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Opinion wanted on backup light wiring current capacity, adding lights

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by hotrod53, Dec 27, 2015.

  1. Dec 27, 2015 at 12:52 PM
    #1
    hotrod53

    hotrod53 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I recently purchased some Cree LED aux lights that I plan to connect to my reverse lights, I just can't see well enough in the backup camera. That are 15w each, 30 extra watts at 12v gives me an extra 2.5 amps on that wire. Obviously I could add a hot wire from up front and trigger a 12v relay if I need to. On the other hand, 2.5 amps isn't a lot. Has anyone had any experience in adding extra reverse lights and would know if adding an additional 2.5 amps would be an issue?
     
  2. Dec 27, 2015 at 1:00 PM
    #2
    Croth51

    Croth51 Croth Metal Works

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    I run a led pod off my wiring, I think you'll be fine Hahah
     
    Captain Taco likes this.
  3. Dec 27, 2015 at 1:06 PM
    #3
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can't see.

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    There are whole threads with folks tying this very light in. I'll be doing some myself, but I'll be switching mine in the cab so they can be worklights or auxiliary BU, as needed.

    I upgraded my OE BU lights with higher wattage yard light bulbs, my camera displays quite well with those.
     
  4. Dec 27, 2015 at 1:17 PM
    #4
    hotrod53

    hotrod53 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Dec 27, 2015
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  5. Dec 27, 2015 at 1:21 PM
    #5
    SeniorSpan

    SeniorSpan Well-Known Member

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    hotrod53,

    Wanting to add an additional backup camera vs additional backup lights, to my Tacoma triggered off my existing backup lights, I found this by ChrisFix. I mounted the relay right behind the tail light. Works like a charm.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVG7X-ae298

    I hope this is of some help.
     
  6. Dec 27, 2015 at 4:44 PM
    #6
    maineah

    maineah Well-Known Member

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    Probably less than doubling the wattage on a standard bulb.
     
  7. Dec 27, 2015 at 4:52 PM
    #7
    HawkShot99

    HawkShot99 Well-Known Member

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    If you want to add those lights, maybe swap the stock bulbs for Leds. That will free up some power for the auxiliary lights.
     
  8. Dec 27, 2015 at 4:52 PM
    #8
    steelhd

    steelhd Well-Known Member

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    Do you tow a boat or trailer? If so you need to take those lights into consideration and you might be pushing your wiring a little too far.
     
  9. Dec 27, 2015 at 5:49 PM
    #9
    hotrod53

    hotrod53 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I do tow a boat and a trailer but I'm not sure how that applies unless you are referring to a trailer that has reverse lights. These wires would be separate from running and brake light wiring unless I'm missing the point somehow. Can you explain?
     
  10. Dec 27, 2015 at 6:30 PM
    #10
    steelhd

    steelhd Well-Known Member

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    If your trailer has backup lights all six lights will be illuminated at the same time. You need to account for all of them.
     
  11. Dec 27, 2015 at 11:08 PM
    #11
    MDB Taco

    MDB Taco Well-Known Member

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    I have mine run off a dedicated harness. They are triggered from the reverse trigger wire (the one that goes hot when you shift into reverse) and have a manual in-cab rocker switch too.
     
  12. Dec 28, 2015 at 4:03 AM
    #12
    Snizz

    Snizz Member

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    I tapped the reverse wire, and ignition power wire from the towing harness. I put a switch in the bed cubby to choose either ON with ignition power, ON with reverse lights, or OFF completely if I'm towing or dont want to blind those behind me while reversing. I am using 18w Nilight led lights, flush mounted in the bumper.
     
  13. Dec 28, 2015 at 6:34 AM
    #13
    iK0NiK

    iK0NiK Insert custom title here.

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    I picked up a set of 2, 18W pods for Chirstmas that I'm hoping to mount underneath and be powered by the towing harness.

    Where have you guys mounted your pods?
     
  14. Dec 28, 2015 at 4:34 PM
    #14
    08TacoTrD

    08TacoTrD Well-Known Member

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    There are a few good write ups on TW that show how to do it with a relay and a DPST switch using the reverse wire in the cab. Straightforward way to do it.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2015
  15. Dec 28, 2015 at 4:42 PM
    #15
    MDB Taco

    MDB Taco Well-Known Member

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    Also for what it's worth, here's a schematic I drew for another member describing my wiring setup.
    image.jpg
     
  16. Dec 28, 2015 at 5:12 PM
    #16
    Chuy

    Chuy Well-Known Member

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    Didn't add extra lights but did the backup light mod by replacing the OEM 921 bulbs with 50-watt 886 fog bulbs. Did this mod to all our Toyota products earlier this year and have not had any problems.
     

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