Added Backup lights

Thanks to everyone here for the information on the wiring of the trailer connection. This was a really simple project.

 

Nice job

 

care to share those instructions? might do it myself

 

I got some 1/4" flat bar from lowes and cut them to the length that I wanted then drilled the two holes to mount them. On one of the bolts I connected the black wire from the light for a ground.

Then I ran the extra wire I had from the light to the trailer hitch kit. The middle wire is the reverse. It is labeled on the cover on the bumper.

You might be able to get to the middle wire without using the trailer wiring connector that I used but it is really tight so I didn't want to chance it.

I connected the two red wires to the middle wire on the connector using a yellow Posi-Tap connector I got on Amazon also.

Wha-Lah it worked! I also painted the brackets black and wire-tied the wires up so they don't get caught on anything and out.

Let me know if you have any problems.

The whole project cost me about $60

 

Sorry here are the parts:

These are the parts that I went with:





$18 Nilight 15031S-B 2PCS 60W Spot Bar 3000LM Driving Fog LED Off Road Lights for Trucks Jeep UTV ATV Marine Boat,2 Years Warranty
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081HWDYKW?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details





$22 CURT 55384 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009FJ38Q?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I had some extra wire and I made two brackets that attached to the two bolts under the rear bumper.

 

Here are some Pics that show how I installed and wired them.

 

what's the purpose of that yellow thing in the 3rd picture?

 

It's a wire tap. It cuts into the sheathing of the power wire to provide power to the positive side of his lighting system.

 

They are called Posi-taps. It makes it real easy to splice into a wire.

 

thanks! that definitely make it easier. I was going to do it the hard way .

 

sweet.

 

This may be a stupid question but I haven’t even looked underneath my bumper. Why use the Curt wiring harness and not just tap into the factory wiring?

 

You can tap into the factroy wiring but it is really tight and not much slack. Also if I ever want to add one of those lights strips that go under the tailgate this makes it so much easier. You would not want to just tap into the reverse light wire at the tail lights as these draw pretty good pwr.

 

Never heard of Posi-Taps. I learned something today.

 

Are there existing holes on the bumper or the frame to mount the bracket or the flat bar or did you have to drill one?

 

There are two bolts that are holding the bumper on so no drilling on the bumper just the flat bar.

 

Finally had decent enough weather to get them installed before it got dark. Going to finish up the wiring hopefully tomorrow weather permitting.

 

Done thanks Ken, very simple and affordable. Just ordered another pair for the girlfriends 4Runner

 

Here are some night pics if anyone is curious how bright they are

 

Looks good. Glad I was able to pay back to the community.

 

Got them installed on the GF 4Runner. Such a huge difference

 

[/QUOTE]
I'm so green when it comes to electrical, does it matter what gauge wire to use for the lights?

 

I'm so green when it comes to electrical, does it matter what gauge wire to use for the lights?[/QUOTE]
I wouldn’t recommend anything smaller than 16 gauge myself.

 

Just make sure the connectors you use are for the correct gauge of wire .

 

I'm so green when it comes to electrical, does it matter what gauge wire to use for the lights?[/QUOTE]

I had some wire but I didn't check the gauge I compared it to what the light was connected to.

 

Posi-taps are a good quality way to make a splice. I like to add a little blob of silicone grease between the two pieces before I screw them down. Probably overkill and I'm trying to duplicate those little 3m wire connectors filled with grease (look like little clear buttons). Never had an issue, used them a bit on motorcycles more than vehicles. Someday you want to take it off, easy, maybe a little liquid electrical tape over the small pinhole that's left behind.

 

So in tapping into wiring adapter for power to lights ( im guessing center wire since using as reverse) will you still need to run power from battery and use relay?

Tom

 

No
I would just add a inline fuse to the lights just in case water gets in or you break a light. The fuse will pop instead of popping the trucks fuse.

 

Ok thanks

 

I use these

Tundra 2014 - 2021 Reverse T Harness | FBC Harness Solutions (square.site)

Weather proof pigtails and solder to light wires using water proof seal connectors (below) ~ (Don't have to solder with these but I still do)

$9 Kuject Heat Shrink Solder Seal Wire Connectors Kit 120PCS, Waterproof Butt Connector Heat Shrink Electrical Terminals, Insulated Solderless Wiring Splice Connectors for Marine Automotive Boat Truck

Kuject 120PCS Solder Seal Wire Connectors, Self-Solder Heat Shrink Butt Connector Solder Sleeve Waterproof Insulated Electrical Butt Splice Wire Terminals for Marine Automotive Boat Truck Wire Joint (amazon.com)

I'm not sure how many added Amps the circuit will allow, but some low level lights like BD S1 and S2 seems to work fine in this type of application.

Just an option and don't hack up anything, also more protection from elements.