Wiring from Hood Mounted Lights into Cab?

OK, folks, here's my plan: Mount these lights on the hood of my 2021 Tundra, each with a magnetic mount...

1. Nilight ZH001 20Inch 126W Spot Flood Combo Led Off Road Led Light Bar 2PCS 18w 4Inch Flood LED Pods With 16AWG Wiring Harness Kit
   $57 Nilight - ZH001 20" 126W Spot Flood Combo Led Off Road Led Light Bar 2PCS 18w 4" Flood LED Pods With 16AWG Wiring Harness Kit-2 Lead, 2 Years Warranty
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP2J1G1/
2. Nilight 90042B 2PCS Magnetic Base LED Light Bar Mounting Brackets, Powerful Sucker Holder for Bottom-Mounted Offroad LED Work Light Mounting on Hood
   $13 Nilight 2PCS Magnetic Base LED Light Bar Mounting Brackets, Powerful Sucker Holder for Bottom-Mounted Offroad LED Work Light Mounting on Hood, 2 Years Warranty
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0831MG3CM/

I believe the lights and mounts will all fit together OK. I'd like advice on best/simplest way to wire to battery, and to get on/off switch into the cab.

Did I mention I have zero experience with wiring anything on any vehicle?

But that's the amazing journey I have with my 2021 Tundra... I am not letting my lack of experience stop me! And my other projects seem to have come together AOK so far (see bottom).

So, any advice is welcome and please, assume I know nothing (because that's what I assume). Thanks! BMcC

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PHOTOS of my 2021 Tundra Work Truck Package https://photos.app.goo.gl/E6aLXQsnbtLG6jiv5

• Undercover Swingcases https://undercoverinfo.com/undercover-swingcase/2021/toyota/tundra
• Seatjackers https://desertdoesit.com/collections/toyota/products/2007-toyota-tundra-mmp
• Softopper https://softopper.com/products/softopper-truck-bed-cap-so-tn65b/
• Tundra Grab Handle Kit - Custom (PKTUNGRAB) https://www.sparksparts.com/p-tundra-grab-handle-kit-pktungrab
• Tundra Bed Rails - 6.5' Bed https://www.sparksparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-bed-rails-6-5-bed-pt27834072
• Compustar 2-Way Remote Start System Model: CS4905S-KIT https://www.bestbuy.com/site/compus...installation-required/6269220.p?skuId=6269220

 

Looks like the light kit comes with a pre assembled wiring harness.
I would switch out the switch though, and use one that fits into one of the blank spaces left or right of your steering wheel.
There is a “nub” on the firewall grommet that can be clipped to run wires from the in the switch cab back to the relay, which puts power to the lights.

 

Very cool! I actually anticipated this, and am looking at this product for inside the cab...

MICTUNING Backlit LED LIGHT BAR Symbol Push Button with Wiring Kit ON-OFF Switch Compatible with Toyota

$11 MICTUNING Backlit LED LIGHT BAR Symbol Push Button with Wiring Kit ON-OFF Switch Compatible with Toyota (Blue, Surface Size 1.28 x 0.87"es)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G1W80JI

So, after I connect to battery, I run wires through a hole I make in a rubber seal near the steering wheel?

And I could disconnect the provided switch for a switch that fits into Tundra dashboard button area?

And if I plug it all in correctly... 3 lights come on when I push the OEM style switch?

And my battery doesn't go dead overnight. Correct? Bueller? Bueller? https://youtu.be/KS6f1MKpLGM

 

Yes on all…except if you wire straight to the battery and leave it on, yes dead battery. You may want to wire the trigger on the relay to an ignition controlled circuit. I’ve got all my accessories running through a SwithPros set up , so it’s been a while since I did one circuit ignition controlled.

The firewall grommet is near your ABS, look down down from there for the rubber boot.

Is the stock switch 3 wires or two?

 

Understood, thanks.

I am not sure about the stock switch, as I don't have the item in hand. BUT I found this wiring diagram in the Amazon description... https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61z3CV+OsmL._AC_SL1500_.jpg


An ignition controlled circuit... So when the car is turned off, the light bars also go off. And when the car is turned on, the light bars can only then be turned on?

Does that mean I could wire into the fuse box thing in the Tundra dash?

 

I would advise you to do some more research.
Using magnetic mounts will no only look bad, but damage your vehicle, cause your lights to be stolen rather quickly.
Proper ditch light brackets would prevent damage and your lights will stay with your truck longer before someone walks off with them.
Second. The pre-wired harnesses often cause more headache than they are worth.
You will want to use a weatherproof relay with fused power coming directly off the battery. Then, you will use an add-a-fuse to tap into the circuit of your choice (either an ignition or light circuit) for the switch. The switch controls the relay, the relay controls the lights.
As for the switch you posted, I have had good luck with both Mictuning and CH4x4. Same switches, different packaging. But, with CH4x4 you seem to get more options on the faceplate design.

 

Understood, thanks!

Before magnetic mounts, I was looking at the following...

Rough Country For Toyota 2"LED Ditch Kit 14-20 Tundra https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota...=2021-toyota-tundra-2wd-760664&sid=72kIc1vGDd

 

^^^This!

 

Ch4x4 and Air On Board are your go to places for OEM style switches

 

I'm a fan of RC for some things but their light pods/cubes isn't one of them. I have them on my bumper (came with) and one of them has condensation so yeah...go with Diode Dynamics if you're trying to ball on a budget but want quality.

For a hood mount, try

 

You should definitely get security hardware for exterior lighting. The best would be screwdsecurity.com but anything is better than nothing.

Keep in mind you can also run wire through the firewall on the passenger side. Its a little more open.

Switch pros would make future electrical 10000% easier.

 

Also, if you intend to add multiple accessories, I'd suggest looking at a Bussmann RTMR aux fuse panel. It will give a cleaner look and provided fused and relayed circuits.

 

This guy is gonna delete his account lol probably thinking "damn I gotta be rich to come here"

 

I mean......yeah, kinda.

 

It's a hazard of this place.

 

I’m a huge fan of ditch lights and want some badly but my issue is that the car wash. Because of my work I’m off road 6-days per week, under sprinkler systems and on mostly dirt roads. The combination has me needing to wash my truck frequently.

Ain’t nobody got time for a driveway wash with a foam cannon 3x per week.

I hit the car wash. Everything has to be super secure or it’ll get ripped off limiting options.

think about it…

 

Great point... I assume magnetic mounts would be especially prone to damage in a touch car wash...

I already have that issue with my Softopper, as they are recommended only for "touchless" car washes.

As for the money for this stuff... let's just say I like to know my options. That said, I don't hesitate to spend more for demonstrated quality... as someone on this forum once said: "Buy once, cry once"

 

Just to hear even MORE viewpoints...

• White vs Amber lights?
  
  
• Daytime Running Light feature or no?

 

As long as your ditch lights are secured to the brackets, running through the car wash is no problem. I’ve ran my truck through the car wash numerous times and the ditch lights are secured.

 

That’ll just be more personal preference, but if you tend to go through dusty environments, Amber will cut through dust/fog more easily than White.

DRL doesn’t matter, that’s personal preference too.

 

amber for inclement weather condition, fog, dust, snow, etc

I'd strongly recommend a control panel, budge friendly one can be auxbeam 6 or 8 switch (thats what I have) and then you don't need to run wires thru firewall every time you add an accessory.

 

I’ve ran Rigids,Baja Designs and generic Amazon junk LEDs. What your $$ gets you(Rigids and BD) is high quality optics and actual IP rated seals. For everything but back up/aux reverse lights the low $ stuff is going to disappoint IMO.