Run/Turn/Brake Tail Lights: Module or Re-Wire?
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 454
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From: West Metro, Minnesota
Run/Turn/Brake Tail Lights: Module or Re-Wire?
I'm going to convert my stock tails lights to a run/turn/brake light configuration. I believe I have two directions I could take:
A) Plug in the H-D module and be done with it.
-OR-
B) Re-wire the tail lights to accept the two filiment bulb/socket?
This is a custom install and I've already eliminated the stock FXST tail light assembly. Currently, the bike is wired with a ground running to each the right and left turn signal wires. And one to the tail light for run and brake wires...
I'm concerned with possibly overloading the **** end wiring.
Which direction should I take and why?
Thanks...
A) Plug in the H-D module and be done with it.
-OR-
B) Re-wire the tail lights to accept the two filiment bulb/socket?
This is a custom install and I've already eliminated the stock FXST tail light assembly. Currently, the bike is wired with a ground running to each the right and left turn signal wires. And one to the tail light for run and brake wires...
I'm concerned with possibly overloading the **** end wiring.
Which direction should I take and why?
Thanks...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
To get a run/turn/brake light configuration, you need more than two filament bulbs. To wire it yourself you need two relays, wired to turn the light off for blinkers while the brake is on. If you don't use relays, you will have brake light OR turn signals, not both at the same time. The biggest problem is if you use two standard automotive relays and the amount of wires it takes to do it, it winds up being bigger than one of the modules...ie harder to hide. I like the badlands modules on custom builds...just makes life easier.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: West Metro, Minnesota
To get a run/turn/brake light configuration, you need more than two filament bulbs. To wire it yourself you need two relays, wired to turn the light off for blinkers while the brake is on. If you don't use relays, you will have brake light OR turn signals, not both at the same time. The biggest problem is if you use two standard automotive relays and the amount of wires it takes to do it, it winds up being bigger than one of the modules...ie harder to hide. I like the badlands modules on custom builds...just makes life easier.
Looks like I'll need to go the module route as I really don't want to add even more wiring. To say nothing of the relays!!
Thanks Tom!!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: West Metro, Minnesota
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Dont know. Call them - they are in Sparks / Reno, Nevada. I installed a cheaper unit that works fine - should have spent a little more for the Badlands though... imo LED's are worth the extra $50 if you get good ones. Highly recommend Custom Dynamics Genesis cluster led's for the rear. They are truly blinding, very intense.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 2
There are spliters for lack of better word than will make your lights do two functions and they are the size of a tiny tiny fire cracker with two wires in, one out... For example i had my run lights and brake run off the same lights with this splitter and functioned perfect no issues what so ever... It wont work to do three functions that is where the Badlands comes in.. good luck
