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Anyone replace their Cargo Light [LED] Bulbs?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by pushgears, Feb 23, 2023.

  1. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:22 PM
    #1
    pushgears

    pushgears [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How difficult would it be to replace the OEM Cargo LED Bulbs in a 2021 DC? I would like to swap them out for something brighter with greater intensity. Strictly as a safety improvement for nighttime operation, they could supplement the truck's reverse lights when backing up, and also help the occasional tailgater see better by illuminating the road from ahead.
     
  2. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:39 PM
    #2
    Taco23Trl

    Taco23Trl Well-Known Member

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    So far…. Added fog lights swapped halogens to led’s, interior lights to led’s, bed lights added, led/strobe brake lights, trying to figure out the right leds for turn signals.
    Following… agreed factory ones don’t do anything
     
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  3. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:42 PM
    #3
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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    You have to pull down headliner. It a pain in the ass.
     
  4. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:45 PM
    #4
    Crowkiller06

    Crowkiller06 Yeah, but this one goes to 11!

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  5. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:46 PM
    #5
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    They aren’t bulbs….they’re chips soldered to a circuit board. You’d have to go with an aftermarket type of housing instead or disassemble the factory one and solder in something brighter.

    I’d say your efforts are better invested in adding supplemental lighting at the bumper, either recessed in or bolted underneath. Or get something like the Meso hitchpod, I have one of those for sale.

    I would not suggest flashing them at tailgaters, it’s a liability. If they wreck into something because of that, it could be a problem for you.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2023
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  6. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:53 PM
    #6
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Bed lights for illuminating the bed. Brighter reverse lights for reversing.

    Don't install fuck-you lights. Don't be that guy. It doesn't teach lessons, it just starts fights.
     
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  7. Feb 23, 2023 at 6:43 PM
    #7
    Tallgrass05

    Tallgrass05 Well-Known Member

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    "help the occasional tailgater"--only if you want to go to court.
     
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  8. Feb 23, 2023 at 7:05 PM
    #8
    canuck guy

    canuck guy Well-Known Member

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    Tailgaters are probably aggressive, or oblivious, and may have a weapon. Just let them by in my opinion.
     
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  9. Feb 24, 2023 at 4:24 AM
    #9
    pushgears

    pushgears [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You're right.
     
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  10. Feb 24, 2023 at 9:55 AM
    #10
    joeypdx

    joeypdx Well-Known Member

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    I installed a replacement LED unit which was a PITA to do - but I like it. Led Third Brake Light Replacement for 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 To-yota Tacoma Limited SR SR5 TRD Pickup Trucks Strobe Led 3rd Brake Center High Mount Stop Lamp White Cargo Light Kit Smoked Lens (amazon.com)

    I would say though most bang for the buck in illuminating the bed is the optional LED's that install in the rear as someone else posted above. I have them and they are indeed perfect for their intended use.
     
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  11. Feb 24, 2023 at 9:58 AM
    #11
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

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    Well, shit

    X2
     
  12. Feb 24, 2023 at 10:50 AM
    #12
    atc250r

    atc250r Recovering Ram Owner

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    LED interior, license plate, and fog lights. More to come.
    I bought a set of the knockoffs of the OEM bed lights from Amazon for like $25. Easy install and they've been in there since October without any issues. They're far more useful than bright can mounted bed lights IMO because if you have a tonneau cover, the cab mounted ones do nothing.
     
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  13. Feb 24, 2023 at 10:57 AM
    #13
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    I’m guessing most are missing the fact that he said he wanted to use them as additional backup lights.
     
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  14. Feb 24, 2023 at 2:22 PM
    #14
    RIX TUX

    RIX TUX no ducks given

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    get led lic plate lights too
     
  15. Feb 24, 2023 at 2:44 PM
    #15
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    That request makes zero sense, to be honest. Either point the lights into the bed or point them behind the vehicle. Those zones do not overlap. Attempting to overlap those zones only results in a light that both blinds the poor bastard standing at the tailgate AND casts an unusable shadow behind the tailgate. It's cheaper, easier, and more effective to upgrade both zones separately.
     
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  16. Feb 24, 2023 at 3:21 PM
    #16
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    I agree, I wouldn’t ever use the cargo lights for reverse, but my point was people suggesting getting bed lights are not providing anything that will help the OP achieve his goal, as he isn’t trying to light up his bed.
     
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  17. Feb 24, 2023 at 4:36 PM
    #17
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Ya know, you're absolutely right on that point.

    I'd start by putting higher wattage bulbs in the reverse socket. Failing that, cube lights on a relay that's triggered by the reverse wire.
     
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  18. Feb 24, 2023 at 4:55 PM
    #18
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    Same. Lights in the bumper was my solution. I do have brighter bulbs in the housing via my tail light conversion kit but they weren’t enough improvement for my desires - so I recessed some rigids in the bumper. Couldn’t ask for more light now.
     
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  19. Feb 24, 2023 at 6:35 PM
    #19
    BTL Y-Wing

    BTL Y-Wing Well-Known Member

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    For reverse lighting you can easily swap out the factory bulbs for brighter LEDs. I ran some super bright ones from Diode Dynamics for a while before replacing them with the Meso Customs Total Tailight kit. If you need more distance illumination, then I'd say rear mounted pods on a switch might be a good route (nevermind my current plans to try to mount an entire light bar in the rear...)
     
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  20. Feb 24, 2023 at 6:37 PM
    #20
    shotgunbilly420

    shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 249+ mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

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    I upgraded to the morimoto third brake light waiting for it's arrival
     

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