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Needing help on wiring/electrical

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by notbryon, Feb 28, 2022.

  1. Feb 28, 2022 at 5:19 PM
    #1
    notbryon

    notbryon [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am going to be running/wiring 3 different auxiliary lights very soon and plan on giving a try doing all the electrical myself rather than asking my friend to help.

    1. A-pillar ditch lights
    2. Rear bumper lights
    3. Hood scoop LED bar

    These are all gonna run dash switches in the cab. I guess my big questions are can all the ground wires be sandwiched on the positive terminal of my standard battery? Same question for the negative grounds can they all be grounded at the same spot? Where would I mount all 3 relays? And what is the best way to keep the wiring looking tidy in the engine bay aside from zip ties? Will this all be too much for my standard battery to support??

    **2017 Tacoma TRD Sport if that matters**

    Any help and feedback is appreciated!
     
  2. Feb 28, 2022 at 5:20 PM
    #2
    notbryon

    notbryon [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Posted this in the lighting forum also..just looking to get additional traction
     
  3. Feb 28, 2022 at 5:23 PM
    #3
    758_Moto

    758_Moto Well-Known Member

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    Very easy install. If you go to caliraisedled.com they have instructional videos, which are essentially the same no matter what type of lights you're installing. You'll hook all 3 up.to the battery and it won't be an issue.
     
  4. Feb 28, 2022 at 7:14 PM
    #4
    ktbell444

    ktbell444 One who throws exceptions

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    Safest practice would be to have a low amperage circuit pass through the switch to close the relay. Battery power will be what passes through the relay at that point. That prevents high current going through the switch.
    This is fine. Or a good ground on the chassis.
    There is a relay mount that Cali Raised sells, which mounts on the driver's side in the engine bay.
    Wire loom or convolex tubing.
    Should be, especially if your taco has the tow package. But even if it doesn't, I can't imagine you would run into any issues if the engine is running.
     
  5. Feb 28, 2022 at 7:19 PM
    #5
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 Grandma Dave

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    I installed a couple fuse box set ups recently. Would be best to have an AUX fuse box like this one below from blue sea. Also a fuse in-between. Safer than going straight to the battery IMO.

    20220215_125822.jpg
     
  6. Feb 28, 2022 at 7:32 PM
    #6
    notbryon

    notbryon [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you both @Superdave1.0 & @ktbell444 for the info…starting to understand more. I don’t mind having wired dash switches going thru the firewall into the engine. Beyond that I am looking for the layman setup for the wiring and relays without looking like a rats nest. Was going to ge this:
    https://overlandequipped.com/products/complete-auxiliary-power-kit-for-3rd-generation-toyota-tacoma-2016-present

    But then I still have to find a spot or mount 3 relays correct for each component, correct?
     
  7. Feb 28, 2022 at 7:48 PM
    #7
    Phil61s

    Phil61s Well-Known Member

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    That is what I just received in the mail today, the "Overland kit". Will install this weekend:thumbsup:
     
  8. Feb 28, 2022 at 8:16 PM
    #8
    ktbell444

    ktbell444 One who throws exceptions

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  9. Feb 28, 2022 at 9:21 PM
    #9
    Coldies

    Coldies Well-Known Member

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    So I’ve got two lights (light bar and ditch lights) on relays running on my positive and negative on the battery. Hard to explain unless you had the hood open , but I ran my wires from the battery to the access into truck through the rubber grommet/firewall behind the plastic valance that’s right next to the fender. The wires, if allowed, would fall into the fender well if not zip tied. My relays are tucked away as well. I’m gonna be adding chase lights as well and then be done! Ill grab a photo tomorrow if you need it.
     
  10. Mar 1, 2022 at 12:37 AM
    #10
    Absolut_Boost

    Absolut_Boost Well-Known Member

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    overkill for what you are planning, but a switch-pros sp-9100 offers arguably the cleanest wiring possible and eliminates the need for relays.
     
    ktbell444 likes this.
  11. Mar 1, 2022 at 3:29 AM
    #11
    ktbell444

    ktbell444 One who throws exceptions

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    I considered suggesting that, as I have one as well. Definitely beats cramming wires through the firewall every time I get something to add to a switch.
     
  12. Mar 1, 2022 at 4:20 AM
    #12
    notbryon

    notbryon [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am thinking one of those might be the route to go as that looks to eliminate the need for relays. The switch pros is $600 which I not really budgeted for with all the lights I already bought. Is there a more budget friendly option that isn’t a total piece of crap?

