sPOD vs. Switch Pros with Installations

Are you looking for an auxiliary power module to manage your 12 volt after market components on your vehicle? In this video we take a close up look at the spod and switch pros systems, then my sons install them on their Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma and we’ll see which one is easier to install.
sPOD: trailrecon.com/spod-sourcelt-...
Switch Pros: trailrecon.com/switch-pros-be...
sPOD HD: trailrecon.com/spod-bantamx-h...
KC Hilites: www.kchilites.com/kc-flex-era...
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0:00 Introduction
0:50 sPOD vs. Switch Pros
7:28 Switch Pros Install Toyota Tacoma
18:20 sPOD Install Jeep Wrangler
27:47 sPod vs. Switch Pros Review

[@1gx619]

I like your point of buying Made in America when you can. People don’t realize that the people working in factories in the U.S.A. are working to support their families in which contribute to our economic prosperity in the U.S.A. I can’t always afford to buy U.S. made, but I really try to when I can.

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, I can't always buy made in America, but I do when I can.

[@drexotic]

I'm a Switch pros guy, but I remember the old days. Crazy miles of wire, searching for a place for a switch, fuse, terminal blocks . . . And, something always seemed to go wrong, often creating a problem with something completely unrelated to the project at hand. I'm glad we are passing a better solution on to future generations and it's great to see your sons step up and do these projects.

[@TrailRecon]

I love seeing my sons in the garage and learning how to do their own modifications. I'm lucky they still want to spend time with their dad on the trail and in the garage!

[@drexotic]

@@TrailRecon I was blessed with a beautiful daughter who fell in love with ballet as a little girl and is now a professional ballerina here in San Diego. But sadly, not the garage project, dessert camping, type of girl. So I love getting a little voyeuristic enjoyment when you share your sons with us.

[@phillipcraggs6202]

I couldn't bring myself to dish out over $500 for a switch panel. I paid $100 for some no name switch panel off Amazon. It works just fine. Thanks for the video, it was still interesting.

[@worldwide_wes]

Yep insane prices

[@gullf1sk]

And something as simple as bluetooth wont work on the more expensive one. Yeah... ill be getting a cheaper option.

[@MrMhachey]

I picked up the Auxbeam 8 switch ½ the price. Works great. The new model is Bluetooth as well

[@rhinohorn99]

Yeah I went the same route with auxbeam 2 years ago and no issues whatsoever. Install was a breeze

[@rickbarmore1167]

Awesome Family Dynamics. Way to go, Brad! AWESOME JOB. So nice to see your interaction w/your son's. 😊

[@jeepinwithjulia]

I love seeing your sons doing these things! I have the sPod 6 switch and love it. I did not install, my mechanic did, but I love how simple it is. I did hook up a KC light bar to it without issue. That said, I have not been able to get the blue tooth to work either. Not a biggie for me. I do love the switches between the visors. Makes me feel like a pilot :)

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

awesome job guys! both look very awesome!

[@ronanderson5736]

Your sons did a great job with the installations! Awesome!

[@TrailRecon]

They learned a lot from filming these segments and a few things to working, Very proud of them both!

[@ronanderson5736]

@@TrailRecon they also did a great job of filming! Well done!

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanls for sharing and taking us along

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@LaddGardner4]

Great guys, with great attitudes, which is no surprise, given their old man.

[@needsofnavy5586]

BRAD!!! Another ideal topic exactly fitting my interest and questions on products. You dont miss sir.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@litfuses7765]

I believe the switch pro has an A-Pilar mount, looks super clean!! Great video!

[@edwardsimmons3721]

This particular comparison was helpful because I would like to install a set of switches in my Jeep. Thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

So glad it was helpful, good luck with you install.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Got the Garmin power switch, along with the overlander GPS unit. Really smart just works no problems. The scenes that can set up are brilliant too, along with the trigger inputs. Nice going ✊ take care.

[@riceburnr2005]

Been running that sPOD setup on my Jk for a couple of years. Never had any issues!

[@RyanBennett_Gpd605]

My Auxbeam version is fantastic and makes wiring so much easier. I used to go the old route with individual switches and wiring to batteries etc. Can't believe I waited so long to switch over but it was 100% worth it.

