Adding backup lights wiring?
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Adding backup lights wiring?
I am looking to add some 55w backup lights to my 02 Excursion, and had some questions.I want them to be independent from the stock one, and only come on when I flip a switch. Is the best way to do this tap into one of the axillary under the dash-to the switch-to the lights? Does anyone know if the axillary wire(s) are hot only when the key is on, or all the time? Advice?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Texas
If you want them ONLY to come on from a switch then I would run wire straight from the battery to the lights with a switch and in-line fuse. I have ours hooked up both ways. They come on while in reverse along with the stock lights and I can also turn them on with a switch.
Hope that helps.
Bryan
Hope that helps.
Bryan
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
Most kits will include a relay system. Either run a new power wire to the back, or use the AUX wire from the trailer plug to provide the current for lights. Then mount the relay in a dry spot, probably up near the plugs on the frame or behind the taillights. Then use what ever switch you like to run the relay, you can even use a grounded switch.
I set mine up automatically, when the trailer harness gets voltage on the backup line, power from the AUX circuit goes to the lamps. I had thought about adding another relay so my new lamps would only come on with the tail lights and reverse lights on, but decided against it.
I set mine up automatically, when the trailer harness gets voltage on the backup line, power from the AUX circuit goes to the lamps. I had thought about adding another relay so my new lamps would only come on with the tail lights and reverse lights on, but decided against it.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 493
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From: Portage, MI
I made a bracket to slide into my hitch with 2 lights on the. Then i wired them into a plug that would plug into the trailer plug outlet. All i have to do is unplug it and slide it out of the hitch. I only use it in the winter for snowplowing.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North Texas
I pulled a source from the trailer aux line for the power. I ran that to a relay that could be energized by either a switch in the cab or when the transmission is put in reverse.
I put the relay behind the driver side tail light.
The only condition for the switch in the cab to work is that the running lights are turned on... no mistakes that way.
I put the relay behind the driver side tail light.
The only condition for the switch in the cab to work is that the running lights are turned on... no mistakes that way.
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What would be the point of the relay? I guess I'm not completely sure exactly what a relay does?
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
In this case, the relay lets you use a low power signal to provide a higher power source. The relay will use around 0.2A from what ever source you use to switch it, and when switched it makes contact between two other wires. In this case, it would a decent sized wire running power from the battery to your lights. The idea being that your lights will not be powered off the stock circuit.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
100 watts should pull around 8 amps. I suspect it's fused for about 10a or so. While it should work most of the time, it would only take a few amp draw on the trailer to pop the fuse.
To work around the stocking wiring, use a relay. Use the stock wiring to switch the relay, then run a new wire of sufficient size to the relay and accessory.
To work around the stocking wiring, use a relay. Use the stock wiring to switch the relay, then run a new wire of sufficient size to the relay and accessory.
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