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Just to stir the pot...this mod can be wired with ONE wire. Fergetabout even using one of the precious four Upfitter switches! Run a fused 14 gauge from the battery all the way to the tail. Wire a relay using the 14ga to #30, ground #85, #86 to the factory backup light (already there & wired- just tap it) and the aftermarket lights to #87. They will come on whenever you put it in reverse, no muss/no fuss.
You just described the original diagram:
Thats exactly what it does...put the truck in reverse and the lights go on. The upfitter and diode just allow you to turn them on when not in reverse.
Originally Posted by mikedeason
Is that your daily driver or just a toy?
Looks Amazing but impractical and a little dangerous for a daily driver.
I'd also be scared sh*&less to take that beauty Off Roading.
Its my daily driver
Originally Posted by NorCalBusa
Why would you want them on when you aren't in reverse?
Bulldog...There should be power back there...you sure you pulled the right wire? I pulled the reverse wire from inside the frame on the drivers side (black/green) and ran it into the cab because that is where I had my relay.
I appreciate all the complements guys.
yes i did its black with green stripe but no power there or at the trailer hookup for the back up light i dont know why?
Yep, very similar. My way you don't connect to the Key On Hot as your factory reverse lights don't/won't power up without the key on anyway (you don't need the Key On going to 86 or the diode).
I can't think of a time when one needs that kind of light out the rear unless backing, screwing with someone behind you seems childish to me.
Bulldog...I *think* there was more than one black/green in the frame harness...so make sure you are looking at all of them. Use a multimeter or test light to check which one gets power when the truck is in reverse. In order to put the truck into reverse you have to key the truck on...make sure you apply your parking brake and are on level ground. If your still not getting power...the only thing I can think of is a blown fuse.
NorCal,
The SPST switch you see on the diagram with the key on hot is NOT the primary trigger for the relay. It has nothing to do with operating the lights when the truck is in reverse. Take a closer look... The primary trigger is the "reverse" wire just like you are saying. The switch with the key on hot you are looking at is the SECONDARY trigger.
Think of it this way...you have two triggers going into pole 86....each operate INDEPENDENTLY of each other...you do not need one to have the other in order for them to work (diode prevents backflow of current throught the factory reverse wire when using the switch)
Originally Posted by NorCalBusa
Bear,
I can't think of a time when one needs that kind of light out the rear unless backing, screwing with someone behind you seems childish to me.
What if someone is hooking up a trailer at night alone and they don't want to get behind the truck while it is still in reverse especially if there is an incline?
I use mine all the time without having truck in reverse, such as when hooking and unhooking my trailer and if just need need extra light back there. I did not hook them up to my backup light circuit (only hooked to upfitter #1) because in some states you cannot have more than 2 reverse lights.
It's also real nice for hunting. Back the truck up to the deer and flip the lights on, gut it and load it up without having to turn the truck around. There are many times is nice to have light behind the truck to work on stuff. Just the other day guys were talking about putting the truck in reverse with the parking brake on and key in the on position but not running in order to get light behind the truck.
When this thread started I was all excited about the lights and the mounting location. The lights are great and I was wondering "Why didn't I think of that?" when I saw the mounting between bumper and receiver hitch.... Now I know why. I don't have any space between my bumper and hitch. I would probably have to lower the hitch 1.5-2" just to have the top level with the bottom of the bumper, let alone a gap to install the light on.
Oh well. Guess I'll have to figure something else out. I have some back there now, but they are too big and too visible.
Just down the road from you (if your in Leavenworth yet) about 30 - 40 minutes in DeSoto, KS (Southwest corner of KC).
Yeah bro... I'm in Leavenworth and loving this weather...NOT! LOL Hey, we need to GTG Are there any meets downtown? I also need to get your recommendation on a good dealer with a good tech just in case I need it.
Originally Posted by darth_calvin
I don't have any space between my bumper and hitch. I would probably have to lower the hitch 1.5-2" just to have the top level with the bottom of the bumper, let alone a gap to install the light on.
Oh well. Guess I'll have to figure something else out. I have some back there now, but they are too big and too visible.
Matt
Yeah..for some reason the hitch is lower on the newer trucks
Darth Calvin, why don't you just mount the lights on the bottom of the hitch. They are so small, and the case is black, I'm sure no one would see them....As long as the bottome side of the receiver is below the hitch. I used high strength velcro that was also at Radio Shack. It is so strong, I doubt it will ever come off. It isn't cloth velcro, but actual plastic on both sides. Super strong.
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