[@TheLazyGreek]

for the bluetooth to work on the SPOD. On the Bantam part, is a dip switch that will make it discoverable.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing A fishtape is a very handy headache preventer 😊 And, HF has two five inch flush cutters that cut zip ties better than electrician pliers (dykes), or diagnonal cutters. The HF leave the cut so smooth that you literally cannot cut your face with the edge of the cut zip tie ⭐ 🏆🤗🙏🇺🇲

[@kevinp2820]

Great video as I’m planning on getting a good wire management system for my new to me jku.

[@InGratitudeIam]

Nice work, Jordan. Switch Pro recommends grounding directly to the negative terminal of the battery.

[@67wildwolf]

You can't go wrong with ether of them. I like the sPod a lot for it's install simplicity. The Switch Pros can get a little more complicated and too me doesn't look as clean in the engine bay. Your sons did a great job explaining what they were doing Brad. Wonder where they got that from. It's been fun watching them grow in skills. You really should be very very proud of both of them.

[@TrailRecon]

I agree, the spod is a little cleaner when installed. Pretty proud of my sons, they still have a few thing to work on when filming and they learned a lot from this experience. Thank you!

[@mattduffy2023]

You guys have great boys

[@garretlewis4103]

Considering one of these two systems for my wife’s Gladiator. I went the DIY route on my Colorado for the auxiliary lights. It was cheaper, but definitely a bigger time investment. If you aren’t good with wiring, get one of these switch kits. I would recommend putting some silicone on those self tapping screws to help prevent any rust.

[@sqeekms6186]

Summit installed the switch pro in my Toyota Sequoia. I like it a lot

[@voodoo36x]

Been running the sPOD BantamX in my JLUR for a couple years. Overall, the system has been flawless. Only problem I have had to this point was the LCD-touchscreen went to 💩 a couple months ago. Called tech support at sPOD and they sent out a new one....free of charge. Gave me confidence in their post-purchase customer support as they had no problem standing behind their product. [FWIW....since Baja Designs scooped up sPOD a couple years ago, the warranty for recently purchased sPOD's has been bumped up to 5 years as opposed to the original one year.] Regarding the sPOD app......yep, it's garbage. Has been since day one. Search the forums as a "fix" for the bluetooth connection issue can be found there. Great video guys. Keep them coming 🤟

[@johnf1353]

Thats why race guys never run touchscreen switch systems. Too flakey and hard to find a switch without looking away from driving. Switch Pros for the win.

[@Kevin01TJ]

Great vid!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@bwofficial1776]

I like these switch panels. Very clean, if expensive. One suggestion I have for the manufacturers is a high beam trigger separate from the ignition wire. When the programmed light input(s) are activated on the switch panel, they will be in an armed state waiting for the high beam signal. This way they can be legally compliant as well as avoid blinding people. Wiring is my least favorite thing to do on a car. It's tedious and usually requires uncomfortable contortions. If I had enough accessories to justify a switch pod I probably would go with one of these instead of building my own. Also, you can get OEM-sized switches for Toyotas with various off-road legends if you need a switch but don't want to put it on the Switch Pro. There are two or three companies making them.

[@porkrindrob]

Got a switch pros and really like it. Hardest part is cleaning up the wiring. Check out power trays they make a mount that really cleans everything up

[@oahu_mopar]

Power trays? Can you please provide more info? Thank you

[@jdii5698]

One of the first Trail Recon videos I ever saw was an spod installation video you did with the San Diego Jeep club years ago.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh wow, that was a long time ago. Thanks for being a long time follower!

[@ajfarson]

I love the sPOD Bantam in my 80 Series Land Cruiser. Simple, safe, and effective. I got the Bantam so I could get the customizable LCD screen and Bluetooth connectivity. I can have infinite adjustability for my seat heaters, link functions, set strobe and other light features. I can also daisychain multiple spod units to work on the single LCD.

[@donleamon8653]

Just don't get it wet. My biggest gripe with it. I've killed mine with no more than some light water from washing the engine compartment down. LCD screens are finicky to touch, especially while moving off-road.

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear, I like the daisy chain options, I had two spod control panels on my Gladiator that made it very functional.

[@jeffquick7917]

I have the sPod in my JK as well and I overall dig it, the simplicity of it is what I like the most and that it’s in my periphery to easily access but not “in my face”. Bonus the fun buttons you can get from sPod makes passengers first question what it is..”ok, what does the ejector seat button really do? Feeling lucky, press it and find out!”

[@TrailRecon]

I have a few of the custom rocker switches, always a good conversation piece.

