Dual trigger reverse light wiring?

[ASSFROW]

Hello,

I want to add a set of aux reverse lights, but I'd like to be able to switch them on with an aux switch as well as have them come on with the reverse lights. Is there a safe way to do this and if so can some please tell me what is needed? I'm planning on using the 7plug trailer harness for reverse light power and one of the aux switches.

Sponsored

 

[GATORB8]

Grab a diode like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...I3ZxN8NZGz9rwjgFZKQ0kv8A2NyULBTgaAr9vEALw_wcB

EDIT: I think you'll be fine un-relayed since you're using the trailer connector, if you were going straight to the tail lights, I'd recommend adding a relay on that side of the circuit.

EDIT EDIT: Trailer backup feed is relayed/fused at 20 amps.

 

[ASSFROW]

J

Grab a diode like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...I3ZxN8NZGz9rwjgFZKQ0kv8A2NyULBTgaAr9vEALw_wcB

Thank you Sir!! Nothing is ever this easing in my life!!

EDIT: I think you'll be fine un-relayed since you're using the trailer connector, if you were going straight to the tail lights, I'd recommend adding a relay on that side of the circuit.

EDIT EDIT: Trailer backup feed is relayed/fused at 20 amps.

Was this part you arguing with yourself as to whether it was even necessary and then agreeing with yourself that it is necessary?

Any suggestions on max wattage for the lights? I'm looking at (2) 18w, 30w or 42w lights.

 

[GATORB8]

J


Any suggestions on max wattage for the lights? I'm looking at (2) 18w, 30w or 42w lights.

Shouldn't matter, that diode is rated at 85 amps (~1,000 W), the trailer harness for 20 amps (~240 W), I think the lower power Aux are at 15 amps (~180 W).

I would do something with a spread/flood beam pattern.

EDIT: A fog wouldn't be bad, so you make sure you're not throwing a lot of glare if you have to backup roadside. But would be less useful as camp area lighting.

 

[agentdr8]

Any suggestions on max wattage for the lights? I'm looking at (2) 18w, 30w or 42w lights.

Amps = Watts / Voltage. So at 42W, you're still only looking at a roughly 3.5A draw per.

 

[ASSFROW]

Thank you Gentlemen,

I was going to go with combo lights, but decided on some 10w floods that look like they'll work better than I need.

 

[Membrain]

Grab a diode like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...I3ZxN8NZGz9rwjgFZKQ0kv8A2NyULBTgaAr9vEALw_wcB

EDIT: I think you'll be fine un-relayed since you're using the trailer connector, if you were going straight to the tail lights, I'd recommend adding a relay on that side of the circuit.

EDIT EDIT: Trailer backup feed is relayed/fused at 20 amps.

I have used these diodes for exactly what OP is asking about, and spliced the diodes and addon lights into the tow wiring harness so I don't have to tap into the tail light harness.
My addon rear lights come on with the normal reverse lights, and then I can also activate the addon lights with a switch in the driver side A pillar. Lights on, lights off... on demand... simple.

 

[Grayhound]

Fun fact if you hit the unlock button 5x on the remote with a tazer plugged in the reverse lights come on. Lock button and they shut off.

So I wired to the taillights b/c wired to the hitch they didn't come on with the tazer.

 

[ASSFROW]

I have used these diodes for exactly what OP is asking about, and spliced the diodes and addon lights into the tow wiring harness so I don't have to tap into the tail light harness.
My addon rear lights come on with the normal reverse lights, and then I can also activate the addon lights with a switch in the driver side A pillar. Lights on, lights off... on demand... simple.

Thank you sir, I will be doing the same. Do you mind telling me which color wire to tap, so I don't have to look it up, how and where you tapped it. Pics would be appreciated if it's not to difficult.

 

[mortimer]

@ASSFROW - check out https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rigid-ignite-backup-lights.30103/

 

[GATORB8]

Thank you sir, I will be doing the same. Do you mind telling me which color wire to tap, so I don't have to look it up, how and where you tapped it. Pics would be appreciated if it's not to difficult.

