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Backup Lighting Noob

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Trucks!, Sep 29, 2017.

  1. Sep 29, 2017 at 12:24 PM
    #1
    Trucks!

    Trucks! [OP] Something Clever

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    The Woods
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    I searched but could not find what I was looking for. Here's my idea, feel free to tell me it's idiotic :)

    I run a small manual snow plow and would like some additional lighting in the back. Nothing new there. Here's the challenge. I'm lazy and I don't want to wire up all kinds of switches etc. I'd also like the ability to easily remove it all anytime, so...my idea was to get a light bar, rig up a female 7 pin plug on the end allowing me access to the reverse light pin (center pin), hang the whole thing off my trailer hitch and get to 'er. When done plowing pull it off and throw it in the back for safe keeping.

    I already have an unused light bar advertised at 90W which I believe equates to 7.5amps (90W/12V=7.5amps). Is this too much for my idea? If so, would it work if instead of the reverse light pin I used the aux/12V charging pin? Better, worse, equally idiotic?

    Edit: I have both the 7 pin RV and 4 pin trailer plug on the back by the hitch.

    Any help is appreciated.
     
  2. Sep 29, 2017 at 12:46 PM
    #2
    swordfish

    swordfish Well-Known Member

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  3. Sep 29, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #3
    swordfish

    swordfish Well-Known Member

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    But if you have an existing light bar there's no reason you couldn't fab up something off a cheap ball mount and wiring kit.
     
  4. Sep 29, 2017 at 12:59 PM
    #4
    Trucks!

    Trucks! [OP] Something Clever

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    The Woods
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    2023 TRD Offroad DCSB MGM
    Thanks dude. I did look at those exact two products, but in addition to being lazy I'm also cheap. Since I already own a 9" light bar and have an extra ball mount I'd really like to try rigging something up. Just not sure if 90W is too much draw for the reverse light pin or the aux pin.

    The light bar I have has a "DT" connector coming off the back. It also came with a fused wiring harness with battery connections. Figured I'd plug the harness into the light and snip off the battery connectors and connect to a female 7 pin plug I can get on the cheap. Basically an $8 back up light unless my idea is stupid lol.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2017
  5. Sep 29, 2017 at 1:03 PM
    #5
    swordfish

    swordfish Well-Known Member

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    90w actual, or effective? Frequently LED lights will list the effective not the actual... Meh. Do it, put an in-line fuse it it and if the fucker cooks the wiring it'll stop at the fuse.
     
  6. Sep 29, 2017 at 1:06 PM
    #6
    Trucks!

    Trucks! [OP] Something Clever

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    The Woods
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    2023 TRD Offroad DCSB MGM
    Good question. Advertised as 90W but it's 18 cree LEDs...thought those were 3Watts a pop which would make 54watts.
     

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