Ditch lights - quick wire disconnect mechanism?

[Iron Chef]

I'm installing a set of ditch lights for my T4R - mounted on the corners of the hood near the side mirrors.

Unfortunately I don't live in the nicest part of the country, so they will be easy prime targets for theft whenever I'm parked on city streets.

So I'm trying to come up with a easy quick disconnect mechanism. By default, they already use spade connectors (3 wire per light) which by their nature is quick-disconnect:

But these are not meant for frequent connect & disconnects.

Is there some out-of-the-box solution for an intermediary connector that I can connect these to, so I can disconnect in one pull, instead of the 3 dainty connectors? Or some DIY solution?

Welcome any ideas!

 

[Inv4drZm]

You'll just need a 3 pin connector kit from amazon or ebay. Search '3 pin weatherpack connector kit'.

You'll either have to crimp the connector pins onto the wire or could find some with leads already on the pins, just would need to connect wire to wire with a butt connector or solder and heatshrink.

 

[Iron Chef]

You'll just need a 3 pin connector kit from amazon or ebay. Search '3 pin weatherpack connector kit'.

You'll either have to crimp the connector pins onto the wire or could find some with leads already on the pins, just would need to connect wire to wire with a butt connector or solder and heatshrink.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! Found this kit and it should do the trick.

Amazon.com

 

[Iron Chef]

Hmm, now I'm wondering if there's also a way to make a quick-detach mechanism for the metal bracket of these lights too...

 

[originalg00kster]

You can try out some of those magnetic mounts. Just take them off when you don't need them. Take a look at deutsch connectors too, they are meant for connect and disconnect multiple times.

 

[riceandpho]

I think your better off trying to use security nuts and bolts instead of the regular nuts and bolts.

that way, you really need the key to remove the lights.

 

[T4r.Chris]

Cali Raised LED or other even Amazon you can buy a wire harness with quick connect weatherproof plugs for pretty cheap.

Security bolt/nuts are worth it too, I have all my lights secured with them. Not impossible to get by, but at least a deterrent.

https://a.co/d/0jCeRvc

Wiring Harness - Dual Leg
– Cali Raised LED

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[Bmxer06pa]

Hmm, now I'm wondering if there's also a way to make a quick-detach mechanism for the metal bracket of these lights too...

I would just stick the appropriate size ratcheting wrench in my door pocket. I'm sure you could zip them off in a few seconds. Plus a quick release instead of a nut/bold will make it much easier to steal if you do forget to take them off!

 

[Iron Chef]

I think your better off trying to use security nuts and bolts instead of the regular nuts and bolts.

that way, you really need the key to remove the lights.

Taking off the lights when I'm driving in cities has another benefit of not drawing attention to my 4Runner in the first place.

But I think I do have a fairly workable solution now

 

[Iron Chef]

I would just stick the appropriate size ratcheting wrench in my door pocket. I'm sure you could zip them off in a few seconds. Plus a quick release instead of a nut/bold will make it much easier to steal if you do forget to take them off!

Yeah I think this is what I'm going with. (ratcheting wrench)

I just also need to keep lots of spare bolts, nuts & washers in stock - I'll bet I'll be losing those fairly often.

 

[Iron Chef]

You can try out some of those magnetic mounts. Just take them off when you don't need them. Take a look at deutsch connectors too, they are meant for connect and disconnect multiple times.

I already bought a different type of connectors for this project, but I'll keep DT connectors in mind for the future.

 

[riceandpho]

Taking off the lights when I'm driving in cities has another benefit of not drawing attention to my 4Runner in the first place.

But I think I do have a fairly workable solution now

need a pic of your truck right now, it might still draw attention whether you have them lights or not lol.

 

[patkelly4370]

I bought inexpensive lights that function quite well as ditch lights.
"Those that know" won't bother stealing these. If they are stolen I'm out $15 each. Three inch round LED work lights from Tractor Supply. If they hold up in agricultural applications, they'll work for me.
Not a status symbol, these flood worklights function just fine for illuminating dark side roads where I live.

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