So I want to add reverse lights and I HATE cutting into factory wiring even for a relay signal (honestly I'm just plain old about it) . My thought is to make something that plugs into the harness that splits off for the trailer wiring. My trailer lights are minimal and are all led anyway so amp draw should be a problem. My thinking is I can tie into the reverse circuit and not even have to run power to the battery. My other thought was get an extension for the trailer put in and cut and splice into that. Thoughts?

Z

 

Question, do you have a trailer tow package that you could plug a connector into, if you do and its all led lights you should be good to go, if not you should be able to purchase a t connector to go between your tail lamp harness and the vehicle main harness going back to the bumper, what are refer lights?

 

Fixed (oops) reverse lights.

 

You will likely to get a t connector and check with a digital volt meter which wire will fire up the added reverse lamps or led lights, I don't think you will find that in the seven or four pin connector, be careful about amp draw on that circuit as its not meant to be given a large load like incandescent lights on a travel trailer, I believe there is a sticky regarding adding better reverse lights.

 

I have the tow package. My understanding is the seven pin center is reverse? What do you mean the trailer plug won't handle a travel trailer. Not trying to sound like I don't believe you but it won't handle a travel trailer?!! Wth

I have never towed a travel trailer but I would be a bit miffed if the factory tow package would not handle the lighting on anything it was rated to tow.

Just curious I guess. Yes my idea was basically make a t connector. My trailers already run led lights so I figured adding a few more led's to the circuit shouldn't cause an issue as I should still be well below incan amp draw.

Z

 

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say, the reverse circuit may be amperage limited, like I would not put a big old fog light back there, just keep the amp draw low and you should be good, if the center pin is a reverse circuit, absolutely take the power from there.

 

I got you. Didn't mean to come off wrong. Appreciate the help. I tow a landscape trailer with led lamps and I figured adding 2 led backup lamps and using the trailer power would be a LOT easier than messing with a relay and running up to the battery.

I will check the center pin tomorrow and report back for anyone who may be curious.

Z

 

the center pin is wired from the factory to operate a reverse circuit on a trailer, whether it be back up lights or a hydraulic brake override circuit.

the TT Reverse circuit is activated by a relay and powered by a 15amp fuse.

if you wish to run more than 15 amps, you would be best to run a dedicated power circuit directly to the battery which would be triggered by that wire. Otherwise, using that circuit to power a relay would be redundant, IMO.

it would appear that running a couple of 55 watt lamps (fog lamps, ect) on that circuit wouldn't pose a problem. at 12volts, your maximum power draw would be limited to 180 watts.

 

I tied in 2 Rigid Industries LED lights like described, and it has worked fine for the last 2 years with no issues. It's my understanding the LEDs don't draw too much power. Check that sticky I think I have pics in there

 

Thanks gents. Lights are on the way. I will try to post some pics when done.