Backup light question

At The Helm · **Posted:** Sun Feb 06, 2011 8:53 pm

So i bought some extra 2.5"x5" 55w lights I want to mount just below my rear bumper in front of my curt hitch to come on when put it in reverse. Wiring is definitely not my strongpoint. Can i just splice the hot wires coming off the lights into the reverse wire for the factory lights and then ground the other wire on the lights. I have found other wiring diagrams that pull power directly from the battery and use a relay, but they are also using a 3 way switch to turn them on at any time and they come on when in reverse.
Either way i still need to figure out which factory wire is the reverse wire. I dont have a voltage meter.

ryan_p17 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:49 pm

the way you described with the three way switch and relay is the best option. you could also just use a relay and the trigger could be the reverse lights so no matter what they come on in reverse and only in reverse. but either way you will have to use a relay as those lights will draw too much current for the fuse and wiring of your stock reverse lights.

Jeepin_it_real · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:00 am

ryan is correct... best opion is relay and 3 point switch...

bhc04 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:04 am

Check this site out, it's what I put on my Libby.

http://www.whitenight.com/

At The Helm · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:14 am

Anyone know what color the reverse wire is and what kind of relay do i need? Thanks for the help guys.

infernicus · **Posted:** Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:45 am

I'm not sure if you've seen this thread, but I do believe it is the best way to do it..
This is how I have two sets of lights wired up.
viewtopic.php?p=478384#p478384

You don't need a voltage meter, I would go to Autozone, or a similar place and buy a test light for about 8$. (http://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Industri ... B000NPT6FM) All you have to do is put the clip to a ground, and put the point to the wire you want to test. The easiest way is to take out the tail light housing, unplug the connector and test away. Have someone in the driver seat, with the key in the run position, (you don't have to have the engine running for the reverse lights to come on) Have them put the car in reverse, have the E-Brake on and don't let them take their foot off of the brake pedal. When the test light comes on, that is your reverse trigger wire. Make sure it is not the brake light wire, by putting the truck into neutral then reverse.

I'm not on the computer that I have my Service Manual on, So the above method is the best way. When I get back to the states and you still haven't figured it out, I will post it up.

The WhiteNight option is a good route as well, But you need to have a trailer harness for it to work properly, unless you do the above method, but it doesn't make any sense to spend more money to accomplish something you can already do.
(If you do have a trailer harness you can atatch the trigger wire to that, and bypass the tail light option).

Good Luck!

At The Helm · **Posted:** Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:12 pm

Thanks for the help guys. I finally got em in there and used Infericus' wiring diagram.

Backup light question

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