Auxiliary Backup Lights
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
Auxiliary Backup Lights
I want to wire up some auxiliary backup lights so that they will only come on when the truck is in reverse AND I have the switch (to be installed) in the ON position. Does anyone have a good schematic that works. I have one that I drew myself but it seems combersome. I plan on running a separate power wire rather than tapping off the backup lights. I figure I'll need a wire off the OEM backup lights to a relay to disable the new lights except when in reverse.
Any suggestions?
Ray
Any suggestions?
Ray
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Joined: Oct 2004
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A great deal of determining how to wire this up depends on where you are planning on tapping into the backup light circuit and where you are planning on picking up the hot lead used to power your auxilary lights. There are several ways to do it. Which is best depends on where your wires are coming from and going to.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
Thanks Franklin2, that looks like exactly what I need. I had a similar setup in mind but didn't think of just putting the switch in the wire spliced into the backup light wire.
Looking at your sketch, it appears that tapping into the starter solenoid is pretty much the same as tapping into the battery, correct? But there would be no current draw unless both the truck is in reverse AND the switch is on?
Finally, any idea what color the reverse light wire would be on the '97 F250 Heavy Duty 351W auto, and where it would be run? I would assume it would come off the trans somewhere but we all know about assumptions.
Thanks a bunch.
ray
Looking at your sketch, it appears that tapping into the starter solenoid is pretty much the same as tapping into the battery, correct? But there would be no current draw unless both the truck is in reverse AND the switch is on?
Finally, any idea what color the reverse light wire would be on the '97 F250 Heavy Duty 351W auto, and where it would be run? I would assume it would come off the trans somewhere but we all know about assumptions.
Thanks a bunch.
ray
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From: Virginia
You are correct about tapping into the solenoid(starter relay). It's just 12v +.
Yes, there is only current draw when the relay is activated by the switch and the original back-up light circuit.
I believe it's a black/pink wire.
Yes, there is only current draw when the relay is activated by the switch and the original back-up light circuit.
I believe it's a black/pink wire.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 411
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I got this exact circuit wired up on my truck. However, it has recently been suggested that I use the power at the trailer plug for the source. Anyone know if that wiring is sufficient for the load of aftermarket lights?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
If this is a constant power source for charging rv batteries and running rv lighting in trailers, yes it would probabaly be large enough to work ok.
This probably means you will be mounting the relay underneath the truck in the rear. I don't know how that would work out as far as being in road spray and dirt all the time. I guess you could go to Lowe's and get a little plastic watertight electrical box, and mount the relay in that.
This probably means you will be mounting the relay underneath the truck in the rear. I don't know how that would work out as far as being in road spray and dirt all the time. I guess you could go to Lowe's and get a little plastic watertight electrical box, and mount the relay in that.