[@destinationunknown3809]

I have two of the switch pro's - one in cab for lights, one in the Gladiator bed to control camping things. I really like the small footprint a ton, the programability, and the modern tech removing the need for relays which just draw extra power.

[@TrailRecon]

I did the same thing a few years back with my Gladiator and I liked the ability to have 2 different control panels.

[@GadsdenJL]

Got one year out of mine before it quit.

[@ronmccall6511]

Not sure if you did, but always disconnect the negative battery cable whenever working on electrical system. I learned the hard way (FIRE) Your doing great with your vidios.

[@Donnut123]

I have a cheaper Amazon offering of a switch pod that has only has 4 accessory switches. The "real" S-Pod would have been nice. Nice work guys!

[@Johnnys_Off_Road_Adventures]

With the 2 bolts that go through the sound bar if you over tighten them it shifts the seal and makes it leak. Most people find just leave them out. My 2015 hasn’t had them in for years and it stopped the leaking.

[@tomassanesson902]

Sooo awesome

[@chrisblanchard4849]

Good video, Brad. Rule number 1 when working on electrical mods: Disconnect the negative battery terminal first and always! If your sons touched ground while ratcheting on the positive terminal, it could have, not only burned their vehicles to the ground, but also your house too since it was in the garage. Safety First! (Not Second)

[@JeepinJoe]

I choose the Switch pro 12 panel for its small form factor and solid state design. Really slick control and customization with the app over bluetooth. Next level would be to use Solder Seal Wire Connectors covered in your electrical tape or sleeve.

[@pontiacwolf]

I love the side-by-side comparison between the two. I also like the fact that you and your sons are both doing stuff together! One thing I do want to dress that I see a lot of people on KZbin mentioning, and even sometimes bragging that products that they use are made in the USA. I can appreciate that. I try to gauge my purchasing on where the products come from. Even though it is sometimes difficult and time-consuming to do. What I do. when I choose to purchase a made in the USA product. I look at the other components from that product. I make sure that it is also “made in the USA“. I have found that many items who claim that there are made in this country. Most if not all of their components or the resources to make the components. Or made elsewhere. The number one reason why people choose to purchase stuff that isn’t made here. Is obviously the price. So while these companies are using the slogan call made in the USA quote. On the backend, they’re saving money by getting their resources and products to, make the end product that they sell to you cheaper. So I guess what I’m trying to say is if these companies can in some sense, bully us into telling everyone to buy products that are made in this country to support Americans. But then they go against our policy to yield a bigger profit margin. I think that’s wrong. I still choose to buy whatever my family budget allows. So my family can have more benefits. Also, if you look at the owners of some of these businesses and pay attention to the things they purchase. Such as their vehicles, they drive. Many of them have Mercedes, BMW, some even drive, more exotic things that obviously are not made, produced, or even assembled in this country. but they decide to tell us to only purchase stuff that’s made here. Conveniently their product. It’s kind of like everybody telling you to buy local, meaning from the small businesses in your town, city, or community. But yet ignoring the people who work at the bigger businesses, like target and or Walmart. These are the same people that live amongst us. Shop at our businesses in our town. And in most cases, at least, in my town, the “small businesses“ are owned by spouses whose other half have a high-paying job. And they’re bored sitting at home so they decide to start some type of boutique. they usually have two or three employees. Pay them a very very minimal wage. Don’t offer them any benefits whatsoever. And then on average most of your small business boutique style places last anywhere from 6 to 7 years. So these 2 to 3 employees are out looking for a job, shortly after that. And across this country, we are all bullied into supporting these type of people.

[@ronaldjennings1037]

Good to see someone using The Dirty Guv'nahs for background music.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Great job guys, very much enjoyed the video. PS team Switchpros here 🤭

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@tacoma_jon]

Brad. It was nice meeting you at expo. Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your day to talk to me.

[@TrailRecon]

So glad we got to meet!

[@blackpepe]

u guys sound like you hit it off

[@overlandready]

Even though I have done all the wiring on mine myself and bought all the switches for the icons on them, all oem/oem style switches it's for the manufacture look. Like all the gauges are VDO with white needles (Yep, they are hard to find in some gauges, so I converted them. It's a lot of work, the Switch pro looks like what I'd probably use for customers as they'd not really want to pay for the time and effort of my build. I like the simple form factor and the versatility of the Switch Pro, and the best thing, not a carling switch in sight! 😀

[@bigbrownmab189]

Looks like the bid advantage with the sPods is you can use to as a bypass to hotwire anything that goes all wonky like a radiator fan etc without tapping into the extra portion of the wiring harness loosing some wire like you would on the switch pro

[@alfa8822]

I like the sPOD better. I like the terminal block verses a bunch of wires out in the open. Much cleaner looking!

