Author Topic: Auxillary Reverse Lights (Read 1703 times)

Fowlhunter · « **on:** September 07, 2011, 11:04:52 PM »

I want to add a set of auxillary reverse lights, I'm thinking a set of 55w. I had my front windows tinted and it's difficult to see anything while backing up. Maybe even two sets (4 lights)? A set of driving lights in the center (one on each side of where the hitch slides in the receiver) to shine a pretty good distance straight back and maybe a set of fogs (one on each end of the receiver tube) to shine back and outward so I can see in the mirrors. I want a switch in the cab so I have the option of turning them on when the key or the lights are on. If I need to get someone off my

I want the option of blinding them. I don't have a clue as to the number of relays I will need or how I should wire them so I'm all ears. I've done some research and think I need a SPDT three way on/off/on switch with center off and I think I can connect to the trailer plug wiring. I will probably also need to pick up a 12v constant from under the dash at my left foot and a fused battery feed.
Ok, I'm all ears folks.
Thanks

Donnie1 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2011, 01:04:04 AM »

You should be able to get your 12v under the dash in your trailer brake harness. Do you have a trailer brake? If not, I believe the pig tail that came with our 06 is just a plug and play feature under the dash. That is where I had our headrest monitors hooked up to so I know the 12v is there.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2011, 05:05:12 AM »

So I understand this, you want to be able to switch them on manually from the cab or have them come on automatically with the reverse lights? I'll see what I can come up with. Right now I'm thinking just a regular switch in the cab and a relay tied into the reverse lights with a diode to prevent backfeed into the reverse lights when you use the manual switch. It should be possible to put the relay under the dash also so you only have to run one power line to the lights in the rear. Just need to pick up the reverse light trigger up front.

Enkei · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2011, 05:08:17 AM »

Try the Whitenight system.. 80 degree light pattern,3 way switch,2 55 watt bulbs...... www.whitenight.com

project black out · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2011, 06:12:43 AM »

If you can hang on till this weekend ill be wiring mine up ill do a write up and submit it. I had them mounted when we had the gtg here in fort wayne (4 55watt kc spot/fog lights

SENT FROM MY EVO 4G

project black out · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2011, 06:15:01 AM »

You can kinda see them here... I just got off work n ill take some pics for ya
SENT FROM MY EVO 4G

MyBigToy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2011, 06:33:49 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 08, 2011, 05:05:12 AM

So I understand this, you want to be able to switch them on manually from the cab or have them come on automatically with the reverse lights? I'll see what I can come up with. Right now I'm thinking just a regular switch in the cab and a relay tied into the reverse lights with a diode to prevent backfeed into the reverse lights when you use the manual switch. It should be possible to put the relay under the dash also so you only have to run one power line to the lights in the rear. Just need to pick up the reverse light trigger up front.

He's got 12V power back at the trailer harness also and could tap into the reverse lights back there as well. Of course his relay would have to go back there then also. I agree with your thought process as far as the single switch with a diode.

FH, you might also consider putting one set of lights on the bottom portion of the sail panel, under the CHMSL but set out wider. I saw a writeup on TOS (I believe it was there) a long time ago where someone mounted a set of fogs up there. They would be protected, out of the way, and a set of fogs (maybe even a set of tractor flood lights) would throw a lot of light. The other thing you might consider, instead of the lights, is a backup camera.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2011, 07:52:41 AM »

Then again, if the power from the switch is ties in past the relay it should eliminate the need for the diode. Thoughts?
I don't know if a b/u cam would work very well without more light.
MS03 has a nice setup for aux lights also.
Sent by my Atrix 4G

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:38:55 AM »

Quote from: Donnie1 on September 08, 2011, 01:04:04 AM

You should be able to get your 12v under the dash in your trailer brake harness. Do you have a trailer brake? If not, I believe the pig tail that came with our 06 is just a plug and play feature under the dash. That is where I had our headrest monitors hooked up to so I know the 12v is there.

