Diodes vs. Std Lights

I have had diodes for 9 years with no problems.
Don't think you would fry anything if one failed..might have extra lights come on...maybe not.
Draw out the circuit and see.

txhandgunner wrote:
Anybody have any strong preferences on "patch-in" diode brake lighting systems vs. simply routing separate lights???

From what I've seen, diodes are easier, but you risk voiding your warranty and/or frying your whole system....

yes and it's quite simple...avoid using the diodes. long story short...when we started towing in 2003 we went the diode route. a year or so later we were in the black hills when they failed and we had no tail lights on the toad...at night. except we didn't know that right away. replaced them..and they failed a second time. we've since replaced the diodes with a totally separate wiring harness and second bulbs in the taillight assemblies. when we're not towing the jeeps use the OEM wiring and bulbs. when we're towing the other wiring harness and bulbs are used. one system does not touch the other. no problems since. do yourself a favor and avoid the use of diodes.

I just researched the same thing as diodes would have been the easier install for me. But I decided to go with separate bulbs.
For the simple reason that the toad has absolutely no common power from the towing vehicle. With these new cars that have many functions controlled by the ECM and other computers, even a small signal back into it from a failed diode or whatever could be a cause of error codes or trans shifting out of N on an automatic. It would certainly be an excuse to deny your warranty claim.

Although I am 99% sure the diodes method would not be a problem, I went with separate bulbs and connected the ground only to the bulb sockets and not the chassis.

I wouldn't "throw the baby out with the bath water". As an ET with 40 yrs working on vehicle electrical systems I see no reason to not use diodes. The only risk is an open circuit failure which would cause a no light issue. A shorted diode probably will not last long and is highly unlikely to cause any issues. I am using them on my 2012 Ford Edge and it has enough computers to take you to Mars.

I have diodes and they have worked fine for 9 years. That said, if the car had the space to use separate bulbs for towing I would do that. Less chance of something going wrong. I have heard of the wiring in the car being damaged by faulty diodes but I have no personal experience with this.

I don't see diodes as easier than slapping a couple of magnetic lights on or adding two additional bulbs in the housings. don't want to try to fool my computers.
bumpy

txhandgunner wrote:
Anybody have any strong preferences on "patch-in" diode brake lighting systems vs. simply routing separate lights???

From what I've seen, diodes are easier, but you risk voiding your warranty and/or frying your whole system....

txhandgunner
Well, as you can see, the old "Diode vs any other system" is, as usual, a presidential debate. This topic is on here and other RV forums usually about once a week. That's no biggie. Different folks come on the forums at different times and still need to know things.

Anyway, there really is no risk of "FRYING" ANY portion of the toads electrical system. I, as well as many others on here, have used the toads stock tail lights for decades and have had "0" issues. 10 different toads, (7) of them Jeeps, (1) 2011 Honda CRV and our present toad, an '11 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4 have all been wired the exact same way.

I tie into the factory wiring, very close to the rear bulbs, (except for the Jeeps), strip a tiny bit of the insulation, solder in the incoming wire, tape and secure it. "DONE". Now, yes, I do install the diodes too.

But, my diodes, first, are not the "high end" expensive ones from Camping World or, any other RV supplier, they're the ones from Radio Shack, about $2.89 for a four pack. I install them in the toads light wires, about a few inches down from the "T" intersection I just created. Those are there to keep the signals from the coach, from traveling upstream to the toads electrical system and causing confusion.

This is all a matter of choice. If you want extra bulbs back there, then by all means, install them. For me, I just want the lights of the toad to act the same way they do when towing it, as the do when driving it. And that includes AMBER TURN SIGNALS and, RED brake lights. Your choice.
Scott

My most sincere thanks to everyone who responded to my query....all the information has been a GREAT help!!!

I used the diodes. To me it seemed easier to tap into the existing wires inside the trunk than try to add a 2nd bulb inside the taillight housing. Worst case if diode fails you'll turn on the corresponding front light at the same time. As for frying the toads electrical system, how? Both vehicles use a 12v system, the toads taillight wiring is use to having 12v going through it. Don't see how supplying that 12v from RV is any different. It's not like the MH uses 110v system.

Hank MI wrote:
I used the diodes. To me it seemed easier to tap into the existing wires inside the trunk than try to add a 2nd bulb inside the taillight housing. Worst case if diode fails you'll turn on the corresponding front light at the same time. As for frying the toads electrical system, how? Both vehicles use a 12v system, the toads taillight wiring is use to having 12v going through it. Don't see how supplying that 12v from RV is any different. It's not like the MH uses 110v system.

I think the issue is "confusing" the computer in the car. have you priced replacing one of them lately?
bumpy