[@recoblade1465]

Unless I'm mistaken the default install plate that comes with the switch Pros is actually for a Jeep

[@yohh1300]

hello. Does it have a dimming function?

[@martinklaus2203]

Love my SwitchPro!! Wouldn't change to any other brand. I'm biased tho because I know the owner. Hi Laura.

[@blackpepe]

u have relations?

[@TG-lj5kh]

Doesn't the switch pro come with mounting brackets?

[@RamJamOverland]

You should check out the 6-shooter from trigger systems

[@jpmartinez961]

I couldn’t decide so I have an Spod in the 2door JK and then a Switch Pro in the 4door. Think I like the functionality of the SwitchPro a little better.

[@barnetts9812]

Good products, I would opt for a budget friendly option for "switches"

[@Zanderthelab]

What does DUA led mean?

[@BrandonBaecker]

I would definitely recommend at least using heat shrink tubing and a heat gun on your electrical connections instead of electrical tape. That will give you a more secure connection and reduce the chance of shorts, blown fuses, or fires, particularly when off-roading. Both installs looked like they turned out great though. 👍

[@TrailRecon]

Yep, a lot learned from doing this. A few changes to the connections and wire routing after this was filmed.

[@auduffer]

Not to mention once the heat gets to that tape it's just a mess!

[@broncobill3902]

Spent my money on the switch-pros.

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

Switch pro sounds like better choice !!!

[@davewhanger6722]

For the Jeep version what do you do if you want to put the windshield down?

[@TrailRecon]

I've never tried, not sure if there is enough slack to allow it. Honestly, how many folks actually drop their windshield?

[@eldedo8927]

Garmin Powerswitch, it has an app thats carplay compatable.....can you say buttons on your touchscreen? Actually I have the sp9100 and garmin. I have had all 3, sPod BantamX --->garmin(attempted to integrate to one device, garmin overlander) then decided I would like pushbuttons, along comes the switchpro, the bantamx is very comparable in size the the switchpro. I kept the garmin for more output availability.

[@ShredGarage]

I’ve used a Voswitch, basically a switchpros knock off, previously with great success and they’ve got some cool mounting options for Jeeps. Metal housing, all the functions like color, strobe, flash, etc.

[@dericadams6139]

I was laughing at your son not knowing the name of tools he was using but he was in the garage getting stuff done!

[@TrailRecon]

He’s learning!

[@dericadams6139]

@@TrailRecon absolutely it’s great

[@chillis28]

👍👍

[@originalg00kster]

try turning on your location with bluetooth for the sPod. SwitchPro makes you turn on location before it recognizes your switchpro when connecting.

[@TwistedOff]

👍

[@JeepTJay6]

Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t hear any mention about the Bluetooth capability of the Switch Pros unit. I have both the SP9100 and the RCR Force 12. I suppose I’m biased but IMHO the 9100 is a far more sophisticated system compared to the SPOD. Edit: I see your son picked up on the BT

[@timjackson4927]

Switch pro all day long!!

[@rangerrecon]

The sPod protects against "Field Collapse"? Do they mean that they use relays and add diodes or some other protection across the coil to protect from the collapsing magnetic field generating a back/counter EMF spike? That's actually pretty typical in relay switching - even though they make it sound fancy. I assume that, based on the size of the Switch Pro, it uses solid state switching so there are no mechanical relays. Personally I hate fuse taps as I just haven't found them reliable - particularly in a vehicle that is going to bouncing around on trails. However, for anyone that doesn't have a lot of electrical/wiring experience, I get why they are a quick, easy solution. Overall I thought that they did a great job installing these switching devices - particularly for those that don't typical deal with automotive electronics.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

For some reason, this video doesn't play audio when played on the TV.

