Back up light question

[Sixpack]

I've done the search but am still in the dark (pun intended) as to what I need and how to wire it all together.



I want to wire up a pair of flood lights for aux. back up lights. I want to be able to use a on-off-on 3 position rocker switch so I can turn them on manually, have them come on with the backup lights and be able to turn them off completely.



Now I know I need a relay, but I don't know what type or amperage. 4 posts or 5 and why, and spdt,spst.



As for the switch I'm assuming I will need a spdt switch.



Any Help would be appreciated Thanks Phil

 

[Thomas]

The hardest part of the wiring job will be the install of the in-cab switch. I run two Hella 90601 work lamps (110 watts each) as backup lamps. They are triggered by the backup light switch. My original plan was to install an in-cab switch. I have never needed one and now have no plans for one.



If you have a trailer tow package you already have a fairly heavy wire to the rear of the truck to power the lamps. You also have a wire in the trailer tow harness that is energized in reverse. If you wish to have the lights on with the engine running and the truck stopped it's easy with a 4X4; put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in reverse.



I use a thirty amp relay with my lamps. Automotive relays will have four or five pins. Two pins are the control (trigger) circuit, and two pins are the switched power circuit. A fifth pin may allow a relay to be configured as normally open or normally closed. Automotive relays typically function as a SPST switch. Automotive relays with four pins are typically normally open relays.

 

[Bfoot17]

On mine I used a four prong relay and spliced into the juntion box in the fuse box. Ran one wire to the back and used the bumper support bracket holes for the mounts.

 

[RKrueger]

Where did you guys get your Hella 90601's?

 

[Thomas]

Susquehanna Motor Sports

 

[DFrank]

I recently did what you are asking about. Got some grat advice from a member named SOLER.



I got a three positon switch that I mounted to the dash. The power from the cigarette light er energizes the switch for on any time. I tapped into the reverse circuitry (found it in the tail light cluster, then looked for the same colors in the bundle of wires right under the cab) THis wire powers the switch for "on in Reverse". In the off position they obviously don't come on at all. I thought this would be important feature, but I just leave it in the revesrse position always.



The "ON" position is great for tailgaters, as well as being alot easier to use when parked than having to use reverse.



I used a thirty amp RV circuit breaker, that resets itself if it trips. The power then leaves the switch and activates a relay that feeds power to a 12 gauge wire that I ran back and into my lumber rack. I used a section of insulated extension cord that has several advantages: It was a cut chunk of a longer cord so it ws "free". It has two other avilable wires that run with it to the back of the truck for anything else I think of, and they are better protected than just a single insulated wire. I followed the path of the e brake cable, and it would have disguised itself better if it was black instead of orange.



Feel free to ask more direct questions if this does not answer them all, Dave