hey guys -

i'd like to install a flood light on the back of the truck (see sig for description) that could double for one hellatious reverse light. i've seen it done a few times and always thought it was a nice and handy thing to have, esp. since i tinted the rear window a little TOO dark and now have one helluve time seeing what i'm doing while backing up. i'm somewhat inclined when it comes to electrical issues, but i was just wondering if anyone here has done this job and knows how i could wire this up. i'd imagine i'd need to run a relay off of whatever sensor in the tranny tells the reverse lights to come on now, as well as a relay for a switch in the cab to turn it on whenever i want. now, if i wire these relays in parallel, that means i SHOULD be able to turn it on with either, or, correct? AND, if i want to be able to NOT have it come on when i go in reverse, i should install ANOTHER relay upstream in series that would kill the whole thing, right? that means i would have 2 switches in the cab: 1 to turn the whole circuit on, and one to manually activate the light.

also, anyone have some pics of similar jobs they've done? just looking to get some trick ideas on how to install this thing and have it not look like some hack job.

Mike

 

Here is how I would do it. You really only need one relay. For the reverse lock-out, run a wire from one of the backup lights, or the switch at the trans to a switch on the dash. Then from that switch to the relay. For your whenever light, simply run a wire from a battery source in the fusebox to a switch to the same relay. Since you won't normally be running both switches in the on position at the same time (not that will hurt anything), you only need one relay.

 

I would get something like this.
http://www.premiermotoring.net/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=1459

Or this article may help.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/129_0211_light/

 

I'm getting ready to put them on my truck too... just waiting for a warmer/drier day to get motivated!

Anyhow, I'm just putting them on a lighted rocker switch in the cab that will always be hot.

If I want to light them for backup lights hitting the switch won't be hard. I use the truck to plow a long dark driveway, so being able to leave them on the whole time will be nice too.

Lastly, I always seem to need more light behind the truck for loading/unloading/fixing etc, so being able to just turn them on should be great... hopefully with a lighted switch I won't be so dumb as to leave them on!

Not sure if this will help, but it seems simple and effective.