Hi all,

I want to add some auxiliary reverse lights to my backrack for when im plowing. I have a 97 F250HD 351 5speed. Now i know that the reverse light wires cant handle the lights that i got. (100 watt halogen) So i need to use a relay. but i have a few questions before i visit the parts place and dive into this project.

I want the lights to be both switched and automatic, so a 3 position switch, in one position the lights are always off, in a second position the lights are always on, and in the third position the lights come on when i put it in reverse.

1. what relay do i need to make this work?
2. where can i tap into the reverse lights in the front half of the truck? (preferably in the cab or under the hood)
3. how to you guys run wires into the cab? i cant see any open holes or grommets that i can use. (i dont like drilling holes unless i have to)

Thanks in advance!

 

I did a quick rig job for my reverse aux. lights. I tapped into the wires behind the drivers taillight. its not perfect but it works. mine are an on or off, there is no switch. I used a wiretap and used the reverse power as the control for the relay and I used the running lights for the main power so when the headlights are on the aux lights work and when the lights are off the aux lights receive no power. mind you im using led lights so im not drawing a ton of power on either line.

 

I knew I saved this for a reason! All credit to its original creator.

 

Nice schematic, spacegrass.

There's no place under the dash or in the engine compartment to connect for the "auto" setting.
You'll need to drill a hole through the firewall for the wiring.

 

So there is no choice other than running a line directly from the reverse light?
Does anyone have a diagram for the reverse light circuit? I was told that because my truck has the towing package that there is a relay for the trailer reverse lights and I was hoping to tap off of that for my signal. to avoid running a wire to the tail light.

 

Sorry, I didn't know you had the towing package, and didn't think to ask...
Yes, There's a trailer reverse light relay in the trailer relay box next to the power distribution box in the engine compartment. The R/Y wire is the one going to the trailer reverse lights.

 

Ok great, just to clarify, I can trap into the R/Y wire for my signal on the auto setting?

Thanks for the help!

 

Yes, the R/Y wire is after the relay, and goes to the trailer reverse lights.
My manuals are for a '94, but with the exception of the instrument cluster, I've found the wiring on my '93 to be the same. I'd check it with a test light to be certain...

 

I just tapped into trailer wiring

 

Thank you for the help!

Normally I would have just tapped into the trailer wiring, but my lights are not going to be mounted near the tailgate. I am mounting them up high behind the cab on a back rack.

Today I picked up everything I need for this install and tomorrow I'll wire it up!

 

post a pic up when done

 

The switch would work backward from what this shows. When a on-off-on witch in in the "up" position it generally connects the lower connector to the center connector (and when it's down it connects the upper to the center). Just keep in mind that there's a pivot point between the lever and where it moves the contacts. No biggie, but just letting you know what to expect.

 

FYI. no need for a relay if you replace the stock backup bulbs with LEDs and use additional LEDs for lights.

I have 6 back-up lights and they draw LESS than the stock 2 bulbs

 

I would love to do led lights, but they just cost way too much for my budget. I got 2 100 watt halogen of road lights for less then 30 bucks. I think the last price I saw for led lights was about 90 each!

I'll post some pictures when I'm done with the project.

 

I bought two 4" round white LED's for $30 each from Etrailer for my flatbed reverse lights. They work great, and even with just the two, they're MUCH brighter than the stock lights. Just my LED license plate light is brighter than the stock reverse lights..