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Review / DIY guide - Baja Designs RTL-M

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by BlueBottle, Nov 2, 2017.

  1. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:02 PM
    #1
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Here is another DIY/Review I put together for the Baja Designs RTL-M.
    I added some harnesses to make it a plug and play solution.

    Parts :

    Tools :
    • 7/16 open ended wrench(shorty preferred) for the license plate mount
    • whatever screw you have for your license plate screws
    • soldering iron
    • shrink tube
    • electric tape
    • wire loom
    • zip ties
    The RTL-M is a rear tail light that has park lamp, brake & white LED. What I did here was used my trailer plug to get the signals for ground, park & reverse and wired that up to the RTL-M. With the harnesses I bought, it makes this a plug and play solution with the exception of soldering the 5 way plug to the RTL-M cables. I did not wire up the brake light because the trailer harness combines left signal or right signal with brake and I didn't want it to blink when I have a blinker on. If you really want to tap the brake, you just have to run the wire to the brake light off our tail lamp and tap into it. I decided not to do that and wire up the brake lamp to my switch pros once I have it so I can turn that on anytime.

    The light & bracket
    LRG_DSC07626.jpg
    LRG_DSC07627.jpg
    LRG_DSC07632.jpg

    Installed
    LRG_DSC07646.jpg

    Trailer T-Harness & 5 way plug. you unplug your current harness behind the bumper(there is a release clip to remove it). then you plug one side of the harness the the factory and the other side to the back of you bumper.
    LRG_DSC07653.jpg

    Solder and shrink wrap the Ground, Tail lamp & reverse. Make sure to isolate any wires you are not using to prevent any shorts.
    LRG_DSC07667.jpg
    The yellow from the top is the brake wire for the BD - I will hook it up to SP at a later time.
    LRG_DSC07655.jpg

    Everything tied up and tucked behind the bumper
    IMG_9282.jpg

    and the picture you all are waiting for, the output shots..
    all comparison shots were taken on full manual to truly show the output comparison
    LRG_DSC07659.jpg

    reverse only
    LRG_DSC07662.jpg
    reverse + RTL-M
    LRG_DSC07660.jpg



    That far wall is about 30-40 ft from my truck

    all lights off
    LRG_DSC07673.jpg
    Tail lamps only
    LRG_DSC07671.jpg

    oem location reverse only
    LRG_DSC07670.jpg

    oem reverse w/ RTL-M
    LRG_DSC07668.jpg


    LRG_DSC07675.jpg
    LRG_DSC07676.jpg
    LRG_DSC07680.jpg


    Conclusion : These lights don't disappoint. The white LED(only two of them) surpassed my expectations. I can't even look at it directly because of how bright they are. @Baja Designs never disappoint. This is my second BD product and they quality is top notch. Bailey is great to deal with and shipping is super fast.
     
    BajaTurd, TRON, womprat57 and 11 others like this.
  2. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:05 PM
    #2
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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    WOW!!!! You're not kidding. Those are great output.
     
  3. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:17 PM
    #3
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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    Top notch write up, bud!!!!! I'm impressed with your dedication
     
  4. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:19 PM
    #4
    Not-required

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    Thule racks, Philips LED headlights and fogs, TRD pro grill and hood buldge, front window tint 35%, ESP under seat storage.
    That's it I'm pulling the trigger.
     
    TheBeast and BlueBottle[OP] like this.
  5. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:19 PM
    #5
    mgm16trdpro

    mgm16trdpro Certified Modoholic

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    Ici magnum side steps in linex, factory spray in bed liner, remote start,afe pro dry filter, dap tune,sso slimline hybrid OEM bumper with baja designs 30" s8 driving combo,warn platinum xeon winch, baha designs squadron sport fogs in amber wide cornering with fog pocket kit, gtr headlight LEDs, 295/70r18 nitro ridge grapplers, g2 painted red calipers, 1.25 spidertrax spacers, bed slide pro 1000 se and 5 bin package, diamondback HD bed cover with ATV package and black package, 2 auto access led strips in bed, husky full coverage exact contour mats with custom logos, V led leds interior lights, tuffskinz mid console/&rear cupholder package, mid console tray and organizer, 2 JL 10s in custom sub box, 4 Hertz door speakers,2 hertz tweeters, other audio upgrades, tinted front windows, weathertech in channel rain guards, artic coating, reverse tail light section and third brake tint, ami big stick antenna, 2 CB shims +3 shackle, cb steer kit, Trd dual exhaust, trd skid plate, vled footwell kits front and back, factor 55 winch fairlead and prolink, gen y torsion hitch, bushwacker color matched fender flares with black powder coated rivets, trd rear sway bar, covercraft cargo bar and cargo net, recovery gear, custom shifter and middle console.I'm sure other things I'm forgetting too
    Looks great, just curious can this be mounted to any other location besides the plate. Reason I ask I know here in NJ they will pull u over for anything blocking any part of the plate. Tnx.
     
