Never too many switches

[smplone]

Thought I would post up this cool mod to utilize the lower compartment on the console. Found these switches on www.otrattw.net Which stands for Over The Woods And Through The Woods. If I already didn't have a custom license plate, I would put these initials on it. There are 6 switches that control different lights around the truck. I am taking it out for modification tomorrow to swap out the Winch IN/OUT switch for one called Driving Lights. Ended up going with a hitch mount receiver front bumper instead of a wincher. Going to add the Smittybilt XRC Black Box for the winch cradle that has two lights and recovery points on it. This way i can remove the winch when not off road or relocate the winch to the back if necessary. Basic wiring here. A main battery lead to a 6 space fuse block. leads running from it to each switch. Tail light bridge and grounding running to terminal strips that run individual wires to each switch. All switches will be operational except LED Light on front bumper, not enough funds for that yet. Oh and just a custom holder made out of thick cardboard painted black and bolted to tray. The cradle in front of switches perfectly holds my cell phone for charging.

 

[mudchet]

Just finished working on my version of the same thing. I mounted higher up, just below the radio. Tonight I tracked down the right wires so that the switches are illuminated and dimmed with my dashboard controls. I had to sit in my rig for a whole beer turning the lights on, watching the switches light up, then dim them, sip beer, repeat until beer is gone.

 

[Prime]

I've got the same switches for my OBA, locker, and roof lights. I'll be getting more when I do the winch. I love the look and feel of these and especially like the illumination. Mine are green on the text w/ the dash lights and red when on.

 

[smplone]

Yes these switches give it that OEM finish. I especially like Mudchet's beer in hand craftsmanship. I can never seem to find that tool in the toolbox when I need it the most...haha. I will be removing the winch IN/OUT switch soon if anyone wants it.

 

[Tay-Lo]

Thats nice. I want to get the OTRATTW switches and wanted to put them in the cubby below the radio but they were to tall :/.....Might end up going with something like what you've done.

 

[smplone]

I originally thought about integrating them on the panels left and right of the steering column, but there was metal bracing in the way on some applications and I began to think it would not look OEM or my knees would hit them constantly. This little compartment on the console was the best choice because you can clearly fit 6 switches there. OTRATTW offers the 6 button plate to hold them together and then I just built a little custom box to put the plate in. The box hides the wires behind it well. I used terminal strips to bring 1 lead from battery, 1 ground and 1 illumination port in to divide up to all switches. All of this was easily concealed in and under the console around the gear selector and cup holders. The area also provides a place to bolt or screw down housing so it doesn't shift around on you. Just cut a big size hole at rear for wires to pass through. Found the tail light wire for illumination on driver side wire bundle and ran a piggy back off that. Let me know if anyone has any technical questions. Happy to help. Will be removing set up soon to swap out one of the switches and connect the roof, rock and winch power lights. Can take more pictures and post if interested.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

 

[Tay-Lo]

Good job on finding the taillight wire. I planned to use the on/off wire from the radio instead.....I'll see how much of a pain it would be to jump the taillight of an '04 though, I like that way better.

 

[smplone]

Nice! It looks like the same area but you have smaller real estate. Is that due to another year / model? I like seeing others having done it the same area, it reassures me I chose a good location. I see NAV Lights in your mix, What did you hook yours up to? Mine are for the LED lights under the dash.

 

[smplone]

Good job on finding the taillight wire. I planned to use the on/off wire from the radio instead.....I'll see how much of a pain it would be to jump the taillight of an '04 though, I like that way better.

Yeah the Tail Light lead is not intended to power accessories. Its intended to illuminate the rockers only. So they turn on with when the lights turn on. You don't want that lead to become the 12V power lead for accessories. I ran a lead straight from battery to 6 space fuse block, then from each fuse to rocker to get 12V to each accessory.

 

[Tay-Lo]

Yeah the Tail Light lead is not intended to power accessories. Its intended to illuminate the rockers only. So they turn on with when the lights turn on. You don't want that lead to become the 12V power lead for accessories. I ran a lead straight from battery to 6 space fuse block, then from each fuse to rocker to get 12V to each accessory.

Yeah I'm just talking about the wire that turns the radio on when the key is turned to light the LED's....theres no way in the world that skinny wire will handle what I have in store!!! But using that wire would mean they're always on if the X is on.

