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The S.S. TRDFerguson: Captain’s Log

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021)' started by TRDFerguson, Mar 25, 2021.

  1. Dec 7, 2021 at 6:47 PM
    #331
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Prepped my ditch light harness. The default setup from Diode Dynamics uses a 3 way rocker so that you can control the backlight, and so they do not include a relay in the harness. I’m using an aftermarket switch that can’t handle that much current, so I added a relay in and removed the leads for the backlighting since I don’t want to use that (for now). Hoping to get the two wiring harnesses installed tomorrow (the light bar harness was good to go out of the box) and maybe get the lights installed later this week.
    40CE41A1-7886-4155-9685-3C182FA7427F.jpg
     
  2. Dec 7, 2021 at 6:58 PM
    #332
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Nice! Which brackets you go with?
     
  3. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:05 PM
    #333
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    I grabbed some Cali Raised LED brackets since that’s what @memario1214 carries. I’m not a huge fan of CR as a company, but their metal fab stuff is at least good quality. Plus it was easier for me to give all my money to Colton since he had a badass Black Friday sale.
     
  4. Dec 8, 2021 at 7:12 PM
    #334
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Wiring harnesses, switches and ditch light brackets were installed today. I’m waiting on a bus bar to hook everything up to power, and then I’ll try to get the lights installed in the next couple of days…
    23D2A2AE-E8DD-41F6-A060-91146D3D81B4.jpg 9FAF99B6-4AD4-4CD9-82E1-29A26A9ADAEA.jpg FCC1780E-5222-4547-B580-205CCBFDB5D3.jpg

    I test fit one of the SSC1 Pro pods to see how it looked. I’m digging it!
    3FEE9865-A3B7-4EBD-8F88-3B7F97D80E34.jpg 30598447-7D3D-4124-9689-12FD495AF227.jpg
     
  5. Dec 9, 2021 at 3:46 AM
    #335
    thedonn

    thedonn New Member

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    those (and your install) look great. I just finished installing a few LEDs on my new UTV so i could figure it out for my truck. that one has a keyed power busbar from the factory though so I am going to learn from your install. Im also swapping the headlights for TRD pro LEDs soon and the extra light you get from these things is incredible
     
  6. Dec 9, 2021 at 8:50 AM
    #336
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    This is the bus bar/fuse block I just ordered - I should be able to simplify the wiring a bit more by removing the harnesses' inline fuses and such, and then having a better connection for ground too.
    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GBV2MHN/

    The OEM LEDs are awesome though. You'll love that upgrade.
     
    TucsonTundra1794 likes this.
  7. Dec 11, 2021 at 3:55 AM
    #337
    thedonn

    thedonn New Member

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    sorry for the dumb question - im new to the electronics stuff. Is there no advantage to going with a switchpro or trigger unit ? maybe because you are doing your own wiring instead of having them put it together for you ? I am going to do some lights lights and eventually onboard air and a winch. Shorter term an upgraded stereo w amps and a sub or 2
     
    1794TX likes this.
  8. Dec 11, 2021 at 9:30 AM
    #338
    jhardy1979

    jhardy1979 New Member

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    Yes there is an advantage to the switchpro with it you don't have to run all the wiring into the cab to all of the switches for your different lights and other devices.
     
    TRDFerguson[OP] and 1794TX like this.
  9. Dec 11, 2021 at 10:23 AM
    #339
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    ^^^ This. I just have a shit load of blanks because I have an SR5, and I didn’t feel like spending $600+ on the SP or compromise on a cheaper controller. If I keep adding lights I’m sure I’ll convert to an SP setup though.
     
  10. Dec 12, 2021 at 8:27 PM
    #340
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Southeast Greater Basin, AZ
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    Started assembling a 4 way inflator to go with my Viair 400p, with the idea that it’d be a cheaper version of this Morrflate kit I saw online:
    https://morrflate.com/shop/morrflate-multi-tire-air-kits/morrflate-quad-4-tire-air-kit/

    After pricing everything out, I wasn’t really sure I was actually saving any money, but then I found out the Morrflate requires an additional adapter and the larger kit for our trucks, so I’m probably around $75-100 ahead.

