Light switch panel-beginner question

[ThatSickRIp]

Im looking to get a 4 or 6 gang light switch panel, I only want a few lights as of now-ditch lights, possibly rear lights on the roof rack, maybe Raptor lights, etc.

Do you have to run a fuse tap? I understand the risk of leaving lights on and draining the battery, but I see that as low risk since the switch panels, as well as the light, will be on and noticeable. Are there more important reasons to run the fuse tap?

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[MARK4A3]

I actually have an S-tech 6gang switch panel system out of my old Tacoma if you’re interested.
The main box contains fuses and common relays. This is helpful since S-tech closed business in the past year.
To answer your question, this system will have a fuse tap on the accessory. This means the switch panel will only work when vehicle is in ACC/running

 

[BonRunner]

I got this Bumbee 8-gang switch panel for less than $80 on Amazon. It looks just like most other one for less. Wiring was very easy. I put it on the left fuse box (by battery/gas-model), and run the wire into the cabin. I put the controller on the left side below the vent, with double-side automotive 3M tape. Been great with no issue. I wired to my Baja Designs 2.0 Squadron Sport ditch lights.

This specific switch has an internal switch where you can choose between battery power (recommended) or ACC power (on/off with car). I skipped the wire to ACC fuse. With battery power, you can turn lights on/off whenever, even when car off.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

I got this Bumbee 8-gang switch panel for less than $80 on Amazon. It looks just like most other one for less. Wiring was very easy. I put it on the left fuse box (by battery/gas-model), and run the wire into the cabin. I put the controller on the left side below the vent, with double-side automotive 3M tape. Been great with no issue. I wired to my Baja Designs 2.0 Squadron Sport ditch lights.

This specific switch has an internal switch where you can choose between battery power (recommended) or ACC power (on/off with car). I skipped the wire to ACC fuse. With battery power, you can turn lights on/off whenever, even when car off.

Thanks, this is exactly what Im looking for! The few lights I want, I want to work when chilling at the beach in the evening and want light without the accessory on

 

[MARK4A3]

On the old truck I ended up wiring the ditch lights separately. Ended up being super useful that way.

 

[T_Pomp]

Im looking to get a 4 or 6 gang light switch panel, I only want a few lights as of now-ditch lights, possibly rear lights on the roof rack, maybe Raptor lights, etc.

Do you have to run a fuse tap? I understand the risk of leaving lights on and draining the battery, but I see that as low risk since the switch panels, as well as the light, will be on and noticeable. Are there more important reasons to run the fuse tap?

Use an AuxBeam or similar panel. It will make things a lot easier. I would get an 8-switch panel if not larger. I installed an 8 and wish I had gone bigger, lucklily I have the prewired AUX switches installed.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

On the old truck I ended up wiring the ditch lights separately. Ended up being super useful that way.

I had thought about this as well. I was thinking of just getting the CaliRaised ditch light kit that comes with the switch, I pop a blank on the factory panel and wire it there.
Still might go that route since I have so much Milwaukee lighting that they can easily supplement a few trips a year for the back of the 4R and the ditch lights up front
I probably need to do it before Black Friday so I dont end up buying a ton of stuff because it was "on sale"

 

[T_Pomp]

I had though about this as well. I was thinking of just getting the CaliRaised ditch light kit that comes with the switch, I pop a blank on the factory panel and wire it there.
Still might go that route since I have so much Milwaukee lighting that they can easily supplement a few trips a year for the back of the 4R and the ditch lights up front
I probably need to do it before Black Friday so I dont end up buying a ton of stuff because it was "on sale"

Sorry to butt in here, but I would plan ahead and have the availability to wire in "future" lights that you might not know you want yet.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Sorry to butt in here, but I would plan ahead and have the availability to wire in "future" lights that you might not know you want yet.

Not butting in at all, its a discussion forum

But you are enabling spending and mods
That was my other thought, have it there and ready for future lights as needs change.

This site is getting expensive to be on

 

[T_Pomp]

Not butting in at all, its a discussion forum

But you are enabling spending and mods
That was my other thought, have it there and ready for future lights as needs change.

This site is getting expensive to be on

Look at it as "less of a future headache for future upgrades".

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Look at it as "less of a future headache for future upgrades".

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