auxiliary back up lights
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 4
auxiliary back up lights
I have a 2006 f350 5.4L 4x4.I put auxiliary back up lights on it for plowing snow.I recently had to put a new transmission in the truck,the guy at the trans. shop said the back up lights can't be hooked into the reverse switch,they have to be run through a trailer brake controller.He says ford sent out a notice in 2005 regarding this issue.Does anyone know about this?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
I believe that you should use the Trailer Reverse Light circuit, which is run by a relay separate from the truck backup lights. The trailer brake controller has no way to control the reverse lights.
Many features were included in the late model integrated Towing systems, but I believe that even those systems don't use the brake controller to run the backup lights!
Many features were included in the late model integrated Towing systems, but I believe that even those systems don't use the brake controller to run the backup lights!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 16
I believe that you should use the Trailer Reverse Light circuit, which is run by a relay separate from the truck backup lights. The trailer brake controller has no way to control the reverse lights.
Many features were included in the late model integrated Towing systems, but I believe that even those systems don't use the brake controller to run the backup lights!
Many features were included in the late model integrated Towing systems, but I believe that even those systems don't use the brake controller to run the backup lights!
What he said. The 7 pin connector has a b/u light wire in it. I have only seen a couple of trailers with b/u lights but it is wired into that connector if you want grab your power source from it.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 36
Actually, the best way to do it is run your own relay powered by a fused source directly from the battery, and have it triggered by the reverse light power supply. That way, the lights will come on in reverse, but they will be running off their own power supply directly from the battery. In fact, on mine I threw a switching setup in the back so I could also flip a switch out back to over ride them and turn them on if I needed to see while the vehicle was parked to hook up a trailer for example.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 850
Likes: 3
From: West Granby, CT.
For plowing i have 2 - 4" par 36 led very low amp draw tapped into my reverse lights. I also have 4 lights switched on with my upfitter switch when they are needed. I would not tap into the reverse light with high amp draw lights.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
The best (and simplest) bet is to use a 7 pin trailer connection and tap either the reverse light pin or the headlight/marker light pin (our favored approach). The newer trucks run lighting through the PCM and are VERY finiky about electric draw. Be sure to use heat-shrink tube or butt connectors, sensor-safe silicone and lots of Fluid Film or dielectric grease.
As for the LED flood lights, we converted everything on all the trucks several years ago. Sound off, Whelen, and a number of others have very solid products. Look for stainless hardware, forged aluminum cases, and glass lenses.
As for the LED flood lights, we converted everything on all the trucks several years ago. Sound off, Whelen, and a number of others have very solid products. Look for stainless hardware, forged aluminum cases, and glass lenses.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 850
Likes: 3
From: West Granby, CT.
They are ok. They are expensive. They are brighter but cover a smaller area than the 4" tractor lights. I like them for the low amps. I'm going to purchase 2 more as 4 leds draw less amps than 2 incandescent. Electric plows draw lots of juice and having only 1 battery the led's work good there.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 36
The best (and simplest) bet is to use a 7 pin trailer connection and tap either the reverse light pin or the headlight/marker light pin (our favored approach). The newer trucks run lighting through the PCM and are VERY finiky about electric draw. Be sure to use heat-shrink tube or butt connectors, sensor-safe silicone and lots of Fluid Film or dielectric grease.
As for the LED flood lights, we converted everything on all the trucks several years ago. Sound off, Whelen, and a number of others have very solid products. Look for stainless hardware, forged aluminum cases, and glass lenses.
As for the LED flood lights, we converted everything on all the trucks several years ago. Sound off, Whelen, and a number of others have very solid products. Look for stainless hardware, forged aluminum cases, and glass lenses.
As for the current draw...that is why I recommended the relay setup that I am running. I am just confused, if there is an easier way, that's great, I would just like to understand it better.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
If towing use the relay setup, if plowing, use the 7 pin as recommended.
If no reverse wire in trailer connection, pull power from the light socket and use it to fire a relay for the lights. In relays, bigger is better. Same advice about heat shrink butt connectors, Fluid Film and Dielectric grease from above.
In any event, if using this in conjunction with plow, or in an environment where the blower fan will be running, use LEDs as they draw much less power.
Most don't realize how much draw there can be on these trucks. Blower motor (biggest draw after starter), hydraulic pump, headlights, etc. all draw a lot of juice.
If no reverse wire in trailer connection, pull power from the light socket and use it to fire a relay for the lights. In relays, bigger is better. Same advice about heat shrink butt connectors, Fluid Film and Dielectric grease from above.
In any event, if using this in conjunction with plow, or in an environment where the blower fan will be running, use LEDs as they draw much less power.
Most don't realize how much draw there can be on these trucks. Blower motor (biggest draw after starter), hydraulic pump, headlights, etc. all draw a lot of juice.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mrdahenry
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Nov 10, 2017 11:14 AM
Ebaum744
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
0
Nov 13, 2015 11:50 AM
littleapple
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Oct 31, 2015 06:21 PM
StanleyZ
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
16
Oct 23, 2013 05:47 PM
