Reverse light wiring route

Looking to add some reverse lights to my 2015 Tacoma after tinting the windows. Anything to consider when routing the wires along the frame? I know up front the potential route gets close to the headers/exhaust. Thoughts?

 

Or you can use a custom Meso hitch pod… https://hotshotoffroad.com/products/hitchpod-combos?_pos=1&_sid=642100c83&_ss=r

 

I have 2 S1’s on order. I did look at that but want the ability to still use the hitch. I’m assuming other than the pod, you still have to figure out the wiring yourself with that kit?

 

What about replacement bulbs in your factory reverse locations? Are there any bulbs that are actually worth while?

 

I replaced them with some recommendations I found in here. the brightest I could find, helped a little bit. Now I have tint and I can’t see shit when backing up at night especially off trail.

 

Ah. Ok. That makes sense I guess. I’d like better reverse lighting as well

 

Just added a pair to my wife’s 4 runner but ran them to a control panel, used wire loom near the exhaust area hoping it might help with heat. I don’t have a control panel so still need to retain the harness/relay/fuse they provide. Found what I think will be a decent route but harness will get close to the exhaust system, not sure if I should avoid that area, add some wire loom. Just don’t want to melt wires and also don’t want to drill into vehicle and then put another wire through the firewall. So far wife’s is holding up well.

 

Hopefully that’s not too confusing

 

That’s good to know. I don’t suppose you have any pics of the wiring route, do you?

 

Not at the moment, was going to run along/ontop of the frame rails and then slip into the engine compartment near the splash guard/wheel well. Was planning on zip ties where I can find good spots. when I’m off work I’ll try and get a pic of the exhaust area that I’m concerned about

 

Awesome. Thank you!

 

@Mwhres145 @Jrunr619
Check out @crashnburn80 hir halogen reverse light thread.
I ran some 4gauge wire from the engine bay down the passenger side frame rail to the bed. There is a factory harness you can zip tie too all the way back. If you use your head you can easily keep it away from the exhaust.

 

4 gauge? Or 14 gauge?

 

Always meant to do that, but never got around to it.

I’m sure he didn’t do 4, 14 would be plenty. Here was the thread referenced. Relayed wiring boosts output but isn’t necessary.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gy6-35-hir-921-reverse-light-upgrade-vs-high-power-leds.474996/

 

Ahh, yes that’s exactly the thread I looked at and bought those exact bulbs. It’s better, but still need more to use side mirrors through tint at night. Installed 2 S1’s in the wife’s 4Runner and they are definitely better. A little bit more over the S1’s would be nice but I don’t want two huge pods under the bumper that I might risk ripping off.

 

Whenever ive done it, i just spliced into reverse wire at the trailer plug bundle. I use an in-line waterproof fuse a few amps lower than trailer circuit so it'll blow before whole trailer plug goes if anything happens.
If you are using small LED pods, they don't draw much amps.

 

I did 4 gauge for my onboard air setup, fridge, and some camp lighting in the bed. Not that you need it for some reverse lights.

 

Oh okay, yeah I think 14 should cover me for any of the small BD pods and short runs

 

Negative, installing an OEM switch in a blank position