 

[smplone]

Yeah I'm just talking about the wire that turns the radio on when the key is turned to light the LED's....theres no way in the world that skinny wire will handle what I have in store!!! But using that wire would mean they're always on if the X is on.

Agree with it not being enough voltage to power accessories. If I am understanding your thoughts correctly the wire you intend to tap into to turn on switches, if connected will illuminate switches? There are two problems with using that lead.

1. If you use it to illuminate switches, then the switches will be illuminated day or night, pretty much every time the vehicle is ON.
2. If you use it to power accessories, you run the chance of overloading the circuit and popping the fuse on that line, then your radio won't work.

My recommendation is to run a lead straight from battery to a fuse block so there is constant voltage to power accessories all the time. This way you can isolate each accessory on its own fuse and turn on switches with or without key being in ON position. Second, if you use a lead from the tail light strictly for "illumination" of switches, then they will only illuminate the switches when lights are on. Giving it that factory function. Of course you can wire it however you like, these are just my opinions on how they are serviced. Just seems if you install switches with back lit covers, you would want them to illuminate when lights are on and when the switch is engaged. These switches I have are independent/dependent. Meaning the are independent on a power lead for illumination of lower half when lights are on. And they are dependent on top half when rocker is engaged only.

 

[Tay-Lo]

I'm good on the wiring part of things, I have a Sea Blue fuseblock already mounted for adding things. I might just be lazy and tap off that radio wire to illuminate the switches. It would be nice to have them on only at night but if it gets to complicated to get wire from the parking/taillight I'll just go the radio wire way.

Which typing this just gave me an idea when I can tap from for the parking lights, I can just go to the steering colum and grab another lead there where I did the fog light bypass! I'm not sure right off how much this wire can handle but for a few LED's it should be fine, I'm sure it just goes to relays to turn the lights on so it really doesn't do much.

So basically this is how I plan on wiring the switches:
1 Power the independent light from somewhere (now probably the parking lights)
2 Run 1 wire and jump to each switch then run individually to relays from there
3 Jump all switch negs and have 1 main "Ground"

Jumping the wires how I plan will just keep from have 6 runs and clean it up.

I hope this cleared up the idea I have in my head.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Nice! It looks like the same area but you have smaller real estate. Is that due to another year / model? I like seeing others having done it the same area, it reassures me I chose a good location. I see NAV Lights in your mix, What did you hook yours up to? Mine are for the LED lights under the dash.

I'm not sure what year your X is but mine's a '12 Pro-4x but judging from your avatar, its a '09+ model that you have.

I didn't custom make the box like you did, I used a police switch box that I got off ebay since it was cleaner and fit in the cubby area pretty well. It was a 5-switch box though I'm happy with it though.

The Nav lights is the rock lights as you can call it but I don't do rock crawling so mainly, its for camping to light up the low grounds or navigating through some rough roads and seeing what's underneath it for clearance. But it also doubles as puddle lights too as they come on when I unlock the car/open doors.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

I'm good on the wiring part of things, I have a Sea Blue fuseblock already mounted for adding things. I might just be lazy and tap off that radio wire to illuminate the switches. It would be nice to have them on only at night but if it gets to complicated to get wire from the parking/taillight I'll just go the radio wire way.

Which typing this just gave me an idea when I can tap from for the parking lights, I can just go to the steering colum and grab another lead there where I did the fog light bypass! I'm not sure right off how much this wire can handle but for a few LED's it should be fine, I'm sure it just goes to relays to turn the lights on so it really doesn't do much.

So basically this is how I plan on wiring the switches:
1 Power the independent light from somewhere (now probably the parking lights)
2 Run 1 wire and jump to each switch then run individually to relays from there
3 Jump all switch negs and have 1 main "Ground"

Jumping the wires how I plan will just keep from have 6 runs and clean it up.

I hope this cleared up the idea I have in my head.

All of my rocker switches are wired to the radio so they come on whenever the key is turned on. Its pretty low draw and the radio is only 10amps but I have an add-a-fuse though so 2 of 10amps.

No problems.

