Tacoma towing lights

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

stubbs - 18 Nov 2004 16:53 GMT

What is the best way to hook up tow lights for our '02 Tacoma? We are
getting it set up to be towed behind motorhome, and there are light kits
with diodes? and wiring, etc. Sounds like alot, can I just run wires to
rear tail lights and splice in?

Reply to this Message

Peter D. Hipson - 18 Nov 2004 19:46 GMT

I'd suggest not 'just splicing in to the existing lights'. The days
when these systems were just a fuse, switch and a bulb are (long)
gone... (Yes I do vehicle electrical work...)

EIther buy, or make a set of lights. A cheap trailer light set can do
you just fine.

Don't forget that the towed vehicle must have brakes aciivated when
the towing vehicle brakes (not lights, the brakes) You can get a
citation if you don't have this.

>What is the best way to hook up tow lights for our '02 Tacoma? We are
>getting it set up to be towed behind motorhome, and there are light kits
>with diodes? and wiring, etc. Sounds like alot, can I just run wires to
>rear tail lights and splice in?

Reply to this Message

Rob Munach - 19 Nov 2004 11:12 GMT

> I'd suggest not 'just splicing in to the existing lights'. The days
> when these systems were just a fuse, switch and a bulb are (long)
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> the towing vehicle brakes (not lights, the brakes) You can get a
> citation if you don't have this.

How on earth can the brakes of the towed vehicle be activate?

Signature

Rob Munach, PE
Excel Engineering
PO Box 1264
Carrboro, NC 27510

Reply to this Message

Peter D. Hipson - 19 Nov 2004 13:23 GMT

Several companies make them. Check with an RV shop.

The law requires brakes on any towed load over 3K GW. A really small
car would be OK probably, but not a typical car, suv or truck.

I've never heard of this being enforced, however were there an
accident it might create a liability problem.

RV'ers were a bit ticked off about that rule, too! <g>

>> I'd suggest not 'just splicing in to the existing lights'. The days
>> when these systems were just a fuse, switch and a bulb are (long)
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
>How on earth can the brakes of the towed vehicle be activate?

Reply to this Message

Lon - 21 Nov 2004 01:00 GMT

Rob Munach proclaimed:

>> I'd suggest not 'just splicing in to the existing lights'. The days
>> when these systems were just a fuse, switch and a bulb are (long)
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> How on earth can the brakes of the towed vehicle be activate?

Inertial brakes, or tie them to the brakelight. The latter best
done thru isolating diodes.

Reply to this Message