Ok, I want to wire my reverse lights differently. I only want them to come on at night, and, have the ability to turn them on from a switch also.

So, here is a diagram I have made with information I have found.

The aux. reverse lights will be powered from the tail lights. So, I want to have a trigger set from the reverse circuit for normal backing, and a trigger from a powered switch.

I'm not great at this wiring stuff. Am I close? Or way off here on using this relay? Or do I have some wires crossed.

Open to any suggestions.

 

I can't really help with the wiring, tho the theory sounds ok. Question of why do this comes to mind? I realize the lights don't help you the driver, during the daytime -- but it surely tells others walking or driving through a parking lot behind you what your intentions are...

 

The stock reverse lights will still come on as designed.

The power for the Aux. reverse lights will be provided by the tail lights when they are on.

 

More learning for myself. (Mainly talking to myself here)

When the relay is at rest, 87a and 30 have continuity. So, hooking power from switch to 87a will power the lights through 30. (figure 2 )

When I use the "reverse lights" to energize the coil, (post 86) 87 and 30 will have continuity. 87 will bring in the power from the tail lights and feed 30 to power the AUX. lights. (figure 3 )

 

Works like a charm!

I left the relay in the tail light housing, and ran the wires out from there.

I also, just for giggles, dunked the relay and relay wiring harness into plasti-dip to keep the elements out.

 

Sean,
I think that you might want to trigger it with the tail lights so that
when they are on the relay is closed and any time the reverse wire
is hot at that point you will have power to the AUX lamps any other
time they would be off. Also I would use the lines from the trailer
lighting plug to run this. That way you will have the added amperage
to run it.

If you want I can explain this better on the phone if you PM me
I send you my number.

Sean

 

So, if I put the trigger from the tail lights, I wouldn't be able to switch the reverse lights on from the dash at night if my tail lights are on. I would have to make sure the lights are off.

Wouldn't I?

 

PM sent ...................

 

Here is some photos of the lights.
These are some cheap LEDs.

One is truck in reverse, lights not on.

Then, Truck lights on, in reverse.

Then, lights on, with switch on.

And one a little further away.

Now, when I'm hooking up a trailer at night, I don't have to leave it in reverse.