aux lights

[hjsimpson]

I had a set of aux reverse lights installed on my Expy, would it be bad if I added an additional set of lights on the same wire harnness? The reason is because the first set is positioned so that it projects out to the corners of the truck, Im looking to installed a second set to illuminate staight out the back on the same switch.

[chuck s]

What circuit are they running on? They can only take so many amps.

-- Chuck

[hjsimpson]

I had them installed so I'm not sure what circuit they are connected to but here is how the switch works.

Up - manually on
Center - off
Down - on with reverse

I'm not sure if that is of any help though.

[shorebird]

I would recommend a dedicated 10 gauge wire that is relay activated.
Take power from the battery to a fuse holder.
Use a 30 amp fuse.
Run wire to relay terminal 30.

From relay terminal 87 run wire to rear of vehicle and mount a distribution block.

6-Position Dual-Row Barrier Strips - RadioShack.com
use jumper to feed power to each terminal

8-Position Jumper - RadioShack.com

Feed each light unit from terminal block

Run wire14 gauge from backup light circuit to single pole double throw (On-Off-On) switch side terminal.

Run 14 gauge from power source through a 5 amp fuse to other side terminal of switch.
Run 14 gauge wire from center terminal of switch to terminal 85 on relay.
Ground terminal 86 of relay.

You now have a dedicated circuit for the lighting to the rear of your vehicle.
For added corrosion protection coat the distribution block with "Liquid Tape" after you have made the connections.

[chuck s]

Heck, for that much wiring just plug them into the round Trailer Tow outlet connected to the center pole and ground. Relay and fuse protected.

-- Chuck

[khadma]

Originally Posted by chuck s

Heck, for that much wiring just plug them into the round Trailer Tow outlet connected to the center pole and ground. Relay and fuse protected.

-- Chuck

Half the fun is running wires!
I enjoy doing this type of mods, time consuming, but worth it.

[chuck s]

For the wiring guys:

How do I reroute the 12v outlets to the ignition side of the power system?

I can have a dead battery over a long weekend if I forget to unplug my GPS and UHF receiver that sit on top of the dash.

I'd also like to disable the truck's backup lights for backing my camper at night. White lights shining on the white front wall are very distracting.

-- Chuck

[shorebird]

Find the power leads to the outlets.
Install a relay into the leads.
Power the relay so that it activates when the ignition is on.
Now the power outlets will go dead when you turn off the truck.
Outlet power supply lead to terminal 30 on relay.
Terminal 87 to outlet.
Ignition on lead to terminal 85.
Terminal 86 to ground.