    So far I have the inflator adapter and manifold assembled:
    5D187AFF-146A-4C94-8C20-3AEB9BAA0AB8.jpg
    04128D51-F37A-4F6A-8421-5C9B3042D4F5.jpg

    The inflator adapter uses the insulated quick connect end from a Viair hose kit, and the rest is sourced from Amazon and/or my garage. Once I get this done, I’ll put together a DIY thread with parts list. Thanks to @BiggHertz and @AT x AT for brainstorming with me on this.
     
    biebs96, TOYOTARIG, BiggHertz and 3 others like this.
  11. Dec 12, 2021 at 9:52 PM
    #341
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Going to upgrade the viair to a powertank? Remember, time is money :D
     
    TRDFerguson[OP] likes this.
  12. Dec 13, 2021 at 6:26 AM
    #342
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Lol, I’d love a powertank but that’s not in the budget for a while. The Viair actually does a really good job of inflating quickly, though. I’ll do a test run once everything is together to see how long it takes.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2021
    dittothat[QUOTED] and AZTundra like this.
  13. Dec 13, 2021 at 6:13 PM
    #343
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Finished up the inflator kit - just need to pressure test it and then wrap the T in some silicone tape to keep the clamps from snagging or picking up dirt.
    08C77483-B804-4F75-AEF1-EF1A75D8869A.jpg BA3201A4-2190-4C56-B6F5-F3AA9143C061.jpg 49E22537-46A7-47E6-9443-1941676A9D2D.jpg
     
  14. Dec 13, 2021 at 8:44 PM
    #344
    Bajis

    Bajis New Member

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    Trd suspension, RW wheels, 33’s
    Well done OP
     
    TRDFerguson[OP] likes this.
  15. Dec 14, 2021 at 6:47 PM
    #345
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Pressure tested the 4 way inflator and it’s good to go, so I wrapped the t fittings with silicone tape. That stuff is pretty nice, kind of like shrink wrap without needing to hit it with heat.
    480C3451-496A-4098-AAFA-DC82B172FDBA.jpg

    Also got the bus bar mounted and finished the wiring for the ditch lights and bumper bar. I need to add a piece of loom on the power wires going to the relays, but it’s basically done. Now just need to install the lights…
    DFECFFE0-B012-4C42-8774-FDA2B304EE1E.jpg

    Switches tested good!
    46A64425-E0FD-4F00-9FBE-B83321F8E363.jpg
    0DD14C75-1E9E-475D-A55F-78BC867422A9.jpg
     
  16. Dec 18, 2021 at 7:44 AM
    #346
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    The chucks I picked up don’t work with how short the exposed valve stems are with my aftermarket wheels. I’m going to try these out and see if they’ll engage full, and if not I’ll either modify the valve stem collars or buy shorter ones.

    AstroAI 4 Pack Air Chuck, Heavy Duty Closed Flow Lock On Tire Chuck with Clip for Inflator Gauge Compressor Accessories https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07D13V72Q?_encoding=UTF8
     
    AZTundra likes this.
  17. Dec 18, 2021 at 7:46 AM
    #347
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Lights are installed and working great. I don’t have any nighttime output pics yet, but will try to grab some tonight.
    442F0AFC-65B9-4430-AB49-2E3AE460268A.jpg 0B6F19A0-CBCB-4C8A-8422-3ABF2C5DA2C1.jpg 9B700AB4-B6CF-4E58-A0DE-81A8C30FB7FF.jpg 62DCC67C-5C1C-4C8E-A61A-7FCFC83E0CB0.jpg
     
  18. Dec 18, 2021 at 8:19 AM
    #348
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 Let’s color match it

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    Kudos on getting a drill in there for those relays!!
     
  19. Dec 18, 2021 at 9:35 AM
    #349
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    I did end up moving them forward so I could remove the inline fuses without having to extend the wires. I’m leaning more and more towards swapping in a controller, but not sure I can justify $600+ for the SP9100. But damn those things are cool.
     
