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Bed rack scene lights wiring

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by torsf_tw, Dec 29, 2019.

  1. Dec 29, 2019 at 3:57 PM
    #1
    torsf_tw

    torsf_tw [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2017 OR DCSB
    I'm wiring up Baja S2 flood lights to the right, left and rear of my 2017 Tacoma's bed rack. The plan is to have separate switches for left, right and rear so that I can illuminate each side as needed. It would be easier to wire it all or nothing, but I want the flexibility of one side at a time.

    Based on what I've read, it seems the recommended option is to run the wire through the firewall, under the driver side kick panels and then use one of the existing rubber grommets to exit the cab or the factory harness location. I've not figured out where the factory harness exits the cab, but it looks like it's somewhere above the fuel tank and behind the rear seats.

    If I was running one pair of wires I would go through the firewall, but with 3 separate wire pairs it's a bit thicker and I'd like to consider other options before I start. If I go under the cab, I'm planning on running each pair in their own split loom braid and then put all three pairs into single solid wire wrap, and then obviously avoid the exhaust and secure it properly.

    How bad of an idea is it to go under, and has anyone taken that option and regretted it?
     
  2. Dec 29, 2019 at 5:40 PM
    #2
    joeyv141

    joeyv141 Well-Known Member

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    I would have no problems with running wires under along the frame, just be careful with jack points and consider the I would think you are doubling the wires going through the firewall. 3 switches so 3 from batteries to switch then another 3 from said switch to lights, I suppose if you found the correct switch you could figure out a single power feed to the switch instead of running a separate power for each switch.
     
  3. Jan 1, 2020 at 8:07 AM
    #3
    dgcarbs

    dgcarbs Well-Known Member

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    Could put relays in the engine bay, then you'd only need to run small wires for the switches into/out of the cab.
     
  4. Jan 3, 2020 at 8:31 AM
    #4
    torsf_tw

    torsf_tw [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
    2017 OR DCSB
    I'm running an SPOD, so the switch wires aren't an issue. I finally went all the way under the truck, and there is an existing wire harness running from the engine bay, under the cab to the back. Guess I should have looked before I started a thread :oops:.
     
  5. Jan 11, 2020 at 10:16 AM
    #5
    torsf_tw

    torsf_tw [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    71
    Vehicle:
    2017 OR DCSB
    I ran the wires along the oem/stock harness, but in the drivers side front wheelwell, the OEM harness goes under the brake line before going up to the fuse box. I instead ran it by the fuel lines (I think), since I didn't want to be so close the UCA.

    I have 14 gauge automotive wire pairs each wrapped in their own wire braids, and then where it exits under the frame by the cab mount it is wrapped in a split loom. The end of the split loom is wrapped in electrical tape as well.

    IMG_6328.jpg IMG_6330.jpg
     

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