Reverse Lights Wire Gauge?
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Reverse Lights Wire Gauge?
Hello,
I have a 2008 F250 Shortbed (Details in my sig)
I'm wondering if anyone knows what maximum wattage bulb I could use for the reverse lights or if anyone knows what gague the wire is?
I need a lot more light in reverse and the stock lights aren't cutting it...I'm eventually going to get a pair of lights to put back there near the hitch and hook them up to the upfitter switches but I'm trying to avoid that right now.
I tried searching the forums but really couldn't find anything dealing with the info I need.
Thanks!
I have a 2008 F250 Shortbed (Details in my sig)
I'm wondering if anyone knows what maximum wattage bulb I could use for the reverse lights or if anyone knows what gague the wire is?
I need a lot more light in reverse and the stock lights aren't cutting it...I'm eventually going to get a pair of lights to put back there near the hitch and hook them up to the upfitter switches but I'm trying to avoid that right now.
I tried searching the forums but really couldn't find anything dealing with the info I need.
Thanks!
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Usually fused at 15 amps, so probably 16 0r 18 gauge. Best bet is to run new heavier wire, say # 12, and use a relay with the coil wired to the existing backup lights. (Fuse the new 12 gauge at 20 amps. You can also set it up to have the new lights come on with the backup switch or a manual switch, or use both.. Only shortcoming of the manual switch is if you forget and leave it on.....
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Reverse Lights Wire Gauge?
I have a '02 F-350, lifted 4" and share your concern about not enough rear light when backing up. I put halogen bulbs in my stock assemblies and it made some slight difference, but it wasn't enough.
I added KC Rear Halogen Backup lights, switched separately so I could turn them on when I wanted to, keep them on indepedently of my transmission selection (if working at night behind the truck with it parked, e.g. splitting wood, or loading the bed), and THEY made a BIG difference.
Don't waste the money on the reverse lamp replacement (~$20); add the aux rear lamps (mine are under the bumper on either side of the hitch).
Just my $0.02.
I added KC Rear Halogen Backup lights, switched separately so I could turn them on when I wanted to, keep them on indepedently of my transmission selection (if working at night behind the truck with it parked, e.g. splitting wood, or loading the bed), and THEY made a BIG difference.
Don't waste the money on the reverse lamp replacement (~$20); add the aux rear lamps (mine are under the bumper on either side of the hitch).
Just my $0.02.
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"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by wlihntr
you can tap a pair of 55 watt lights into the trailer tow back up lamp circuit with no problems. it is fused at 20 amps and can handle it with no problem
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From: colorado
Originally Posted by alchymist
The backup lamp circuit everyone keeps refering to is actually the "Auxiliary" circuit. If I remember correctly in the Ford Tow Command package, it supplies ignition switched 12V and most trailers use it for battery charging. It is not hot when the truck backup lights are on. Hence you need the relay with the coil wired into the backup light circuit. The fact that it is hot with ignition on only is the reason I recommended running a new 12 gauge wire for the lights. (It's hot with ignition on only so that the trailer cannot run the truck battery down and leave you stranded). JMHO, YMMV, and you may want to verify how your vehicle is wired.
i dont understand why anyone would tap back-up lamps into a circuit that is energized when ever the key is on?
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"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by wlihntr
no its not, there are seperate back-up lamp circuits and trailer battery charge circuits. the color of the wires may have changed on the newer trucks but on the older ones the back up lamps= black/light green and the trailer batt. charge= orange.
i dont understand why anyone would tap back-up lamps into a circuit that is energized when ever the key is on?
i dont understand why anyone would tap back-up lamps into a circuit that is energized when ever the key is on?
Actually the wire I was referring to is the #4 terminal, which is usually labeled 12v, I think this is the one that is ign. switched on the ford trucks. The center round pin is the "auxillary, and backup trailer lights.And if you read my post carefully, nowhere did I say that backup lights should be on an ignition switched circuit.
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From: colorado
Originally Posted by alchymist
Careful there, remember your blood pressure...... Actually the wire I was referring to is the #4 terminal, which is usually labeled 12v, I think this is the one that is ign. switched on the ford trucks. The center round pin is the "auxillary, and backup trailer lights.
And if you read my post carefully, nowhere did I say that backup lights should be on an ignition switched circuit.
Actually the wire I was referring to is the #4 terminal, which is usually labeled 12v, I think this is the one that is ign. switched on the ford trucks. The center round pin is the "auxillary, and backup trailer lights.And if you read my post carefully, nowhere did I say that backup lights should be on an ignition switched circuit.
so than what are you saying?
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by wlihntr
so than what are you saying?
Last edited by alchymist; Oct 21, 2007 at 09:35 AM.
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I wired a set of driving lights up kind of like that. I got a plug that plugs right into the 7 pin trailer plug and wired it to both the back up contact and through a switch to the aux power contact. The lights come on when in reverse but also if in park I can turn them on with the switch. I used a regular outdoor box and switch that you'd use for 120vac and a 15 amp fuse. The switch is hidden up under the bumper and I mounted the lights to the two holes towards the outside ends of the bumper. If I tow anything I just unplug the thing and then I won't have all that light reflecting off the trailer blinding me.
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From: colorado
Originally Posted by alchymist
Refering to the "Aux/backup" wire, the center pin on the 7 way plug - tell us if it's hot all the time, hot with ignition, or hot when tow vehicle backup lights are on............I haven't checked mine, have you checked yours?
yes i have, i have a pair of 55 watt flood lights tapped into that wire BLK/LT GRN. the trailer batt charge wire ORNG. is located at the 1:00 o-clock position on the 7 way round plug and has power when ever the key is turned to the run position. let me see if i can scan in the diagram and post it...
i was afraid it may be to small...oh well i tried
Last edited by wlihntr; Oct 21, 2007 at 01:15 PM.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by Fordfreak_24
I just looked at my 7 way round plug and the cover has a diagram on it that tells you what the pins are for. The center pin is for back-up lights. tested it and it only came on when in reverse.
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From: colorado
Originally Posted by alchymist
BINGO! Thanks, Fordfreak. Like I said, major PITA if they only come on with the vehicle in reverse. Simplest and cleanest solution, (as several others have stated in other forums also) - Fuse near the battery, followed by #12 wire to rear, thru relay to lights. Power to relay coil from original backup circuit thru diode, and toggle switch thru another diode to allow lights on without being in reverse. Anyone wanting to try it just pm me and I'll get a diagram together for you. Have been thinking for some time on putting together a 12v primer for all kinds of wiring jobs, perhaps I'll get off my duff and do so soon if anyone is interested. Again, all this is JMHO .......free advice and worth every penny!