TIPM and LED's

[BHiggins]

I have a question about adding marker lights to my truck, specifically, can they just be wired into the existing circuits? I plan on adding 10 LED markers to my running boards (5 on each side), but I don't want to "upset" the TIPM. I could wire them to a separate switch, but I'd like to just tie them into the left and right marker light circuits so they work off the headlight switch. If I was adding ten regular incandescent markers, I would certainly do a separate switch, but since they're LED and barely draw any amps, I think I can get away with it. Does anyone know for sure if I can wire them normally and not screw up the TIPM?

 

[JFought]

i wouldn't wire it up like that. tipm replacement runs $600 plus when it shorts out.

 

[steved]

Don't tie into the truck's wiring, use the trailer wiring to run your light.



I'm running 12 leds on my truck, including some stop/turn on the tailgate... all run off the four-way flat under the bumper. I have the adapter for the rv plug when I need a four way for an actual traile. That isooates the circuit to the trailer wiring should something give trouble... you can even fuse the wiring in case it shorts.

 

[Hoefler]

Don't tie into the truck's wiring, use the trailer wiring to run your light.



I'm running 12 leds on my truck, including some stop/turn on the tailgate... all run off the four-way flat under the bumper. I have the adapter for the rv plug when I need a four way for an actual traile. That isooates the circuit to the trailer wiring should something give trouble... you can even fuse the wiring in case it shorts.

I have done this as well with a Fire and Ice light bar below my tailgate. I used a trailer relocation kit that plugs into the factory trailer connector then into the factory trailer plug behind the bumper. No wires to cut or tap into. Cost about $35 at the auto parts store.

 

[BHiggins]

Thanks for the replies. but I think I'm just going to wire them to a switch... Better safe, than sorry.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Or just use a relay driven by a wire from the running or dash lights. That wouldn't inflict any sufficient load upon the TIPM.