[@TrailRecon]

Sorry to hear that, might be something wrong with your TV settings, seems to be working fine on this end

[@dtrn750]

I've gone through my 2nd switch pro. My first one blew an internal fuse and switch pro replaced it no problem. This second one lasted a few years longer. I connected each unit straight to the switch pro as recommended without a wire bus and needless to say I had a huge rats nest under the hood that was frustrating. I might go a different route for my 4Runner

[@GadsdenJL]

My backight works, but the buttons won't trigger anything. App will not connect anymore. Is this what yours did? Trying to figure out what's going on. Thanks

[@dtrn750]

@@GadsdenJL that’s exactly what I’m dealing with. But sometimes the backlight won’t light as well. Per switch pro website, there might be a short in the wiring. So I need to go back through my entire wiring and see what might be causing the short. Also, switch pro gave me a list of testing (w/ a multimeter) I need to preform and pictures I need to take in order to proceed with getting their analysis. If you’re using a terminal block. They will say that’s part of the problem as well. They require all accessories be connected straight to the switch pro unit. It’s gonna be a pain to figure out what’s going on. Hope this helps

[@GadsdenJL]

So, a buddy had the same problem. He totally disconnected overnight and that fixed his. Also just worked on mine. Would be awesome if switch-pros put that information out there, or responded to emails. Hope this helps.

[@dtrn750]

@@GadsdenJL totally disconnected and reinstalled. No difference. Got an email back from SP and the asked to to use a multi meter and take down some numbers and they’ll go from there. Big headache

[@GadsdenJL]

@@dtrn750 damn

[@SurlyDeath]

A Jeep is never sealed, my dud! It's a feature for when you submarine it!

[@Jade-d]

Devin your roof leaked perhaps because you tightened the two large screws too tight. I don't even put those in the top now and it has stopped mine from leaking.

[@stevehicks9374]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏼💯

[@chipper7711]

How do I wire a light & switch, but introduce a whole lot of circuitry in the middle that can fail and costs $$$$?? 😂

[@cstoaks01]

Fried Bologna in Oregon

[@dyakr4368]

I’m a aircraft engine mechanic and those zip ties are like razor blades if not cut correct.

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

Boy switch pro is $659.00 holly cow !!!

[@peterfernandez3135]

Where’s Marco? Miss his cooking on the trail!

[@TrailRecon]

Just hung out with him at Overland Expo, but he lives too far away to join us in the garage.

[@kevinross5360]

You need to show them how to clean engine bay , just saying 😂

[@MrBetoybrenda]

Auxbeam #1 😊

[@blackpepe]

I read this as chyna numba 1

[@MrBetoybrenda]

@@blackpepe looking at their website can’t find anything about made is the USA? Maybe you just like feeling good for no reason.

[@blackpepe]

@@MrBetoybrendabruh google it, auxbeam is china , by all means buy chynah, i'll pay more to not support communist chyna

[@richardleslie410]

I think these models are fantastic in design and reliability, however I am reluctant to spend $800-$1000 dollars on them.

[@scottfield2289]

i did not like all the wires on the switch pro, all over the place, Spod is far better. yes a bit pricy but well worth it.

[@carlosnsosa99]

And you have every right to !!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏

[@6point1hemi]

Auxbeam is also a solid product for much less $$$.

[@DanMcD80]

Voswitch

[@midgeta6864]

Auxbeam…way cheaper. First thing I would have to do is clean that engine bay! 😳😂

[@TrailRecon]

Yep it's cheaper, but have you ever tried to call their customer service? I have years ago and it wasn't a good experience.

[@midgeta6864]

@@TrailRecon No I didn’t I guess because I had no problem with their product at all. I’m sorry that you did though….

[@dontcallmemarty2177]

The S pods are a total copy of the Baja designs squadron . Baja Designs FOR LIFE

[@ipdjbt]

I hope they're paying you to simp on their products.

[@TrailRecon]

I believe spod has been around much longer and Baja recently purchased spod to the best of my knowledge.

[@jimstoneman1732]

@@TrailRecon Actually, both were bought by Bestop, along with Tuffy and several other brands. They seem to market Baja Design and sPod together most often. Both are great products!

[@pmurphy12667]

Aux beam 8 gang controller...save yourself hundreds and does the same thing. Just my 2 cents

[@scottfield9516]

This not a good comparison. You can get the Spod with the smaller control panel. Spod was the 1st to make these. Switch Pro copied them. You compared Apples to Lemons. Not fair at all

[@TrailRecon]

Yep I mentioned that in the video, but these were the two that we need for our application and I thought it would be helpful for some folks out there trying to decide.

[@jakelong3322]

👍