 

[smplone]

Ah cool, I like the puddle awareness feature. Sounds like Tay-Lo you have it worked out now. The fuse block is a good route and only takes a few extra wires to set up correctly. Also gives you a good trouble shooting spot if things pop instead of a 1 inline fuse that blows and you have to determine Amperage draws on each accessory to see whats popping. I may have gone wrong with mine, but didn't set up any relays on this mod. Didn't see the need since everything was straight through from battery. I know the tail light wire was easy to find. There were a number of wires in the bundle running to the back. Alll you have to do is hook up a test light when lights are on to each wire and see which one lights up the tester. Then cross check that wire when you turn lights off. Then you know exactly which one it is. Same method works wherever you think there is a wire hooked into lighting system. I just thought it would be easier searching for it on driver door side since there has to be a wire running to tail lights. Now that I think about it, you could pull a tail light and find wire color, then look for it along the door side. I remember it taking me less than 5 minutes to isolate. But yeah pretty much one 12V lead, one parking light lead and one ground lead. All run into a fuse block or terminal strip then to each rocker. And you are good to go. Electrical work can be tricky, but if mapped out correctly its one of those things that can actually work on the first try.

 

[Tay-Lo]

I actually have an electrical background and have wired things up in my other vehicals (granted not always the best way). Since I have a background in it I'm comfortable with doing these things without even disconnecting the battery even when I wired up the fuse block I did it in order to not risk grounding a hot lead and either popping a fuse or straight short the battery. (IF SOMEBODY ISN'T SURE ABOUT THEIR WIRING UNPLUG THE BATTERY OR SOMETHING WILL TOUCH THAT SHOULDN'T!!!!) But I also put a circuit breaker on the fuse block feed so I can just open it and not worry while I wire relays and lights.

The reason I plan to use relays is because the OTRATTW switches are only rated for 15A and theres a very good chance I'll put more than that on some of the switches. Example - I plan to put multiple lights around my basket which can easily run over 15A but when I install a CB I'll just run it straight through a switch because it's only a few amps.

 

[Prime]

As far as rocker illumination, I just grabbed the wire out of the dash dimmer that triggers with the headlights. Why go find something that is in a loom to the back of the truck when the dash illumination is right there?

 

[civicjoe]

ok maybe i missed it but whered you get the switch panel? I too need to do this.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

ok maybe i missed it but whered you get the switch panel? I too need to do this.

You talking about mine?

 

[civicjoe]

No the OP


Sent from the Nighthog mobile command unit.

 

[mudchet]

ok maybe i missed it but whered you get the switch panel? I too need to do this.

I used this:
https://otrattw.com/proddetail.php?prod=VM6-01

Even with that, I still needed to fabricate a steel bracket that mounted the switch panel to the radio chassis.
If you look at the picture below, under the radio and to the left of the iPad you can see my switches.

Here's the picture of the switch panel from the OTRATTW website:

 

[smplone]

Yes that's the same panel I bought. Looks great, another good spot for a panel of switches. What are you going to fill the voids with?

 

[mudchet]

Mostly lights and OBA.
I have three open slots next to the VDC control where I will put "Winch Power" , "Winch In/Out" and "Inverter Power" switches.

 

[gorillamel]

Oooo that is a great idea. I have an aftermarket radio, too, so I have that open space below it to use (for things other than my chap stick, knife and gum, haha).

 

[smplone]

Mostly lights and OBA.
I have three open slots next to the VDC control where I will put "Winch Power" , "Winch In/Out" and "Inverter Power" switches.

Good deal. I actually have the Winch "IN/OUT" switch from otrattw that I am not going to use anymore. You are welcome to have it if interested. Its a toggle switch option. Either IN or OUT can be depressed. Once you depress it and let go, it goes back to neutral. it has an LED at top and bottom and both in Amber. Still have the instructions as well. You or anyone else interested in it can have it for free.

I also have a toggle switch from Advance Auto with Amber LED drilled perfectly into one of the blanks next to off road switch. Don't use it anymore and have been looking for anyone that might want to swap their blank for this one. Let me know if anyone is interested in that.

 

[mudchet]

Good deal. I actually have the Winch "IN/OUT" switch from otrattw that I am not going to use anymore. You are welcome to have it if interested. Its a toggle switch option. Either IN or OUT can be depressed. Once you depress it and let go, it goes back to neutral. it has an LED at top and bottom and both in Amber. Still have the instructions as well. You or anyone else interested in it can have it for free.

I also have a toggle switch from Advance Auto with Amber LED drilled perfectly into one of the blanks next to off road switch. Don't use it anymore and have been looking for anyone that might want to swap their blank for this one. Let me know if anyone is interested in that.

View attachment 1354View attachment 1353

Thanks for the offer. I already have my switches, so they can go to another lucky winner. All I need now is for the wiring fairy to visit my truck one of these nights and I'll be all set.

