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Adding Lights to rear bumper

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Bmedic50, Apr 13, 2017.

  1. Apr 13, 2017 at 3:18 PM
    #1
    Bmedic50

    Bmedic50 [OP] New Member

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    so I wanted to add a couple lights to my rear bumper that I could use on demand (not attached to the reverse lights). I purchased the Rigid Industries flush mount LEDs. My plan is to tap into the OEM LED bed lights so I can utilize the existing toggle on the dash.

    Does anyone know if there will be enough power to do this or would I need to run a dedicated power line. Also, should I add an inline fuse?


    I appreciate any help that can be provided.
     
  2. Apr 13, 2017 at 3:29 PM
    #2
    Law323

    Law323 it’s only weird if you make it weird

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    Sub'd. I'm doing this relatively soon but no LED bed lights. Gonna have to run a line to battery and get a switch
     
  3. Apr 13, 2017 at 5:52 PM
    #3
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    I personally wouldn't tap into the bed lights for more than one reason. Power and not sure how your electrical will like having a line with a double fuse in it. Maybe one of the electric pro's on here will know better but I wouldn't do it. Run your own power is my vote.
     
  4. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:20 PM
    #4
    mesojdm

    mesojdm New Member

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    I would run them off their own fused circuit. You can still tap off the bed lights for a signal.. but definitely run them off a dedicated line.
     
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  5. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:25 PM
    #5
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle not a PRO

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    See fine print
    This is what I would too. Safer. Just run 1 power cable from battery. But if your running wires you might as well run wires to run it off an independent switch lol.
     
  6. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:27 PM
    #6
    PaRunnerd

    PaRunnerd No N00B, No Pro.

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    Plenty planned thanks to all of you.
    I'm going to keep my eyes on this too, definitely a mod I want to do.
     
  7. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:28 PM
    #7
    mesojdm

    mesojdm New Member

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    Anytime I'm running wires to the back, I will run a few extra all together in the loom. That way anytime I need to add a circuit it's prewired
     
  8. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:32 PM
    #8
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    Yes. Just make sure you wire it with a relay to the switch. This will give it the capabilities of retaining amp draw for your 3rd brake light bed lights as not to blow a fuse.
     
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  9. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:36 PM
    #9
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    It would be similar to something like this on a 4pin relay. But instead if tapping a high beam. You'd be tapping the on positive wire of the bed lights switch.

    [​IMG]
     
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  10. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:51 PM
    #10
    Bmedic50

    Bmedic50 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks fellas. Def more wiring than I anticipated. I had just assumed that tapping the new lights with the bed lights (red to red, black to black) would be just fine. Main reason why I went with the small LEDs. I may need to do some more research on this one as I have limited electrical skills.
     
  11. Apr 13, 2017 at 7:56 PM
    #11
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    Is this why everyone is getting the battery terminals? So they don't tap in to existing power?
     
  12. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:00 PM
    #12
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    I'm looking to add some lighting and am quite timid about screwing up my electrical system. I've wired many a houses but a truck is a new venture. Where can I find more diagrams like this to hook up reverse lights, light bar, and some spot beams?
     
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  13. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:01 PM
    #13
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    It looks a little more daunting than it really is. However, if you're looking for the simplest route then wiring to a dedicated switch is the easiest way.

    Even the smallest LEDs need to have a regulated power source and proper protection to save the fuses from popping and or over/underpowering which can cause shorting and more.
     
  14. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:02 PM
    #14
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    You say it's easier than it looks but for someone like myself...where do I find the info to get me started?
     
  15. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:07 PM
    #15
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    Honestly... Just a lot of research online. And phoning a friend. I've had a lot of time with auxillary lighting. But I definitely had my screw ups. Haha

    It becomes a bit of a mess but giving dedicated switches to each is the easiest alternative. Otherwise you're shelling out a good amount of cash to a light box with a built in relay. Personally I always used a PDBs (power distribution block) and wired my lights from there. It requires minimal amounts of electrical experience and is the proper way to add multiple auxillary devices.
     
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  16. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:09 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    I have a good bit of home electrical experience but vehicles get me nervouse

    Are guys installing battery terminals for external power so they aren't draining the capabilities of stick sources?
     
  17. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:09 PM
    #17
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    YouTube "installing a light bar". There's a lot of good videos that go into detail about setting up proper wiring and installation.

    Same with PDBs for auxillary lighting.

    I'm definitely a learn by watching kind of person so this was the easiest way to get a visual representation of installation instructions.
     
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  18. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:12 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    I have, and there are so many variations that I'm concerned about which is the best
     
  19. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:12 PM
    #19
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    not so much so they aren't draining capabilities. More so because it's cleaner and easier to diagnose if something goes wrong.
     
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  20. Apr 13, 2017 at 8:13 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    Would you recommend this then?
     
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  21. Apr 13, 2017 at 9:00 PM
    #21
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    I'll see what I can dig up when I can. I'm out with the lady right now.

    Definitely. It just makes it easier. Haha
     
  22. Apr 13, 2017 at 9:01 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    You're the man. Enjoy the night out. Sorry to keep bothering you
     
  23. Apr 14, 2017 at 5:43 AM
    #23
    Law323

    Law323 it’s only weird if you make it weird

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    pretty much. it's more of a "room to breathe" thing. If you have an LED bar, lockers, winch, and backup lights, you aren't going to put ALL those on one positive terminal. Those terminals that have so many insert points are for additions like that.

    But yeah, it's not always good to tap into existing lines.
     
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  24. Apr 14, 2017 at 12:51 PM
    #24
    FlashCulprit

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    No bother man! haha Date nights are hard cause I just wanna party on the forums.

    I found a few resources. I'll compile a nice list later tonight. There's not a great step by step butI'll see what I can do.

    Exactly. Law nailed it. It's really just a way to keep things clean, simple, and out of the way.
     
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  25. Apr 14, 2017 at 2:49 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    And that's why I like you guys more than my ex-wife. You guys are helpful....and she's a pain in the dick!!!:violent:
     
  26. Apr 14, 2017 at 2:53 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    So, here's another question...

    If i'm not tapping into existing lines then does my gauge wire and size fuses differ depending on the lights that are being installed? If so, would i be able to find that information out by looking on installation guides, in the paperwork with the light, or on the manufacturer's site?

    If you haven't noticed yet....I'M NOT A "READ THE MANUAL" KIND OF GUY!!!

    I'm looking for specific directions on WHERE to find the answers...not necessarily the answers;)
     
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  27. Apr 14, 2017 at 4:14 PM
    #27
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    Yes. But 99 percent of the manufacturers will send wire kits with proper gauging and fuses even relays pre installed to make sure you don't have to futz around with learning what wires go where. Makes is super easy to make take the guesswork out. They also usually send an install guide or have one on the site. haha

    Im not either man. I'm right there with you. As I said, I'm a visual learner not a reading learner.

    Every kit is a little different though by brand. So I get your questioning on the subject.
     
  28. Apr 14, 2017 at 4:17 PM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    Thanks for answering questions.

    I appreciate it
     
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  29. Apr 14, 2017 at 4:19 PM
    #29
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

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    Anytime! :cheers:
     
  30. Apr 14, 2017 at 4:39 PM
    #30
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS The cheese goes on the bottom bun

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    So Joe, If I want to run two rear reverse lights I'd go this route but tap the 86 into the positive reverse light wire? Relay specs?
     

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