Wiring in Back up lights(auxiliary)

[giguchan]

Hey all,
Has anyone here wired in Aux Back lights? either mounted them in or under the rear bumper? I think the fast and easy way to do it is just to mount them then run power(from the OEM B/U signal) and be done with it. I think the proper way might be to use a relay and then pretty much duplicate what i said above. Some of the kits include a Relay.. so dont.

I thought there was a running thread about this but i cant seem to find it. If any one here has any insight on this would you pass it along? gets kinda dark back there .
Thanks.

 

[sweet88gt]

I have never done back up lights but its fairly simple. Depending on the draw of said lights its usually best to use a relay and have the original lights as the trigger.
Supply power as needed with proper gauge wire and fuse from battery and ground the relay.
Most original circuits are not designed for additional load so hooking them straight to the existing circuit is not the best idea.

 

[brillo_76]

I paralleled backup fog lights with led backup bulbs without any issues for 5 years now.

3rd gen backup lights suck. So by changing the original bulbs out to LED you ruduce the current needed and can put small led bars so you can see.



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[sweet88gt]

I paralleled backup fog lights with led backup bulbs without any issues for 5 years now.

3rd gen backup lights suck. So by changing the original bulbs out to LED you ruduce the current needed and can put small led bars so you can see.



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What type of draw do the new lights pull? That would be my question vs the original circuit and wire size.

 

[giguchan]

Thanks Dudes.
Yeah, i heard that running a lead to the OEM + without a relay isn't a good idea.. The current draw would be about 3.14 amps

 

[pluton]

The original incandescent bulbs are marked 23 watts. That's almost exactly 2 amps per bulb in the 12 volt universe. So...at 3.14 amps [presumably]each, you're already over what the original wiring was intended to supply.
Time for relay(s).

 

[giguchan]

Thanks for the calculations. Yes you are right, The was for each light(3.14)
The Kit i was looking at comes with a harness which has a relay already inline. I guess i can use the trigger from the B/U OEM harness an then go up to the battery for power. Thanks for the information. I like the idea of using relays anyhow.. just seems safer.

 

[crestkid]

I used this wiring diagram I found on some Ford forums which I really liked since it has 3 modes (off, on w/ reverse, on). You will need a 3 way switch for this method.

Included a pic of the diagram and how I mounted one of my lights to the top of my ladder since I wanted to use it as a spot light as well.

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[brillo_76]

What type of draw do the new lights pull? That would be my question vs the original circuit and wire size.

I used these and backup lights from super bright LEDs. Way under the 3 amp level. However I will get a current draw at some point.

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[brillo_76]

Yes very valid point. Watch the current levels. As relayed circuits will be needed if over OEM spec.

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[giguchan]

Thanks for the Diagram! That was indeed very helpful.
It's always good to have a 2nd set of eyes when doing a project.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I put super bright LED reverse lights.

Night and day difference.


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[giguchan]

Thats a good suggestion too. I have used that brand in the interior cabin and in the License plate section.

I'm guessing that they weren't hard to install?

 

[brillo_76]

Thats a good suggestion too. I have used that brand in the interior cabin and in the License plate section.



I'm guessing that they weren't hard to install?

Not at all. Just like changing the light bulbs.

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[pluton]

I put super bright LED reverse lights.

Night and day difference.

If possible, could you tell us the part # or description of the Super Bright product you used? I ask because awhile back, I installed their brightest LED bulbs in the back up lights, and while they are brighter than stock, they are not bright enough to see anything more than about 5 or 6 feet behind the vehicle through the tinted glass.

 

[giguchan]

Brillo,
Thanks for the reply.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

If possible, could you tell us the part # or description of the Super Bright product you used? I ask because awhile back, I installed their brightest LED bulbs in the back up lights, and while they are brighter than stock, they are not bright enough to see anything more than about 5 or 6 feet behind the vehicle through the tinted glass.

I do not have the exact bulb I bought. I got it from the thread that talked about the dash led bulbs. I used his link.


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[19963.4lsr5]

If possible, could you tell us the part # or description of the Super Bright product you used? I ask because awhile back, I installed their brightest LED bulbs in the back up lights, and while they are brighter than stock, they are not bright enough to see anything more than about 5 or 6 feet behind the vehicle through the tinted glass.

It was StreetCreeper that I got the info from.


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[pluton]

It was StreetCreeper that I got the info from.


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Thanks!

 

[Fountainhead]

Reverse lights, why relay...

Setting up auxiliary reverse lights, I keep seeing a relay is required. If the trailer connection allows for reverse lights on any trailer, isn't the system already configured for trailer light. If so and adding LED aux light why a relay if not towing and connect to that circuit?