Nope, no trailer brake.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #9 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:41:04 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 08, 2011, 05:05:12 AM

So I understand this, you want to be able to switch them on manually from the cab or have them come on automatically with the reverse lights? I'll see what I can come up with. Right now I'm thinking just a regular switch in the cab and a relay tied into the reverse lights with a diode to prevent backfeed into the reverse lights when you use the manual switch. It should be possible to put the relay under the dash also so you only have to run one power line to the lights in the rear. Just need to pick up the reverse light trigger up front.

Correct, I want the option to turn them on whenever the key or lights are on.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #10 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:42:23 AM »

Quote from: Enkei on September 08, 2011, 05:08:17 AM

Try the Whitenight system.. 80 degree light pattern,3 way switch,2 55 watt bulbs...... www.whitenight.com

They are proud of those, I think I can find ssomething cheaper and still have the same results.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #11 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:44:52 AM »

Quote from: project black out on September 08, 2011, 06:12:43 AM

If you can hang on till this weekend ill be wiring mine up ill do a write up and submit it. I had them mounted when we had the gtg here in fort wayne (4 55watt kc spot/fog lights

SENT FROM MY EVO 4G

Very cool, can't wait to see what you have! I'm trying to gather all of the data needed so I can purchase the relays, wiring, etc...

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:57:18 AM »

Quote from: MyBigToy on September 08, 2011, 06:33:49 AM

He's got 12V power back at the trailer harness also and could tap into the reverse lights back there as well. Of course his relay would have to go back there then also. I agree with your thought process as far as the single switch with a diode.

FH, you might also consider putting one set of lights on the bottom portion of the sail panel, under the CHMSL but set out wider. I saw a writeup on TOS (I believe it was there) a long time ago where someone mounted a set of fogs up there. They would be protected, out of the way, and a set of fogs (maybe even a set of tractor flood lights) would throw a lot of light. The other thing you might consider, instead of the lights, is a backup camera.

I can pick up power at the trailer harness and I could tuck the relay in behind the tail light assembly.

I saw the same write up but I don't really want to mount them under the CHMSL. Keep in mind I still need to have all of the upper cladding ArmorThaned so I don't want to attach anything there just yet. The backup camera would be a nice option but too many other things going on now.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2011, 10:16:27 AM »

I would think this would be pretty close to the White Knight set up, attached is a wiring tip from their website. They are using a three way switch with that set up. The folks at White Knight probably have a wiring harness with relay assembled when the lights are shipped so you just connect the hot (12v), positive from the reverse lights and a ground?

Thoughts?
http://www.whitenight.com/wiringsteps.htm

Gaucho · « **Reply #14 on:** September 08, 2011, 01:03:09 PM »

Just a thought if I would to do this ...which I might now seeing those Whiteknight kit, I would use the Cargo switch & power from the bed area. So what you light up the bed area. Wouldnt this work??

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 09, 2011, 12:15:19 PM »

I don't have a picture right now, But I put 6 inch ovals LED lights in the 3rd brake light housing under the 3rd brake light. I tapped power from the trailer plug and used the bed light circuit to turn them on.

That way I can turn it on whenever I want to and it serves as a bedlight and backup light. And it will scare the crap out of tailgating drivers.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #16 on:** September 09, 2011, 02:16:26 PM »

Quote from: MS03 2500 on September 09, 2011, 12:15:19 PM

I don't have a picture right now, But I put 6 inch ovals LED lights in the 3rd brake light housing under the 3rd brake light. I tapped power from the trailer plug and used the bed light circuit to turn them on.

That way I can turn it on whenever I want to and it serves as a bedlight and backup light. And it will scare the crap out of tailgating drivers.

I read the thread on your lights, very nice. Do they also work when the Av is in reverse or just from the cargo light switch?

Thanks

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 09, 2011, 05:08:37 PM »

They don't come on with the reverse lights, but if you wire the relay into the backup light circuit at the trailer plug they would. I use mine as bed lights also.

