Question about toad diode wiring
I presently use magnetic tow lights and have for years. I'm thinking about diode wiring to the toad's tail and brake lights and a question to myself arose. I understand how a diode works on dc power...
Forum Discussion
YC 1 wrote:
Diodes add many more connections and potential bad connections. Water intrusion can be an issue too.
If the brake device is sensitive to input voltage it could be fooled by the tiniest of voltage leak and either stay locked up or worse, some can lock up while you are driving the toad.
I highly recommend using separate bulbs which are easy enough to install or stick with your magnetic setup. Another option if you have a tow hitch on the toad it so to use a tow bar with or without a tow ball and then connect a cross bar to hold lights on each end. The light bar can be removed easily. I often just leave mine in place. The tow ball is still available if needed.
X2. initially our wiring was set up using diodes and this worked quite well for a couple of years until one year in the black hills the diode blew and that took out the jeep's tail and brake lights both when we were towing and when it was being driven. long story short rather than repairing we ripped out that system and instead installed a separate wiring harness from the umbilical connection to the tail light assembly in which were installed second bulbs. this system is totally independent from the factory wiring and bulbs. there was some work setting it up but once done it's a breeze to troubleshoot. I would heartily and enthusiastically suggest you consider using this method.