 

[Macland]

Good deal. I actually have the Winch "IN/OUT" switch from otrattw that I am not going to use anymore. You are welcome to have it if interested. Its a toggle switch option. Either IN or OUT can be depressed. Once you depress it and let go, it goes back to neutral. it has an LED at top and bottom and both in Amber. Still have the instructions as well. You or anyone else interested in it can have it for free.

I also have a toggle switch from Advance Auto with Amber LED drilled perfectly into one of the blanks next to off road switch. Don't use it anymore and have been looking for anyone that might want to swap their blank for this one. Let me know if anyone is interested in that.

<img src="http://www.xterranation.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=1354"/><img src="http://www.xterranation.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=1353"/>

I'll take the ottratw toggle switch for the winch. Pm me if I'm the lucky guy.

 

[smplone]

I'll take the ottratw toggle switch for the winch. Pm me if I'm the lucky guy.

Its all yours. I will bring it with me to event. A picture of actual switch is below. I really need a blank switch to go back in slot to left of steering column if you have one to swap or know anyone that doesn't want their's. See pictures from earlier posts of a toggle led switch i have if they want to swap for that as well. Don't need any of these anymore.

 

[smplone]

Thanks for the offer. I already have my switches, so they can go to another lucky winner. All I need now is for the wiring fairy to visit my truck one of these nights and I'll be all set.

Hahaha the wiring fairy visited me last night and got all of my wiring done for me. Took about 6 hours but finally finally done. I have fished wires underneath the truck, above the truck, in the truck and through the truck. But everything looks real good. Rock lights are amazing, although I am sure they will not last after this trip. Roof lights are super bright and I feel sorry for anyone behind me trying to push me off the highway, they will get an eye full. I have the same pod and lights you do. Not sure if you thought about your hook up, but I jumped all the ground wires and all the dash illumination wires. Saved on space for all other wires behind pod. I know you have it designated for area beneath stereo. not sure if you have thought about or cared enough, but if you put them there you wouldn't be able to upgrade to a 4.3" mini Din stereo should you elect to do so. Although if you have that gigantic ipod docking station you probably never need to upgrade. just a thought IMO. Only have to plasti dip sides, install HID Off Road lights and swap out Cab Lights before trip. (sigh)(sigh)

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Hahaha the wiring fairy visited me last night and got all of my wiring done for me. Took about 6 hours but finally finally done. I have fished wires underneath the truck, above the truck, in the truck and through the truck. But everything looks real good. Rock lights are amazing, although I am sure they will not last after this trip. Roof lights are super bright and I feel sorry for anyone behind me trying to push me off the highway, they will get an eye full. I have the same pod and lights you do. Not sure if you thought about your hook up, but I jumped all the ground wires and all the dash illumination wires. Saved on space for all other wires behind pod. I know you have it designated for area beneath stereo. not sure if you have thought about or cared enough, but if you put them there you wouldn't be able to upgrade to a 4.3" mini Din stereo should you elect to do so. Although if you have that gigantic ipod docking station you probably never need to upgrade. just a thought IMO. Only have to plasti dip sides, install HID Off Road lights and swap out Cab Lights before trip. (sigh)(sigh)

View attachment 1358View attachment 1357View attachment 1359

That is exactly what I did with my switches, I jumpered the positives and negatives to save space and clean look behind the switches.

Nice job man.

Look forward to hearing about your reviews of installation of the ORL HIDs.

 

[Macland]

Its all yours. I will bring it with me to event. A picture of actual switch is below. I really need a blank switch to go back in slot to left of steering column if you have one to swap or know anyone that doesn't want their's. See pictures from earlier posts of a toggle led switch i have if they want to swap for that as well. Don't need any of these anymore.

<img src="http://www.xterranation.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=1356"/>

I must have missed something. I'm not going to any events. Someone else can have it to avoid shipping.

 

[smplone]

I must have missed something. I'm not going to any events. Someone else can have it to avoid shipping.

Oh sorry my bad, thought everyone goes to NXM....haha. I have no problem shipping it to you. Just PM me your shipping information and I will drop it in mail tomorrow.

 

[Macland]

Got this in the mail yesterday!

 

[Nathan949374]

where did you get the switch box?

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

EBay

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[caseycamby]

Doesn't most switches use a ground for illumination? Or are OTRATTW switches different? I've never used any of their products.

 

[Prime]

If it has illumination it has to have a ground.