Hardwire Tailgate LED Bar

I’m looking at getting the OPT light bar, but I want to hardwire it.

I know too much about t taps to stay away from them, but I’m wanting to know the best way to tap into the trailer harness and keep it water proof.

I figured I could cut the factory wires leading to the harness and twist them together with their respective wires from the light bar essentially creating one wire for each light feature (left blinker, right blinker, reverse, break, power) and solder them back into the harness. Then I’d finish up with shrink tubing.

Is there a better way to do this?

 

CURT 55384 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Black

$31 CURT 55384 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009FJ38Q

Splice into that. Basically ignore the 4 pin side. You could even remove it.

 

I spliced into my trailer harness like you stated and soldered everything. Works great two years later. But if I were to do it again, ^ Gbourne has a great idea there.

 

Will this prevent the lag you see when using a wiring harness instead of hard wiring?

 

i believe that lag comes from the processor in the light strip working it’s magic to make the lights come on.

if there isn’t a processor in the lights, then there shouldn’t be a lag. But if there isn’t a processor in the lights, then they won’t be fancy when lighting up.

 

Came here to link that. Works like a charm. I initially used it for a Rigid chase light, but ended up removing it and making my own t-harness. Anyway, there was no lag between the taillights and the chase light. Before installing this light, pay attention to how many of these things crap the bed. I see trucks all the time with these half working or whatever. Just a heads-up before blowing your monies.

 

Even the OPTs? They seem to be the most reliable of the bunch.

 

I have no idea. I just see them half working all the time. I remember shopping them at some point. I ended up going with a cheap one with the thinking that when it died, I wouldn't care as much. I would definitely read the Amazon reviews to see what experiences are like.