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Diode Dynamics Hitchmount Reviews?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by 1022PRO, Feb 20, 2023.

  1. Feb 20, 2023 at 9:13 PM
    #1
    1022PRO

    1022PRO [OP] New Member

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    Hi All,

    Has anyone installed and have impressions to share for the Diode Dynamics Hitchmount product?

    It looks like an easy to install and lockable option for additional light when backing up, and there is an option for brake light functionality as well. Overall visibility at night is improved via an additional parking light on either version, too.

    https://www.diodedynamics.com/hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit-for-2014-2023-toyota-4runner.html

    I've installed HIR backup/reverse bulbs, but this looks like it may offer a significant boost of light when backing up.
     
  2. Feb 20, 2023 at 9:20 PM
    #2
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    I have it, I think it's pretty great. Easy install, nice quality, good n' bright.
     
  3. Feb 21, 2023 at 3:18 PM
    #3
    Gstick

    Gstick New Member

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    Does the supplied "plug n play" wiring harness plug right into the round 7 pin socket on the left side under the bumper?
     
  4. Feb 21, 2023 at 4:00 PM
    #4
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    It actually plugs in behind the 7 pin to keep your 7 pin open for use. It's pretty slick.
     
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  5. Feb 23, 2023 at 5:07 PM
    #5
    Gstick

    Gstick New Member

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    Is it substantially brighter backing up at night with the hitch light?
     
  6. Feb 23, 2023 at 6:32 PM
    #6
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    I already have quad reverse lights with the Diode Dynamics tails-as-turn so for me, it is brighter, but not like a "wow" factor. I actually bought it more for the 4th blinking brake light with the morons out here.

    I would guess though for someone with a OEM reverse lights it would be a significant upgrade
     
  7. Feb 24, 2023 at 1:42 AM
    #7
    jev425

    jev425 New Member

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    I just installed this a couple weeks ago. Really easy install being plug and play. I purchased the parking light and reverse light version not the more expensive version(which was backordered for weeks at the time). For the price it throws a good amount of light and I like that it’s “stealthy” and sits inside the hitch.
     
    LuLu likes this.
  8. Feb 24, 2023 at 9:56 AM
    #8
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    So you have the C1 version, not the C1R?
    Does the red running light brighten when brakes are applied?

    I ask because I read a review that said the C1 does have the brake feature, just not the initial 6-blink of the more expensive C1R.
    https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/products/diode-dynamics-hitchmount-led-pod-reverse-kit?variant=43534459109621
     
  9. Feb 24, 2023 at 12:47 PM
    #9
    jev425

    jev425 New Member

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    Correct the c1 version. the C1 version does not brighten when brakes are pressed that is only the c1r version that does that.
     
  10. Feb 24, 2023 at 1:24 PM
    #10
    auspilot

    auspilot Old Member

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    Dobs IMS, lots of small stuff
    How easily/quickly does this pop out if you want to tow something?
     
  11. Feb 24, 2023 at 2:01 PM
    #11
    jev425

    jev425 New Member

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    You push the two tabs(they lock into the pin holes on the hitch)in, pull the pod out and unplug the connector on the back. 10-15 seconds.
     
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  12. Feb 24, 2023 at 3:21 PM
    #12
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    This
     
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  13. Feb 24, 2023 at 5:43 PM
    #13
    LuLu

    LuLu New Member

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    Is the C1 all plastic? Durability? Risky of harness damage from parking lot theft ?
    Rattling over time ?
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2023
  14. Feb 24, 2023 at 7:15 PM
    #14
    jev425

    jev425 New Member

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    The pod itself I assume is like the rest of their pods, made of aluminum. The bracket that holds the pod in the hitch seems to be a 3D print(hard plastic, correct me if I’m wrong) but of higher quality.

    If someone decides they want it and rips it out forcefully then I’d guess there would be damage to either the harness or the connector. You have the option to trim the tabs and use a lock through your hitch to avoid that.

    There is a minimal amount of rattle but I presumed there would be since you would have a hard time pulling out the light if it was wedged into the hitch.
     
  15. Mar 6, 2023 at 3:02 PM
    #15
    Gob332

    Gob332 New Member

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    I recently got my DD hitchmount after a 2 month wait! I'm having a heck of time unplugging the 7 pin. Part of the issue is I have an injury to my elbow that causes severe pain when grasping anything. But I'm also not sure if there is a latch or anything I need to press or hold in when unplugging the 7 pin.

    Is there a trick to unplugging the 7 pin from the 4runner or is it just brute force?
     
  16. Mar 6, 2023 at 3:22 PM
    #16
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    I'm an able bodied young man and I was cussing at it. It is indeed tight and it doesn't help its awkward to get to.
     
  17. Mar 7, 2023 at 12:50 PM
    #17
    MartianArmada

    MartianArmada New Member

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    Got this light about a week ago and its dramatically brighter than the stock reverse lights, almost so bright that in certain scenarios it's a little too bright for the camera's contrast to adjust for it.

    _aDOHw4tGg_oWEWyHcbD6Xp14F2odotP2tFhVeSm_12e3b03c04110117a08780b2b0f105e83d3459ca.jpg

    So far as my install review, the 7 pin connector wasn't that awful, just a little awkward to get to. Maybe took 5-10 minutes to install entirely.
     
  18. Jul 11, 2023 at 1:50 PM
    #18
    scfw0x0f

    scfw0x0f New Member

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    I am neither young nor that able-bodied. It was a PITA until I pushed down on the release tab hidden under the tape around the factory loom connector, then it came off pretty easily. Hope that helps someone.
     
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  19. Jul 11, 2023 at 4:11 PM
    #19
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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