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Wiring Tow Lights

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by colojeepguy, Aug 18, 2016.

  1. Jul 20, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Tim's post does what you are asking for. He lists 2 options.
     
  2. Jul 20, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I have an idea of how to wire in a diode. I'll have to order a few so I can try it and then post my results.

    I did find an inline diode that looks like a fuse. It might be great for easy install and protecting the diode. I just have to search for the correct rating.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Jul 20, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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  4. Jul 20, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Heck, with that you could just put an inline fuse holder in the circuit and plug it in.
     
  5. Jul 20, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Yep... Easy breezy.
     
  6. Jul 20, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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  7. Jul 20, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    HOWARD!!! :gaah:

    I just spent time drawing this...You have to identify your Jeep's wire colors.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2018
    Cowboyjeeper likes this.
  8. Jul 20, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Google Is Your Friend :)

    For some reason the wire are all copper coloured :p

    PS- why are your tail lights wired through the turn signal?? Thats just weird:susp:
     
  9. Jul 20, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    Mine looks easier.
    Yeah... Yeah... Yeah... I know... Those go to the light switch.

    Edit - Fixed
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2018
  10. Jul 20, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Many years ago I did the 3 toggle switch method on my CJ5....3 switches on the dash works for me.
     
    Focker likes this.
  11. Jul 20, 2018
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    The local trailer hitch shop has a bubble pack with three diodes that have leads for wiring into your circuit.Pretty easy.
     
  12. Jul 20, 2018
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Now that's funny.
     
  13. Jul 21, 2018
    Wenaha

    Wenaha Member

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    You could simply mount two taillights on a piece of plywood and fit two rods or pipes to fit into the rear bow pockets. The make a simple wiring harness that you can bring forward to the front bumper. I had a built-in plug with a toggle switch to work the vehicle lights while towing. It was complicated and a PITA. I am building the two-lights-on-a-board solution.
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  14. Jul 21, 2018
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    I have my TJ wired up with diodes and a plug that tucks behind grill bar that works great ,but for the '71 renegade II I didn't want to modify anything so I use H/F magnetic lights .Cheap and easy to take off and on. mike
     
  15. Jul 21, 2018
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I added the sockets in the factory lights on my TJ.
     
  16. Jul 23, 2018
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    When Steve and I rewired my jeep, we ran everything keyed so that if the key was not on, no power could be drawn everywhere. Pretty much keeps me from leaving the headlights on or battery going dead when out in the meddle of no where. Side note, I drive with my headlights on day and night, too many close calls. My setup is wired in to the harness, after the key of course, near the rear of the jeep. Works just like a normal trailer.
     
  17. Jul 23, 2018
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    I used to have magnetic auxiliary lights. Got tired of them.

    My truck has a 7 pin connector so that is the route I went. My custom tow bar has the harness run inside the tubing with a plug (male/male) each end. There is another 7 pin socket mounted on the front bumper. I use a single multi-pole switch on the instrument panel to prevent feedback. However, the truck has 3-channel lights and my jeep has 4-channel (separate left/right/brake/tail) so I installed a converter. And for an extra level or coolness I wired in the reverse lights as well.

    [​IMG]
     
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  18. Jul 23, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Cool! Most of the trailer connector schematics show one of the standard pin assignments as back-up lights. Seems like a big rig thing, but it would be useful. People take the backup lights as a warning, as well as lighting where you are going. Kinda think it's a bit futile, since I was never able to back up my flat-towed CJ more than a few feet. Maybe others know better how to do this.

    I'm impressed with your documentation - how did you draw the print?
     
  19. Jul 23, 2018
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    Yes Tim, backing up a flat tow is no fun. Pretty much straight line. It has been handy, backing down a straight, narrow dirt road a short distance because I missed a turn at night.

    The electrical system is my own design, drew it in AutoCAD, a daily tool from an earlier career. I've since broken the schematic into about a dozen systems (ignition, charging, lighting, etc) as above. Each printed and laminated on 8.5x5.5 cards I keep in one of the tool boxes.
     
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  20. Nov 22, 2019
    Gkesseru

    Gkesseru New Member

    Pine, Colorado
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