Wiring Auxiliary Backup Lights to Existing Backup Lights & brand suggestions

I’m going to install some auxiliary backup up lights.

I only want them to come on when I put the truck in reverse. I don’t want to be able to flip them on if someone is following too close or has their brights on, etc.

Any specific brand recommendations?

I’m probably going to flush mount them unless someone convinces me otherwise!

Do I get a wiring harness or just splice into the trailer hitch lights? I frequently tow a trailer but it doesn’t have back up lights.

Any other suggestions or comments?

thank you.

 

Cheapest lights work the best, so when they rot out in 2 years, you won't cry about it.

Also, use this Curt harness as a sacrificial breakout harness. That way you're not modifying the truck wiring, and all your mods are reversible.

$38 CURT 56584 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 5-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness , Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007EA6WQU

 

I went with an OPT7 tailgate bar with Curt harness. No splicing at all. Works great as a backup light and assists in getting distracted drivers’ attentions when braking and turning.

 

^it should be noted that I'm on my second opt7 bar in 5 years, and they don't offer any significant length of warranty on them outside of DOA. They do offer additional warranty coverage for an additional cost though.

So I believe a lot of opt7 bars die very early deaths.


Also, the opt7 really doesn't do great for reverse lights. It's really just a novelty indicator.

 

That’s a bummer. I’ve had mine going on 3 years with no issues. I also believe the reverse light provides a nice boost over stock. To each their own I guess.

 

Ideally I would like to do the same, but have them wired to my 8Gang. I would recommend Diode Dynamics for lights though. I have their SS2 and SS3 and they are just top notch in quality and brightness.

 

I bought these:

$42 Nilight - 14042F-B 2Pcs 40W Flush Mount LED Pods Flood LED Work Light Bar, Off Road Backup Driving Lights Fog Lamp for Jeep Bumper ATV UTV SUV Truck Boat

https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Back...x=flush+mount+truck+lights,aps,97&sr=8-9&th=1

They have been installed since 2020. I have no complaints. A bright light for sure. Have lasted well. I think they go well with the bumper. I did pair them with an Auxbeam controller, not wiring with my reverse lights.

 

Be careful splicing lights into the existing wiring as you can overload the wiring and melt it. Wiring a relay with dedicated power is the way to go and have the reverse circuit trip the relay.

 

As long as the fuses are maintained to the OE size specifications, there's absolutely no risk of melting wires.


I'm running OEM filament reverse bulbs, with an opt7 bar and 2 auxiliary reverse lights off the OE wiring with zero issues.

 

Understanding current draw and resistance is key. If ONLY used for reversing then 10A for 30 seconds should be fine. If running rear fogs, 10A for 6 hours can cause issues on 22ga wire. So like I said, “be careful”

 

I believe all auxiliary lighting should be on its own circuit and the factory wiring should be left alone.
If your so compelled that it has to be integrated use a relay and only use the factory wiring as signal to click on the relay.

Second note to this though I would never tie in an aux light that can't be shut off. Don't be that guy firing up super bright lights for no reason in town. Tie them into a seperate switch and activate as needed, it really isn't hard to get power to the rear of the truck.

 

The backup lights on my 2020 sport are poor. I have been wondering about adding something a little brighter.
(almost backed into my wifes 2022 RAV 4 limited the other night)
Anywho. the stock backup lights n the 2020 Tacoma sport are very poor and need an upgrade . Now that I am reading that the existing wiring is also weak I am wondering how I will approach this issue.

 

I originally thought I would not want to be able to turn the auxiliary bumper mounted backlight lights on by a switch. I figured I’d want the lights to come on only when I put my truck in reverse.

After thinking about it, I decided I wanted install a 3 position switch that would #1 turn the auxiliary lights completely off, #2 make the auxiliary lights function like my normal backup lights work and #3 would allow me to turn the auxiliary lights on and leave them on.

I had not thought much about the ability to turn the lights on and leave them on but I got to thinking that sometimes I’m connecting my boat trailer in the dark or I’m launching recovering my boat in the dark and having the extra lights would be very helpful.

I looked online and found that Rigid Industries makes a wiring harness that suits my needs.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.