    BlueBottle[OP] likes this.
  6. Nov 2, 2017 at 9:23 PM
    #6
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Thanks - I use a lot of the information on this forum so its my way to return the favor. It really doesn't take me that much time to do things like this.

    hahaha.. make sure you hit up Bailey to get the Tundras.com discount.

    I'm sure it can with some ingenuity. It would require you to drill two holes to mount it. I can't really see anywhere else on the bumper to mount it though.
     
  7. Nov 2, 2017 at 10:30 PM
    #7
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Here's a view from the rear view cam
    IMG_9279.jpg
     
  8. Nov 3, 2017 at 9:13 AM
    #8
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    Great write-up and install! The RTL-M + License Plate Mount look very clean on your truck.


    :cheers: Thanks! All you have to do is enter BDForums coupon code at checkout for 10% OFF + $5 Shipping to the Lower 48!
    www.bajadesigns.com
     
  9. Nov 3, 2017 at 9:16 AM
    #9
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    Our RTL Series lights do feature a universal mounting system. I've attached the wiring and installation instructions to get a better idea of how you could install.

    -Bailey, Baja Designs
    bailey@bajadesigns.com
     
    BlueBottle[OP] likes this.
  10. Nov 3, 2017 at 12:35 PM
    #10
    Not-required

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    Thule racks, Philips LED headlights and fogs, TRD pro grill and hood buldge, front window tint 35%, ESP under seat storage.
    Got my light and mount ordered this morning. Thanks Bluebottle and Bailey!
     
    BlueBottle[OP] likes this.
  11. Nov 3, 2017 at 12:37 PM
    #11
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    very cool. I like it..for meeee ;)
     
    BlueBottle[OP] likes this.
  12. Nov 3, 2017 at 2:11 PM
    #12
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    Haha. Are you going to wire it the same or tap of the brake signal or wire it to a switch?
     
  13. Nov 3, 2017 at 2:14 PM
    #13
    Not-required

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    Thule racks, Philips LED headlights and fogs, TRD pro grill and hood buldge, front window tint 35%, ESP under seat storage.
    I was thinking about wiring it to the brake lights but we'll see how lazy I get when it's time to install.

    Preferably I'd like to wire the white reverse light on a switch so I can turn it on anytime but also have it work with the reverse lights. I have my rigid reverse lights like that on my other truck and it works really well.
     
  14. Nov 3, 2017 at 2:18 PM
    #14
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    It’s easy to grab the brake signal. Just pop out one of your tail lights.

    For using the white to be reverse you would need to wire up some relays to do that and fire off a switch.
     
  15. Nov 3, 2017 at 2:44 PM
    #15
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    Great DIY @BlueBottle !

    Looks like a great product.
     
    BlueBottle[OP] likes this.
  16. Nov 3, 2017 at 3:18 PM
    #16
    Not-required

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    Yea I have an idea on how to do it. I'm running a spod so it would probably be switched on there but idk how it would do when it's off and working only on the reverse light circuit.
     
  17. Nov 3, 2017 at 7:27 PM
    #17
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle [OP] not a PRO

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    I keep getting amazed by Bd products. I think I see an S8 with my name in the near future...
     
  18. Nov 3, 2017 at 10:32 PM
    #18
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    Their stuff rocks. I definitely want something else from Baja Designs, but I really don't need any additional lighting, haha.
     
  19. Nov 3, 2017 at 10:36 PM
    #19
    Not-required

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    Thule racks, Philips LED headlights and fogs, TRD pro grill and hood buldge, front window tint 35%, ESP under seat storage.
    No such thing as not needing more light.
     