  20. Dec 18, 2021 at 9:50 AM
    #350
    RainMan_PNW

    RainMan_PNW SSEM #82 RGBA #4 “That Guy” Vendor

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    Check the build link in my signature.
    @Explorer just put in a Trigger6 and it’s pretty slick.
     
  21. Dec 18, 2021 at 9:52 AM
    #351
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    I was just looking at that. Seems like a good kit and $340 is a little easier to stomach. Just not sure where I’d mount the rocker switches.
     
  22. Dec 18, 2021 at 10:08 AM
    #352
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Do you need the 6 or would the 4 do? 80 bucks less..

    also, is that the original batt?


    edit: also, the voswitch is hard to beat at $200. Don’t need the app capability (at least I don’t think I would)
    72A522BF-FF00-493E-B8AC-AD05B2064F41.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2021
    TRDFerguson[OP] likes this.
  23. Dec 18, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #353
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    @BiggHertz was showing off his SwitchPro and it’s pretty badass with the app integration and the dimming functions you can do. It looks like the Trigger 6 has the same capabilities, but I don’t think the VoSwitch can do the dimming part.
     
    BiggHertz and dittothat[QUOTED] like this.
  24. Dec 18, 2021 at 10:35 AM
    #354
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Yup, believe it’s just on/off/momentary. No dim, flash or strobe
     
  25. Dec 18, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #355
    BiggHertz

    BiggHertz DZTLIMO

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    Just do it…
     
  26. Dec 18, 2021 at 3:06 PM
    #356
    thedonn

    thedonn New Member

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    i was thinking about an auxbeam controller - what would be the benefit of spending the extra money for a SP or trigger other than the app?
     
  27. Dec 18, 2021 at 3:12 PM
    #357
    alb1k

    alb1k Always Coming From Take Me Down

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    It's good
    Customization and architecture
     
    TRDFerguson[OP] likes this.
  28. Dec 19, 2021 at 7:08 AM
    #358
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Like @alb1k said, customization and the architecture/layout are the main things. I know with the SP you can pick different strobe patterns per channel and adjust brightness from 100/50/10%. I went off roading last night and can tell you that I appreciated when @BiggHertz turned his chase lights down to 10% haha.
     
    dittothat and BiggHertz like this.
  29. Dec 19, 2021 at 7:16 AM
    #359
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson [OP] SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    Finally got to try out the new lights yesterday. The bar is awesome. Still trying to figure out if the SSC1 Pros will work good enough as ditch lights. They seem bright enough at low speed, which was the main purpose, but it would be nice to have a little more wide light for higher speeds. Overall very happy with this setup!
    4171034A-15C0-4F32-940C-A9F3EDEE196E.jpg 9FE216CA-4C20-40E7-8758-C4A361CE1A9D.jpg 312C851C-550D-452B-BB1A-426A2BF02668.jpg 0671487D-293C-4E10-A1A9-E2EAD4F261A2.jpg
     
  30. Dec 19, 2021 at 8:03 AM
    #360
    BiggHertz

    BiggHertz DZTLIMO

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    without question, investing in a stout PDM “Power Distribution Module” is critical in my opinion. The consolidation of infrastructure is a big selling point, but the capabilities of having more than a binary 12v on/off makes it invaluable. Being able to utilize PWM to control power to your outputs (light dimming in most cases) makes a world of difference for you and your trail mates. Selectable, flashing and strobing modes per circuit, master switching, low voltage disconnect, memory, power on state, delayed turn off, programmable triggers etc.

    I run the SP9100 because it really has a good feature set/cost at 600 USD. But there are other great PDMs out there that make the Switch-Pros a great value.

    Motec PDM
    RacePak Smartwire

    Etc.

    my advice buy a Switch-Pros unit and never look back. Also, in my personal opinion the use of terminal steps as an intermediary between any PDM with a removable lead and the load is massively unwarranted. A splice with a crimp and heat shrink or other form of weather resistant connection (ampseal,molex Mx, weatherpack, Deutsch connector etc) is far superior to an exposed terminal/barrier strip. End rant…

    -JS
     

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