    @ktbell444
    @Absolut_Boost
     
  13. Mar 1, 2022 at 8:51 AM
    #13
    ktbell444

    ktbell444 One who throws exceptions

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    I got my switch pro through @memario1214.

    See if he's got any. I got mine for a great price through him.
     
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  14. Mar 1, 2022 at 9:01 AM
    #14
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    Appreciate the nod @ktbell444 :cheers:

    Hey @notbryon I think I MAY just have when you need. I have a new (but technically used since some wires have been bared) AAC Trigger 4 system sitting here. Might be just perfect for your use case. :notsure:
    Details on this unit here -
    https://triggercontroller.com/product/trigger-4-plus-controller/
     
    ktbell444[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Mar 1, 2022 at 9:06 AM
    #15
    Froth

    Froth Well-Known Member

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    When your running the wires thru the firewall, you can add a drop of dish soap to the end, it helps reduce friction and makes pulling the wires a lot easier thru the rubber grommet...
     
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  16. Mar 1, 2022 at 9:20 AM
    #16
    Fletcher37

    Fletcher37 Well-Known Member

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    If the Trigger 4 doesn't fit your needs, I bought a VOSwitch unit. Takes up to 8 accessories. It is working out great. I have the ditch light, fog lights, rear lights, front camera, driving lights attached to it. May add the fridge once it is hard-wired.

    I like that I only had to run 1 to 2 wires into the firewall to control up to 8 accessories on the switch panel inside. There is no need for tmounting relays all over the place. The VOSwitch has them inside. Neat and tidy.

    I also mounted a busbar on the inside engine bay wall near the ground terminals. The busbar organizes my ground wires neatly.

    These guys offer a discount if you use their code on VOSwitch's site:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5L7bFDlWOo

    discount code-- vos398768 on https://www.voswitch.com

    It was like 20% off when I tried it.

    The install was easy. I glued the VOSwitch unit to the top of my engine bay fuse box lid. (I had fabbed up a metal mount but it looked cluttered so I ditched it.).
     
  17. Mar 1, 2022 at 8:22 PM
    #17
    Absolut_Boost

    Absolut_Boost Well-Known Member

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    I'm the wrong person to ask that question, lol. I learned a long time ago when I bought my first AR to "buy once, cry once." I bought a stock DPMS and by the time I got finished changing everything I wanted to change, I was able to buy just a stripped lower and had my original rifle back together in addition to the one I had essentially built from scratch. I sucked it up and sprung for the SP-9100 rather than settle for something else, not be happy with it and then buy the switch-pros anyway.
     
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  18. Mar 1, 2022 at 8:39 PM
    #18
    oostroma

    oostroma (Boomer)

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    I would suggest a relay kit if you are planning more than 2x aux lights. I put my relay kit in a project box fastened on top of the fuse box.

    IMG_20200920_1339102.jpg
     
  19. Mar 1, 2022 at 9:35 PM
    #19
    Travace

    Travace Well-Known Member

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    im doing almost exactly this but with a added waterproof relay box. just need to install it all.
    upload_2022-3-1_21-35-17.jpg
     
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  20. Mar 1, 2022 at 10:08 PM
    #20
    Puppypunter

    Puppypunter Well-Known Member

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    If you think these 3 lights are all you'll be hooking up, I would look into a GEP fuse/relay set up. FRH-A24 | GEP PP 24 Way Fuse Relay Holder (customconnectorkits.com) They are pretty small and can be configured any way you want. A lot of tray set-ups seem like overkill to me for 3 lights. A 24 position GEP could hold 3 relays, 3 fuses, and a buss for power. If you don't mind doubling a wire, you could even make a ground buss. Then you have one wire (like a 12 gauge should be more than enough) for positive and one wire for negative going back to the battery. You could get an inexpensive crimper and learn how to crimp easy enough. If you want the wires to look good running through the truck, split loom is a good choice. If you really want that OEM look, consider wrapping them in a friction tape AmazonSmile: Inline Tube 2 Rolls Factory Electrical Non Adhesive Wiring Harness Friction Tape OEM (J-10-9) : Automotive Don't use electrical tape for this though. It eventually shrinks back and leaves a stick mess. Feel free to PM me if you need a hand. I remember what it was like learning this stuff (I am still learning it after a lot of years), so I am always happy to help someone starting out.
     
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