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Wiring LED lights to Tacoma battery

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by coleslaw26, Nov 10, 2023.

  1. Nov 10, 2023 at 8:50 PM
    #1
    coleslaw26

    coleslaw26 [OP] Active Member

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    Hey all, looking for some help/tips here. I'd like to wire some LED lights directly to my Tacoma's battery (2021 SR). The link for the lights is below. The idea is to stick these up into my camper shell, run the power from my car battery, and flick the switch on/off whenever I need some extra light in the camper shell (I don't want them to be connected to brake lights or anything like that, I want them running independently and to be operable whether the car electronics are on or off).

    The instructions for the product (which you can see on the product page) say to just connect the wires to the battery terminals. I don't know much about electricity/wiring, but they appear to be just loose wire ends. How would I connect these to the car battery? Do I need to install some sort of eyelet on them? Furthermore, is this product safe as it is, just connecting it to the battery terminals? Seems well reviewed I guess.

    Any and all help here is really appreciated. I've never taken on any electronics project before. Link below.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXR799K?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
     
  2. Nov 10, 2023 at 9:04 PM
    #2
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    You'd need some type of ring terminal or connector to connect to the battery terminals. Aftermarket battery terminals like the ones from sdhq would help as they offer multiple locations and sizes for connecting ring terminals.

    edit: Amazon listing looks like red wire to positive terminal and yellow wire to ground or black negative. The included switch would then turn the lights on or off as needed. You'd also need to figure out how to route the wires from the shell back to battery. Along the frame is pretty common.

    edit again: If you run the wires along the frame get some wire loom to enclose the wires and prevent exposure to the elements.

    A battery operated light source that Chew linked would be much easier.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2023
  3. Nov 10, 2023 at 9:06 PM
    #3
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

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    These are great, type C rechargeable, motion sensor, and an ON/OFF button, etc. I just glued the included metal strips to the roof on the back half of the topper. The batteries last a long time, and the motion sensor is nice, no switches to wire, just flip the back glass open and they turn on.
    LEPOTEC 30-LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light,Magnetic Motion Activated Light,Under Counter Closet Lighting, Wireless USB Rechargeable Kitchen Cupboard Night Lights,Motion Activated Light Bar-2Pack
     
    TnShooter likes this.
  4. Nov 10, 2023 at 9:38 PM
    #4
    RichochetRabbit

    RichochetRabbit Ping Ping Ping

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  5. Nov 10, 2023 at 9:39 PM
    #5
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    The 1st review on Amazon pretty much answers all your questions.
    To hook them to the battery, go to your local auto parts store and buy a Ring Terminal - Or more commonly called an “Eyelet”. As for the Ground, it doesn’t need to be tied to the battery. A body bolt will work. Same goes for it too, ring terminal to the bolt. Again read the review. The wires included are too short. So you need more wire too.

    FWIW, I would just just go the pattern powered light route like @Chew said.
     
  6. Nov 10, 2023 at 9:41 PM
    #6
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    If you plan on starting to add lights/accessories, I HIGHLY recommend installing a RTMR. That will give you multiple fuses and multiple relayed circuits to use and it will look cleaner than just multiple ring terminals and the battery.
    I had one on my Tacoma and have one on my Tundra.
     
    Greg-tacoma likes this.
  7. Nov 11, 2023 at 5:45 AM
    #7
    Greg-tacoma

    Greg-tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Agree with Windsor. You need a power distribution block with FUSES. Do not just run power without fusing the line. There are several solution you can purchase on Amazon. You’ll need to determine the load, if it is more than the switch can handle you’ll need a switched relay to handle to current. Do it right. Messing up power in the Tacoma will only lead to problems in the future. Good luck
     
  8. Nov 11, 2023 at 6:31 AM
    #8
    airforceb2cc

    airforceb2cc Well-Known Member

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    The power wire on this kit appears to be fused so you can hook it directly to the battery. If you add a couple other accessories, it can get pretty messy real quick under the hood so a distribution block from blue sea would be a good idea. Also, don’t forget and leave them on or you’ll have a dead battery.
     
  9. Nov 11, 2023 at 7:55 AM
    #9
    coleslaw26

    coleslaw26 [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks y'all! Super helpful info here. I definitely understand the internal battery-powered route, but was hoping to wire to the car directly so I never have to worry about charging. They'd only ever be on for a short duration. I also like the look of the adhesive strip, and I have a carpet headliner so I'm not sure how well the internal battery-powered option would stick. Anyway, yes, this product has an in-line fuse already, and I have no plans to install tons of lighting or electronics, this is probably it. Just want to have some more light in the shell during the dark and cold days of winter here in the mountain west.

    So, in summary, sounds like some eyelets and extra wire might do the trick here. Thanks again everyone.
     
  10. Nov 11, 2023 at 8:21 AM
    #10
    windsor

    windsor Just a guy

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    Canopy, fitted seat covers, OBA with self leveling air bags, 100w solar, dual Rhino Rack Pioneer platforms, side & rear LED work/FU lights, CB, cell booster. 7x16 cargo conversion, 3" lift, 7'x6.5' fold down aluminum rear deck.
    Does your shell currently have a light in it?
     
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