  20. Dec 23, 2017 at 6:20 PM
    #20
    greghad

    greghad dead of winter night snow machine

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    Traded in 2007 for 2013 4x4 Limited, exact same setup. Projects completed: Snugtop XV with windoors, Bedrug, Westin Platinum Signature Wheel to Wheel steps (Removed, junk), Donahoe Coil-over shock setup (Replacing with ICON Coil-overs with reservoir and CDC), Carriage House Black Billet Grill (Cut out), TRD anti-sway bar, OEM Bug shield. Kenwood DNN991HD Nav system, full cab sound dampening, replace JBL speakers and Amp with Audison Amp and Hertz Speakers. Viper 5706V with remote start and Smart Start phone app. General Spring helper spring modification to prevent bed bounce. Headlights re-fitted with Lexus Bi-Xenon LS-460 projectors by Lightwerkz. Inside the bed bike rack. TRD cold air intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (Not replaced when switched to 2013, too loud under cab). Doug Thorley ceramic headers (Not replaced when switched to 2013, cracked and labor to replace both was $1K). Rancho RS 9000XL rear shocks (Replacing With ICON 2.5 with reservoir and CDC). Hella 4000 Xenon HID Eurobeam lights inside of grille (thanks to Toxarch), Custom 1/4" steel rear and Front bumper by Wayne Hanson, Rock sliders from Demello. Projects to finish: New Baja Designs foglight, backup lights, and 6" multi purpose rear license plate light ()RTL-M).
    I was thinking about mounting on bottom of license plate upside-down , but am nervous about the plate light housing hole that seems to be a well that water can sit in- Bailey seemed to think it would be a "go", but I still wonder. Better spots on my custom bumper for not getting knocked off.
     
  21. Jan 5, 2018 at 12:35 PM
    #21
    greghad

    greghad dead of winter night snow machine

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    Traded in 2007 for 2013 4x4 Limited, exact same setup. Projects completed: Snugtop XV with windoors, Bedrug, Westin Platinum Signature Wheel to Wheel steps (Removed, junk), Donahoe Coil-over shock setup (Replacing with ICON Coil-overs with reservoir and CDC), Carriage House Black Billet Grill (Cut out), TRD anti-sway bar, OEM Bug shield. Kenwood DNN991HD Nav system, full cab sound dampening, replace JBL speakers and Amp with Audison Amp and Hertz Speakers. Viper 5706V with remote start and Smart Start phone app. General Spring helper spring modification to prevent bed bounce. Headlights re-fitted with Lexus Bi-Xenon LS-460 projectors by Lightwerkz. Inside the bed bike rack. TRD cold air intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (Not replaced when switched to 2013, too loud under cab). Doug Thorley ceramic headers (Not replaced when switched to 2013, cracked and labor to replace both was $1K). Rancho RS 9000XL rear shocks (Replacing With ICON 2.5 with reservoir and CDC). Hella 4000 Xenon HID Eurobeam lights inside of grille (thanks to Toxarch), Custom 1/4" steel rear and Front bumper by Wayne Hanson, Rock sliders from Demello. Projects to finish: New Baja Designs foglight, backup lights, and 6" multi purpose rear license plate light ()RTL-M).
    So JD at Baja Designs said it would be fine to mount upside down, and the bottom of the plate is a much better spot on my bumper for protecting it from errant feet, snow build up on top of light and tailgate when opened, etc...
     
  22. Jan 5, 2018 at 1:03 PM
    #22
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    That will definitely work! If you can, post up some pictures when you install.

    -Bailey, Baja Designs
    www.bajadesigns.com
     
  23. Nov 3, 2018 at 3:56 PM
    #23
    greghad

    greghad dead of winter night snow machine

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    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra Limited 4x4
    Traded in 2007 for 2013 4x4 Limited, exact same setup. Projects completed: Snugtop XV with windoors, Bedrug, Westin Platinum Signature Wheel to Wheel steps (Removed, junk), Donahoe Coil-over shock setup (Replacing with ICON Coil-overs with reservoir and CDC), Carriage House Black Billet Grill (Cut out), TRD anti-sway bar, OEM Bug shield. Kenwood DNN991HD Nav system, full cab sound dampening, replace JBL speakers and Amp with Audison Amp and Hertz Speakers. Viper 5706V with remote start and Smart Start phone app. General Spring helper spring modification to prevent bed bounce. Headlights re-fitted with Lexus Bi-Xenon LS-460 projectors by Lightwerkz. Inside the bed bike rack. TRD cold air intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (Not replaced when switched to 2013, too loud under cab). Doug Thorley ceramic headers (Not replaced when switched to 2013, cracked and labor to replace both was $1K). Rancho RS 9000XL rear shocks (Replacing With ICON 2.5 with reservoir and CDC). Hella 4000 Xenon HID Eurobeam lights inside of grille (thanks to Toxarch), Custom 1/4" steel rear and Front bumper by Wayne Hanson, Rock sliders from Demello. Projects to finish: New Baja Designs foglight, backup lights, and 6" multi purpose rear license plate light ()RTL-M).
    So I just realized I didn't send pics of the mount, and the sports I used for backup lights- almost a year and all going well! Haver a separate switch for backup lights to turn them on at anytime..very handy when I'm messing with travel trailer or the such.
     
    Sunnier likes this.

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