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 09, 2011, 05:14:52 PM »

Also my backup lights are pretty bright already they are 60 LED superbrights tower light

He is a picture of them

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #19 on:** September 09, 2011, 09:30:33 PM »

Well, my bezel mount camera is in and working. I think I'll have to pursue this also. The new camera is not infared so the night shots are absolutely horrible.

Hey B, You have a link to where you got your lights you put in the sail panel? I really like those.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #20 on:** September 09, 2011, 09:31:29 PM »

Quote from: Gaucho on September 08, 2011, 01:03:09 PM

Just a thought if I would to do this ...which I might now seeing those Whiteknight kit, I would use the Cargo switch & power from the bed area. So what you light up the bed area. Wouldnt this work??

I don't quite understand what you're asking here.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #21 on:** September 09, 2011, 09:32:39 PM »

Quote from: Enkei on September 08, 2011, 05:08:17 AM

Try the Whitenight system.. 80 degree light pattern,3 way switch,2 55 watt bulbs...... www.whitenight.com

So what's your cut on a sale?

I'll take two of them.

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 09, 2011, 10:08:32 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 09, 2011, 09:30:33 PM

Well, my bezel mount camera is in and working. I think I'll have to pursue this also. The new camera is not infared so the night shots are absolutely horrible.

Hey B, You have a link to where you got your lights you put in the sail panel? I really like those.

www.usaled.com

Gaucho · « **Reply #23 on:** September 10, 2011, 12:22:37 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 09, 2011, 09:31:29 PM

I don't quite understand what you're asking here.

My 2002 has a switch on the dash that lights up the bed area, so can't i tap into that switch and light up the rear floods? Instead of tapping into hitch, this way I can turn them on when i feel like it and change the reverse bulbs to bright LEDS.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2011, 07:12:57 AM »

Quote from: Gaucho on September 10, 2011, 12:22:37 AM

My 2002 has a switch on the dash that lights up the bed area, so can't i tap into that switch and light up the rear floods? Instead of tapping into hitch, this way I can turn them on when i feel like it and change the reverse bulbs to bright LEDS.

Yes you can. The wire that feeds those cargo lights are a constant 12V though so that is something to keep in mind. If you want to do that, be careful about what lights you install unless you plan on using a relay. An LED light should be fine as they don't draw much power. A set of fog/driving lights might be too much power for that circuit forcing you to use a relay and still draw power elsewhere.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2011, 07:54:17 AM »

Also been thinking about an auxillary fuse block but that might be for a different thread. This would be a great idea and always knowing you have a good place to connect.

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 10, 2011, 01:01:12 PM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on September 10, 2011, 07:54:17 AM

Also been thinking about an auxillary fuse block but that might be for a different thread. This would be a great idea and always knowing you have a good place to connect.

Yeah I think that is another topic, what will you be running off the new fuse block.
Also Summit Racing sells some nice ones, I'm just waiting on some discount codes.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #27 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:12:56 PM »

Quote from: MS03 2500 on September 10, 2011, 01:01:12 PM

Yeah I think that is another topic, what will you be running off the new fuse block.
Also Summit Racing sells some nice ones, I'm just waiting on some discount codes.

One of the mods would possibly be the auxillary reverse lights.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #28 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:17:04 PM »

Does anyone have any ideas on a schematic and what size relay to use?

Enkei · « **Reply #29 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:30:27 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 09, 2011, 09:32:39 PM

So what's your cut on a sale? I'll take two of them.

No Cut just an easy to install no hassel rear truck lighting system..15 min install.. They sell on ST for about $79.00..

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #30 on:** September 14, 2011, 11:38:07 AM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on September 10, 2011, 11:17:04 PM

Does anyone have any ideas on a schematic and what size relay to use?

Anyone, Anyone?

MyBigToy · « **Reply #31 on:** September 14, 2011, 11:58:19 AM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on September 14, 2011, 11:38:07 AM

Anyone, Anyone?

I would think our resident electrical experts, OBB and/or Main One, would already have jumped all over this one for you!

