Trailer Backup Lights

[lizzyhermit]

I read of someone putting something like 6 backup lights on his truck/trailer but I can't find it doing searches. I believe it was a link from the Readers Rigs and I'd appreciate a gentle nudge in the right direction.

What I am specifically looking for is the wiring description/diagram whereby some or all of the lights could be ON via a switch or via the Reverse trans. switch.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

A friend asked me if I had a diagram like this a month or so ago. I drew this up for him and he said it worked great. I haven't tried it yet but will be doing so when I install my new bumper and backup lights in a couple weeks.

 

[lizzyhermit]

purdy picture !

thanks webmaster dude. what can you tell this electrically challenged one about the diode from the OEM backups?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

The diode stops you from backfeeding power into the backup light circuit from the switch. Also if you powered those lights from the switch then the switch and wiring that you used for it would have to be rated for the amount of power that the oem backup lights use - by doing it this way the switch only has to be able to handle the current draw of the relay which is very small.

 

[BPINE]

Hey Steve I have done it like you said a few time but did not put in a Diod and it seems to work fine but the stock back up lights do come on when you hit the switch. Something so simple a diod.

 

[lizzyhermit]

diode ?

when I go get the relay and diode how do I specify what size/shape/color/capacity of diode I need?

 

[tgbol]

The only time that the diode really comes in to play is when the ignition switch is turned off and the trans is in reverse. Turning on the manual switch can then back feed everything on the run side of the ignition switch.