MDKMDK wrote:gonzo71 wrote:
Got a new truck in fall and I am working on getting it ready to tow behind the Class A.
On the old truck I drilled into the tail lights and added a separate bulb for when towed, I like the not splice into the truck wiring. Now on the new truck there is a bit more to the tail lights and I donโt want to drill into the lights. I thought about using a tailgateLED light strip.
Is there any reason I should not use one of those
https://www.actiontrucks.com/product-detail/RMP960134/tailgate-light-bars?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7Z3VBRC-ARIs...
Looks like it would work. Nothing legal comes to mind except no cyclops brake light, and I'm not even sure if that's a legal requirement. If it simplifies rear light connections on the towed vehicle, and it works, why not?
As of 1986, any and all cars/trucks etc. that were fitted with a third brake light, it is manditory they work. But, this is sort of a gray area when it comes to towing a vehicle that has the third brake light since, the third brake light circuit is a totally separate circuit than the other two brake lights. About 99.9999% of the vehicles towed, do not activate the third brake light.
To the OP, tapping into the factory wiring for activation of the lights for towing is about as easy as it gets. I've done it for years and years on multiple vehicles. But, in the later year vehicles/trucks etc., the manufacturers have changed their wiring tactics and, tapping into the light circuits can cause issues, especially if the wiring is a CAN BUSS system.
As for you and your new truck, why goof around with those LED strip lights that are actually not legal due to the construction of them and, just got to a website like etrailer.com or many others and simply purchase a ready-made wiring harness that plugs right into your rear tail light circuits and does all the lighting for you when you're attached to your tow vehicle (RV)?
I did that with one of our present toads, a '15 Jeep JKUR and, it's been working flawless ever since the install. Here's what I got for that Jeep but, you should be able to find one for your truck.
Scott
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-56200-Simple-Vehicle-Wiring/dp/B009SIO9ZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489552222&sr=8-1&keywords=Hopkins+56200
