can anyone point me in the direction of a possible thread containing a write up for backup lights?

i want some lights to come on automatically with the transmission switch when i shift into reverse


i have searched but i have to say i hate the search feature, it has proven useless to me many times

 

if you can figure out where the reverse light wire is you can tap into that

 

Best to run a fused setup using a relay and 12awg wire straight from the battery. Use the reverse lights as a trigger for the relay. SO much brighter- you're relying on old stock wiring to illuminate 55w bulbs.

 

go with a 3way switch u can have them come on with reverse or when u want too

 

Have the existing reverse lights throw a relay that completes the circuit for the auxillary reverse lights.

Three key points:

big wires (think i used 14 ga.)
relay (you don't want a bunch of current going through a switch in case you've got wet fingers)
fuse ($0.05 insurance against an electrical fire)

 

Elton - What kind of relay would you use in that circuit? What are the specs on it?

 

basic 30amp relay

 

i was thinking i would use the factory backup lights to trigger the relay. im just not sure which wire at the bottom of my tailgate to tap for that. can anyone tell me which color wire it is?

 

use a vampire tap to tap into where the wire goes into the tail light housing, literally right before the backup light bulb. Easy and clean and out of the way (plus it doesnt get firty quite as easily back there compared to below the tailgate..

 

oh, and if you put the relay behind the tail lamp housing as well like I did, do yourself a favor and get yourself a waterproof relay. I got mine from amazon for like 12 bucks shipped, which is quite a bit more expensive than the 4 dollar radio shack relay, but the radio shack ones crap out at the most inopportune times (middle of winter at night, trying to turn around on a dark narrow muddy trail with no spotter)

 

Right on. You can also get the regular sealed Bosch (now Tyco, I believe) relays- they're fully sealed. Then when you get the relay harness for it (because using female spade connectors is crap), seal the back side of it with RTV sealer, and stuff it full of dielectric grease. I've NEVER had one fail on me doing this, and I had it mounted right under the truck for 2 years in NE winters before I moved it up behind the tail light.

 

dont the tail light wire harness run though the cab ? might be easier to tap into from there

 

oh snap, Kingston, I used to live there when I was 2!

 

I'm putting together a parts list... Princess Auto has a set of 4" 55W halfogen lights for $20.. They have both flood lights and spot lights..

I'm thinking about getting the flood lights, because they will throw a wider beam of light, and be able to see more right close to me.. I don't see a real benefit to being able to see an extra 30 ft further in reverse..

flood lights or spot lights??

 

you will want the floods

 

sweeeeet, I thought so.
Thanks for all the clarifcation Elton

 

I actually work in Kingston. I live in Tivoli. (basically just across the river)

 

If you go with LED's you don't need a relay. Just hook straight in to the reverse power. I didn't want to mount lights below the bumper because experience has shown me they usually get broken or twisted. Now granted, these don't provide the amount of light an off-road or KC light would, but they give off a cleaner and brighter light than the ones that are higher in the tailgate. They are also aimed down just a little because of the angle of the bumper. The lights I chose are from a trailer / truck supplier.

I started by finding the area behind the bumper where the "Y" mounting bracket would allow for the back of the light to fit. Then I made paper template from the mounting bracket that came with the light. Cut the opening with a die grinder and cleaned up the radius with a rotary grinder. After the hole was cut I inserted the rubber trim ring and then the light. Since these are LED's and have very little draw I was able to tie in directly to my reverse lights. These lights also help light the area for my backup camera which is mounted in the middle of my bumper just under the spare tire crank hole ( not in these pics). I initially went with the 10 LED version for cost reasons, however I plan to switch to the much brighter 20 LED version as soon as I wrangle up the cash. At that time I will move the 10's around to the sides of the bumper for more side lighting while backing up or night crawlin.







Here's what they look like now that my bumper is powder coated.


Here are a couple night shots.

 

x2 - there just isn't any reason to use halogen lights for this kind of stuff (rocklights, backup, work area) anymore. Eliminate the strain on the electrical system and just go with LED.

 

i like that idea james