, that is pretty bright
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2022
    tonered likes this.
  12. Feb 2, 2022 at 12:26 PM
    #12
    juandirt

    juandirt Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Member:
    #305356
    Messages:
    98
    Gender:
    Male
    DuPage,Il
    Vehicle:
    2019 Access SR utility
    Stage 1 is plenty.
     
    Montana_Actual likes this.
  13. Feb 2, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    #13
    mrkabc

    mrkabc Mall Crawler with a Locker

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2014
    Member:
    #131627
    Messages:
    1,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Art
    Corona, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DCSB TRD OR
    Morimoto XB LED Head & Fog Lights, Cali Raised Stealth Light bar, OEM Roof Rack, Homelink Compass Mirror, Power Tailgate Lock, LED bed lights, MESO mirrors, gashole, switch panel & Stage 2 tails, PRO grille. Where's the mall?
    I have Stage 2 - they are not "blindingly bright" by any means. They are definitely visible, and considering the lack of attention on the road these days I wanted to be sure that my brake lights are SEEN.

    MY vote is Stage 2 - get the best! VLED honors their warranty as well. Had one of my VLEDs burn in half for some unknown reason. Sent them a pic and they were promptly sending me a replacement via express. Was up and running again with no hassle, just great service.
     
    mic_sierra, Tacospike and tonered like this.
  14. Feb 2, 2022 at 1:49 PM
    #14
    shinbo

    shinbo Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2022
    Member:
    #386500
    Messages:
    35
    Vehicle:
    2022 Limited - MGM
    I just found out about this kit. After seeing the video comparing stock vs these; these are amazing!
    I'm interested in doing the stage 1 kit now.
    My stock taillights light up the same way as the video showed.
    Can I assume that these will work on my 2022?
     
    Tacospike likes this.
  15. Feb 2, 2022 at 1:51 PM
    #15
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2018
    Member:
    #273198
    Messages:
    14,420
    Gender:
    Male
    512
    Vehicle:
    16 Tacoma TRD Sport DCSB / 17 Tundra 5.7L 4X4 CM
    Two Trucks
    Yes
     
    shinbo[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Feb 2, 2022 at 2:59 PM
    #16
    Bronxguy

    Bronxguy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #351563
    Messages:
    94
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2021 Off Road
    This by far is one of the best upgrade you can make to your lighting IMO
     
    Montana_Actual likes this.
  17. Feb 2, 2022 at 3:20 PM
    #17
    Montana_Actual

    Montana_Actual ;)

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2021
    Member:
    #381174
    Messages:
    2,124
    I have the stage 1. Honestly, stage 2 shouldn't even exist. If your reverse light goes out on the stage 2 kit, then you have to fork over $140 for new bulbs because you cut the housing to fit those specific ones (I forget what kind they are - but they are not worth the price).

    Get the stage 1.
     
    mic_sierra and Korby[OP] like this.
  18. Feb 2, 2022 at 3:24 PM
    #18
    Bronxguy

    Bronxguy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #351563
    Messages:
    94
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2021 Off Road
    Absolutely! I picked up a set last year as a spare for 100 bucks crazy I know.
     
  19. Feb 2, 2022 at 5:51 PM
    #19
    Bronxguy

    Bronxguy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #351563
    Messages:
    94
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2021 Off Road
    Just checked my switchbacks (blinker and reverse) they are new style 921.
     
  20. Feb 2, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #20
    baldbeardedtaco

    baldbeardedtaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2018
    Member:
    #265223
    Messages:
    3,321
    Gender:
    Male
    FL
    Vehicle:
    18 TRD Sport DCSB MGM
    Fify
     
    Tacospike and mic_sierra like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top