I want to install two LED lights under the receiver hitch and I want them to come in with either the reverse lights or an AUX switch. I thought about installing a relay and using the factory reverse light wire or an AUX switch wire to activate the relay. This way I am not adding any real load to the factory reverse lighting circuit.

Should I install a diode on the factory reverse wire at the relay to prevent the AUX switch signal from backfeeding the reverse light circuit?

 

Yes I have done what you are looking to do using 2 upfitter switches, 1 relay, and 1 diode. 1 switch is relayed off of the reverse light circuit (tapped from trailer wire harness) and 1 switch is always hot to use as a work light. Both circuits feed the aux rear lights through the diode to avoid backfeeding.

 

I have two rigid D2 pro floods wired onto one of my upfitter switches for backup lights mounted on my headache rack. I also got a receiver hitch mounted backup light for my wife’s truck that is wired into the trailer wiring harness so it comes on anytime she puts it in reverse. Hers are from DiodeDynamics. It’s a plug and play setup and is pretty bright.

 

This is what I got for my install. I took the reverse wire from the drivers tail light to one input, then the upfitter to the other input. No backfeed, works perfect.

 

I added these to the existing holes in the sides of the hitch. No drilling/rust that way, and with stainless hardware should last a long time. Stupid bright, and wired direct to upfitter #1!

 

Where did you source them?

 

I picked them up at a local Fisher Plow/Service Shop for $75-ish each, they are Buyers.

https://www.buyersproducts.com/produ...lood-light-416

 

Not everyone will want to cut their bumper, but I bought Rigid flush mounts and had them paint matched for the cleanest look out there IMO. Got them wired to my SwitchPro controller so I can turn them on at anytime and they are also tapped to my reverse lights so they will come on like that also. Now when jerk behind me won't turn their damn high beams off, i him them with the Rigid's

 

I am too squeamish to cut the bumper myself (see rust comment from fellow New Englander above), but that looks sharp.... like it left the factory with those. Nice work.

 

Oh yeah, i'm definitely with you, I could never do it myself. When the shop cut it, they primed and painted the exposed area as well. And I live in the south, so that helps.

 

Looks like money well spent man, came out great.

 

I have found there is such a thing as too much light, especially when using the reverse camera. Therefore I don't recommend tying any additional light into the reverse light circuit that gives you an all-or-nothing situation. I just wired mine straight to the #1 upfitter. If I need them I can turn them on.

I do have trouble remembering to turn them off.

I attached mine to the hitch frame like others upthread, this protects them from minor impacts and keeps them protected from rain/ice.

 

LOL, same here!

 

I plan on using an up-fitter switch for mine. I don't want them coming on with the regular reverse lights.

 

Anyone try the plug and play ‘Diesel LED’ reverse bulbs. .?