DRL Optioned Ditch Lights

Am I able to wire my ditch lights to my existing DRL on my truck? I already have negative and positive hooked up to my battery and switch. All I need is to have the DRL option functioning.

 

Yes it is very possible. Not sure why you would want to do that though. Ditch lights are to be used in the dark when offroading...not driving during the day. You wouldn't be able to see the beam at all from the driver seat with the sun up. That said, I don't see any mention of a relay and you wouldn't need a switch if they are only to come on when the DRL's are on...unless you want them switched as well. Then it gets a little more complicated. Also, check your local laws as having them on as non-DOT lights on during the day can be illegal.

 

The ditch lights has an amber DRL option which wouldn't be as bright as the beam of light the actual ditch light would put out. The switch I have doesn't allow me to control either option, just on/off. Do you know of any switch that'll fit in the OEM panel that can control both?

 

ch4x4.com has plenty of options for switches to control both. Otherwise, you would need a relay for both lights. Power one relay with the switch and the other relay with a fuse tap on the DRL circuit if you don't want to cut or splice wires.

 

I'm with the others, in that I don't see the point...

Perhaps something like the Rigid Industries back up light wiring harness. I have this kit wired to reverse lights in my aftermarket bumper. It allows the lights to come on automatically with the truck's reverse lights, but the lights can also be turned on manually, or turned off completely. It utilizes a 3-way switch and a relay to do this.

https://www.rigidindustries.com/sr-m-sr-q-backup-kit-harness-40192-1.html

 

All is spot on.
Except the DRL (on my truck) are switched. I can select for them to be off or to come on automatically when the handbrake is released. They are also on when I turn on my parking lights & headlights at night.

So, like you said, they would be on ALL of the time unless specifically place to the DRL OFF position - not recommended. And then on ALL the time that the headlights are on - without a choice.

Prolly NOT legal, either. I too, am not sure why OP would want them wired to the DRL. ???

 

great way to blind/confuse everyone on the road!

 

Op talking about a backlight function. Just douche lights, not ditch, ie, just an uplifting gentle stream, like a touch of warm sunshine to brighten your day and warm your inner self, while cleansing your soul. Just imagine all the smiles op will get from everyone.

 

This may work
https://www.diodedynamics.com/plug-and-play-backlight-harness-for-2016-2023-toyota-tacoma-pair.html

 

Just wire in a cheap switch panel. These lights should not be on constantly. I have any back lit lights wired into a low amp output on my switch panel so just like all the other lights they can be on or off as i please. Constantly running a backlit light is not wise.

 

Also, sorry op, I am listing for a backlight on some off road lights.

 

I'm wondering if I hook up a dual switch inside the cabin, and wire the third wire straight to the switch since the ground and positive have the relay and are already connected to the battery, would work?

 

Sounds like you don’t have a strong idea of wiring. I would consult someone who knows how to wire up a dual relay system. Or up the insurance on your truck to cover the fire later…

 

I do not, hence why I am here asking for advise. Plus I've been researching all over for anyone who's done similar lighting but no one's shown the wiring harness in detail how they're operating the DRL on a ditch light off a switch.

 

Look up an auxbeam switch panel. All you need is a positive and negative offset the battery and switched 12v to activate it.

Then you just wire in the positive and negetive right to a relay box in the engine bay. Few extra dollars but simple wiring and safer all around.

 

@Maussr5 when exactly do you want the backlights on? I am assuming your truck has auto low beams, so the following is assuming you are in the sun, and the auto function hasn’t taken over. If you switch the stalk to:
DRL OFF - everything is off.
AUTO (again, assuming you are in the sun) - The DRL is on full brightness. This is the amber light that is closest to your grille. It will be on full brightness except when you use the turn signal, then it flashes.
Parking lights - The DRL lights are still on full brightness. The side marker lights now light up as well.
Low beams - your DRL is now officially off. On the TRDs this is still true, but the parking circuit lights them up dimmer. Same for your truck. That amber light closest to the grille will still be lit up, but dimmer. It will light up full brightness when it flashes with the turn signal though.

So if you wanted the back lights to act like one of those (or two of those, it’s possible to combine parking and DRL), then tapping right off the headlight will do it. If you want the option to “disable” them from turning on with whatever function you choose, that is doable too. Anything is possible, it’s just a matter of how complicated you want to get. If you can let me know better when you want the backlights on, I can probably help more.
Also, what lights are you using for ditch lights?

I have mine wired to the turn signal, which on an SR is harder than you’d think