best way to wire backup lights
#1
best way to wire backup lights
I have mounted a set of small auxiliary back up lights and Im wondering what is the best way to wire them in. I was goin to use the 4pin trailer connecter but it doesnt seem to do backup lights. These lights are small enough that I shouldnt need to use a relay and trigger but Im also wondering about the factory "light out" system.
Can someone tell me the best and easiest way to wire these lights up.
Thx for the help.
Can someone tell me the best and easiest way to wire these lights up.
Thx for the help.
#2
Registered User
Even if the lights are small, it's still best to use a relay to supply the power.
There isn't much juice on the existing backup light circuit, so you'll get diminished performance on anything you add. I had a set of 55W bulbs and they were OK when wired to the existing backup lights. When I switched to a relay, the amount of light increased A LOT.
Not sure on the Lamp Out warning and how it would be affected by adding to that wiring.
There isn't much juice on the existing backup light circuit, so you'll get diminished performance on anything you add. I had a set of 55W bulbs and they were OK when wired to the existing backup lights. When I switched to a relay, the amount of light increased A LOT.
Not sure on the Lamp Out warning and how it would be affected by adding to that wiring.
#3
ok so if I use a relay then what wire can I use as the trigger? Can I tap into the 12v constant wire in the 7pin harness as power or is there not enough in that circuit either?
#4
Registered User
Your trigger would be on the backup light circuit. And I use a direct connection to the battery as a source with an in-line fuse between the battery and the relay.
#5
Chapter President
I got a nice set of backup lights off of Cabelas (of all places) for about $35. they came with a relay to splice into the backup light wire. Pretty straight foreward install. Works great when i'm pushin snow in the dark.
#7
DTR's Cow Boss
http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...h/foglites.htm
Thats what I doing with mine I got a set of the white recessed tractor lights n then I am going to drill the wholes in my bumper for the lights but i did not use the indicator and i wondering why i would have to use the fuse tap to the switch? I am thinking you could just go from the inline fuse from battery to the relay taped my reverse light so they click on with reverse and i can click them on with the switch to act as work lights.
Thats what I doing with mine I got a set of the white recessed tractor lights n then I am going to drill the wholes in my bumper for the lights but i did not use the indicator and i wondering why i would have to use the fuse tap to the switch? I am thinking you could just go from the inline fuse from battery to the relay taped my reverse light so they click on with reverse and i can click them on with the switch to act as work lights.
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
I like to run the auxilliary reverse lights from a relay powered by the 12V+ battery circuit in the 7-pin wiring harness, and energize the relay with the vehicle's reverse light circuit. Of course, I have a toggle switch in the dash panel to put it into "reverse" even if the engine is running so I can work behind the truck as needed.
This gives you all the power you can use for the rear lights, with or without a trailer hooked. I have so many "reverse" lights on the GN, I had to run a heavy guage wire straight from the battery to the auxilliary trailer relay at the rear bumper.
This gives you all the power you can use for the rear lights, with or without a trailer hooked. I have so many "reverse" lights on the GN, I had to run a heavy guage wire straight from the battery to the auxilliary trailer relay at the rear bumper.
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: JACKSONVILLE, FL
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also tapped into the reverse light circuit for the 7 pin trailer plug using an adapter about $7.00 at wal-mart. The second set of back up lights only work when the truck is in reverse. Works great
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fontana, CA
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So you guys recommend running a relay, getting power from the battery, and the trigger circuit from the 7-pin connector?
On a side note, has anyone added an auxilary fuse box to their truck? I would like to do this as I will be adding (4) 130w offroad lights to the front soon and would like a central location to grab power. Also, should I tap into a particular battery, or is either okay? Thanks!
On a side note, has anyone added an auxilary fuse box to their truck? I would like to do this as I will be adding (4) 130w offroad lights to the front soon and would like a central location to grab power. Also, should I tap into a particular battery, or is either okay? Thanks!
#11
Registered User
It'll cost ya another 5 bucks and 15 minutes - you won't be sorry... much brighter light that way.
No need for an additional fuse box; just use in-line fuses on the relays' power circuit and it's easiest to run all of it off of the driver's battery.
Along with 12 additional driving lights, I also run a 5KW (yes five thousand watt) inverter mounted under my seat off of that battery...
...that way I can leave the big generator out at the shop.
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ocean County, NJ
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does anybody know the color wire that is the reverse light trigger on the 7 pin harness?
I am installing KC reverse lights now and have to hook he trigger up. They look killer when on. I used a constant power with a relay and they put out some power..
Thanks
I am installing KC reverse lights now and have to hook he trigger up. They look killer when on. I used a constant power with a relay and they put out some power..
Thanks
#13
Chapter President
Just tap into the backup light wire in the tail light. that's what i did.
#14
I used the setup from Geno's catalog. It's pricey but man, does it look great! There's even a hidden toggle switch back there to override them. I use that for when I'm hooking or unhooking my trailer at night.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kerry2
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
9
07-14-2008 06:00 PM
robert78.5
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
1
01-20-2008 10:18 PM
TPilaske
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
16
11-22-2002 08:15 PM