Wiring up Reverse Lights
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 336
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Wiring up Reverse Lights
Howdy!
Truck: 2011 f250 Lariat
I picked up a set of those bad boys and want to set them up as auxiliary reverse lights on my truck.
I have a few options as far as how to wire them:
1. Tap into the reverse lights right at the tail lights and ground them to the chassis in the rear.
2. Tap into the 7 pin trailer hitch connector (center pin) and once again ground to chassis.
3. Run a primary wire from the front to the back, put in a relay and tap into the reverse lights to trigger the relay to fire these lights up.
I know most people would say a relay is the right option, and I agree.
In doing research, I have read about some people having issues tapping into the reverse lights directly and causing the BCM to freak out.
Am I being overly paranoid? Obviously option 1 is the fastest and easiset, but I'm worried now about either blowing fuses or causing some other weird computer issue.
Anyone care to help push me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Truck: 2011 f250 Lariat
I picked up a set of those bad boys and want to set them up as auxiliary reverse lights on my truck.
I have a few options as far as how to wire them:
1. Tap into the reverse lights right at the tail lights and ground them to the chassis in the rear.
2. Tap into the 7 pin trailer hitch connector (center pin) and once again ground to chassis.
3. Run a primary wire from the front to the back, put in a relay and tap into the reverse lights to trigger the relay to fire these lights up.
I know most people would say a relay is the right option, and I agree.
In doing research, I have read about some people having issues tapping into the reverse lights directly and causing the BCM to freak out.
Am I being overly paranoid? Obviously option 1 is the fastest and easiset, but I'm worried now about either blowing fuses or causing some other weird computer issue.
Anyone care to help push me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 338
Likes: 1
I personally put them on an upfitter, and control when they are on.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
I personally put them on an upfitter, and control when they are on.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
I personally put them on an upfitter, and control when they are on.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
I obviously don't need them in the day. And I wanted the ability to have them on, when say setting up at a camp site or working, without the truck being in gear.
I love them this way. And it's worth the extra work.
What I also would like to do I wire the cab cargo light to a switch so it can be on while hooking up my fifth wheel WITHOUT the interior lights on making a glare on the back window.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
I plan to do this too. Like you said, don't need the extra light every time I back up and not a big deal to flip an upfitter switch. I also want them to be usable when NOT in reverse, again, like you said for hooking trailers, working, campsites, etc...
What I also would like to do I wire the cab cargo light to a switch so it can be on while hooking up my fifth wheel WITHOUT the interior lights on making a glare on the back window.
What I also would like to do I wire the cab cargo light to a switch so it can be on while hooking up my fifth wheel WITHOUT the interior lights on making a glare on the back window.
I also put a set in my tool box, but putting it across the front of the bed might work.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
I'm also curious to see how people are mounting their reverse lights. I want them tucked up out of the way, maybe hidden a little.
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Elder User
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Cargo Master
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From: TEXAS
Another option would be to mount one of the light strips that mount just under your tailgate and illuminate for running lights, turn signals, brake lights and reverse lights. They do a pretty good job of providing additional backing up light at night.
My concern with tapping into the standard reverse light for any kind of a larger light or set of lights is the light gauge wiring that Ford runs for power to the reverse lights.
Unless you are also running with a relay and the actual power is coming off of the battery. Then you could tap into the reverse light as a trigger to activate the replay turning on the lights.
My concern with tapping into the standard reverse light for any kind of a larger light or set of lights is the light gauge wiring that Ford runs for power to the reverse lights.
Unless you are also running with a relay and the actual power is coming off of the battery. Then you could tap into the reverse light as a trigger to activate the replay turning on the lights.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 336
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Just wanted to report back, I got those lights I mentioned in my first post installed! I wired them up to the 7 pin trailier harness, and all is well. They are bright as hell!!!!!
Thanks for the help guys
On to my next project!
Thanks for the help guys
On to my next project!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
Pics or it didn't happen :P
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
Those look great! I absolutely love mine, as you can tell by my post earlier in the thread, such a huge help at night!