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #32 on:** September 14, 2011, 06:17:47 PM »

Which set on lights are you getting. Fowlhunter

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #33 on:** September 14, 2011, 07:56:38 PM »

Quote from: MyBigToy on September 14, 2011, 11:58:19 AM

I would think our resident electrical experts, OBB and/or Main One, would already have jumped all over this one for you!

OBB has been extremely busy at work lately.[I've been home for about 90 mins tonight

] I need to draw something up.

Enkei · « **Reply #34 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:03:25 PM »

I may have a extra relay and harness from the whitenight system sitting in a box at my folks house. I will look this weekend for ya...

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #35 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:17:08 PM »

Quote from: MS03 2500 on September 14, 2011, 06:17:47 PM

Which set on lights are you getting. Fowlhunter

I looked at the PIAA 1450 or 1540, can't remember which number is correct.

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #36 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:24:12 PM »

Are you getting a kit or just getting the lights. The kits have the switch, relay already.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #37 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:30:12 PM »

ok, here's a quick drawing. You can use the same power source MAKE SURE IT'S FUSED for both 12v leads depending on where you want to place the relay. Both the relay and the switch are switches. If one is closed (ON) the other open(OFF) then no diodes are needed as the power will only run back to the open switch. Don't turn on the inside switch and then toss the truck in reverse, you'll have power back feeding into itself or both leads sending power to the lights. I don't think that will be an issue if you're using the same power line to feed the switch and the relay as it will still only send the same amount of voltage down the lines (12v). You'll have to ground the lights to the truck somewhere.

*Note* This is under the assumption that the factory reverse lights are +12v trigger and not a ground trigger light the cargo light is.

*Note* the line feeding the lights from the relay are connected to pin 87. This pix shows a 5pin relay in which pin 87a is normally closed. This is the pin we use in the wigwag drl mod.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #38 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:35:10 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 14, 2011, 07:56:38 PM

OBB has been extremely busy at work lately.[I've been home for about 90 mins tonight ] I need to draw something up.

I totally understand brother, when you have time is truly appreciated.

Thanks

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #39 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:38:52 PM »

Quote from: MS03 2500 on September 14, 2011, 08:24:12 PM

Are you getting a kit or just getting the lights. The kits have the switch, relay already.

My plan is the entire kit, depending on what the switch from the kit looks like I may swap it out.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #40 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:50:31 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on September 14, 2011, 08:30:12 PM

ok, here's a quick drawing. You can use the same power source MAKE SURE IT'S FUSED for both 12v leads depending on where you want to place the relay. Both the relay and the switch are switches. If one is closed (ON) the other open(OFF) then no diodes are needed as the power will only run back to the open switch. Don't turn on the inside switch and then toss the truck in reverse, you'll have power back feeding into itself or both leads sending power to the lights. I don't think that will be an issue if you're using the same power line to feed the switch and the relay as it will still only send the same amount of voltage down the lines (12v). You'll have to ground the lights to the truck somewhere.

*Note* the line feeding the lights from the relay are connected to pin 87. This pix shows a 5pin relay in which pin 87a is normally closed. This is the pin we use in the wigwag drl mod.

Question and don't take this the wrong way because I don't know shit about electrical wiring but from what I've read I need a SPDT switch (on/off/on). Switched so the lights come on when in reverse, switched off and switched so they can be on whenever I want even going down the road.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #41 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:55:59 PM »

Quote from: Fowlhunter on September 14, 2011, 08:50:31 PM

Question and don't take this the wrong way because I don't know shit about electrical wiring but from what I've read I need a SPDT switch (on/off/on). Switched so the lights come on when in reverse, switched off and switched so they can be on whenever I want even going down the road.

Single pole switch is all you need when utilizing the relay. Consider a relay a remote control switch. The relay will close (switch on) once it gets power from the reverse light feed allowing the 12v to flow through the relay. In short, the factory back up lights are flipping the switch (in the relay) whenever they come on.