2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Back up lights

[HTRDHLR]

Well I just had to bomb the back up lights! I got a set of halogen driving lights and mounted them on the hitch. I mounted a relay under the bumper and used the heavy wire that I ran to recharge my trailer battery when I am towing the trailer. I used the reverse light wire from the trailer conector to triger the relay and run off the heavy wire from the battery. WOW it lights up the neighbors house!

#ad

 

[Mingoglia]

Just curious... You posted, "I mounted a relay under the bumper and used the heavy wire that I ran to recharge my trailer battery "... why did you run a wire? Didn't your truck come with a charge wire connected? I've found for my needs that the charge terminal in the stock connector works fine (atleast for me). In fact, a few weeks ago, I went to get something out of my trailer (it's in storage) and noticed I forgot to switch the breaker I have hooked between my battery and the trailer which made my battery die a long and painful life from my refrigerator light (I keep the fridge door open so it can air out). I just hooked my trailer wiring up for about 3-4 minutes and had enough (just barely) juice to start my generator.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Great Job HTRDHLR U guys know the backup light system from Geno's it says it works with the factory stock hitch. Will it work with other 2" hitches?

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by HTRDHLR

I mounted a relay under the bumper and used the heavy wire that I ran to recharge my trailer battery when I am towing the trailer. I used the reverse light wire from the trailer connector to trigger the relay and run off the heavy wire from the battery.

I need to do this



Does anyone know if there's a waterproof relay available, or should I just tape it up real good. Around here that part of the truck gets packed with slush and ice in the winter and the wires are very susceptible to the elements.



Thanks,



Blake

 

[dan_gilson]

I have had extra back up light for years. I got them after I was backing my dad's boat/trailer up a driveway and put the rt side tail light into a rock because it was really dark and I could not see. Fortunately, I did not hit the boat: '47 Higgins runabout.



Currently, I have a double pull single throw center off switch for the currently lights. Up they are on all the time. Down they come on when the reverse lights come on.



I did this so that I could also use them working on trailer and not have the truck in gear.

 

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by Bob Cochran

Great Job HTRDHLR U guys know the backup light system from Geno's it says it works with the factory stock hitch. Will it work with other 2" hitches?

The White Knight system should work with any 2" reciever as it clamps on with a "U" bolt.



The White Knight lights were my first modification, and the most useful. The stock back-up lights are useless.

 

[rono]

What Shovelhead said, I mounted a switch to the right of the steering column knee bolster and can turn the lights on when needed (closing a gate, hooking up a trailer etc... ).

Great bomb.

Ron

 

[JR2]

#ad
<br>





What shovelhead said.....

 

[Bob Cochran]

Thanks for the information.

 

[clem]

Re: Re: Back up lights

Originally posted by Blakers





I need to do this



Does anyone know if there's a waterproof relay available, or should I just tape it up real good. Around here that part of the truck gets packed with slush and ice in the winter and the wires are very susceptible to the elements.



Thanks,



Blake

Put the relay in a pill bottle with a hole in the lid for your wires and seal with RTV and mount your waterproof relay

 

[dan_gilson]

My PIAA lights came with a relay. I stuffed it up into the rear bumper. I do not know whether it is water proof but have not had a problem with it in the last two years. I think it is high enough not to get a lot of water.



I liked the pill container suggestion. Something I think I would add is a dessicant to it. That way you should not get a build up of condinsation.

 

[Blakers]

Re: Re: Re: Back up lights

Originally posted by clem

Put the relay in a pill bottle with a hole in the lid for your wires and seal with RTV and mount your waterproof relay

Thanks Clem! A great idea.



As far as mounting location goes, I've found the best place to mount the lights are up on a light bar at the front of the bed so the illuminate the bed as well as behind the truck. My Ford has a light bar, but my Ram doesn't. Mounting the lights under the bumper will work ok, but then they're kinda down in the dirt all the time. The cargo lights are not much good on these trucks either.



Blake

 

[Fuzz]

Behind Tail lights

Mounted the relay behind the tailight "module". Been 2 yrs. Works OK.

Fuzz

 

[RJ2]

The White Nites worked better for me by cutting them down the middle , welding angle on the ends of the hitch , extend the wires . You eliminate the pin hassle and moving the connector hookup, and gives a better pattern . Get the WN without the cutout.

 

[rono]

I noticed the other day one of the lense was missing and is guess had fallen out of my White Knight. I called Geno's, told them, and they shipped me a complete new unit. I got it yesterday and will install it this weekend. They sent a return label to send the old on back.



GREAT QUALITY SERVICE!!!

Thanks Geno's.



Ron