Doubt they've changed for 24, should be White w/ Orange Stripe

 

[Membrain]

Thank you sir, I will be doing the same. Do you mind telling me which color wire to tap, so I don't have to look it up, how and where you tapped it. Pics would be appreciated if it's not to difficult.

Here's what I used with for my application:
1. Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode - (Qty 1) you only need 1 for this application

2. Oracle Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights - you can choose your own lights, but this is what I used

3. PUTCO 529004 - Blade Connect Harness -
Amazon.com: PUTCO 529004 - Blade Connect Harness : Automotive
This installs behind the existing 7-pin connection at the rear bumper (if you already have the tow kit option installed). Splice your lights into this item and not your OEM wiring.

4. Nilight Wiring Harness - select and use the proper length and AWG wire size run for connecting your specific auxiliary switched relay to your lights. I used the 14 AWG for my application; might need the 20 feet length depending on your run distance, and cut off what isn't needed.
Amazon.com : Nilight

5. Generally, examine the wiring diagram on the PUTCO package and you will see which of the colored wires you will need to use. As with most "imported" items, wire color coding is not "standardized" to industry standards.

6. You have to remove the skid holding the 7-pin plug, and probably the 7-pin plug to attach the PUTCO

7. I used the 4-pin +2 pigtail of the PUTCO for splicing in my lights to work off of the REAR/BACKUP lighting wire. This made for a shorter wire-run from the lights to the 4-pin +2 pig tail. Cut off and terminate the wires you don't need.

8. Once you have reverse light circuit driving your rear lights, it is time to locate where to splice in the diode and add the auxiliary-switched-relay wire harness connection. Find a location that works with your bumper and wiring.

9. Then just use zip ties and piece everything back together - my final installation looks like this:

 

[THAW]

FYI, enabling the aux lights with both an aux switch and reverse gear can also be achieved with one SPDT auto relay (no diode required).

B+ (e.g. from 7-pin) to relay pin 87
Aux Switch wire to relay pin 87a
Relay pin 30 to aux lights+
Taillight/7-pin reverse light trigger wire to relay pin 86
Relay pin 85 to ground

 

[ASSFROW]

Here's what I used with for my application:
1. Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode - (Qty 1) you only need 1 for this application

2. Oracle Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights - you can choose your own lights, but this is what I used

3. PUTCO 529004 - Blade Connect Harness -
Amazon.com: PUTCO 529004 - Blade Connect Harness : Automotive
This installs behind the existing 7-pin connection at the rear bumper (if you already have the tow kit option installed). Splice your lights into this item and not your OEM wiring.

4. Nilight Wiring Harness - select and use the proper length and AWG wire size run for connecting your specific auxiliary switched relay to your lights. I used the 14 AWG for my application; might need the 20 feet length depending on your run distance, and cut off what isn't needed.
Amazon.com : Nilight

5. Generally, examine the wiring diagram on the PUTCO package and you will see which of the colored wires you will need to use. As with most "imported" items, wire color coding is not "standardized" to industry standards.

6. You have to remove the skid holding the 7-pin plug, and probably the 7-pin plug to attach the PUTCO

7. I used the 4-pin +2 pigtail of the PUTCO for splicing in my lights to work off of the REAR/BACKUP lighting wire. This made for a shorter wire-run from the lights to the 4-pin +2 pig tail. Cut off and terminate the wires you don't need.

8. Once you have reverse light circuit driving your rear lights, it is time to locate where to splice in the diode and add the auxiliary-switched-relay wire harness connection. Find a location that works with your bumper and wiring.

9. Then just use zip ties and piece everything back together - my final installation looks like this:

Thanks, this is the route I'll go. What is the thingy mounted on the other side of the receiver hitch opposite of the 7 pin connector?

 

[ASSFROW]

FYI, enabling the aux lights with both an aux switch and reverse gear can also be achieved with one SPDT auto relay (no diode required).

B+ (e.g. from 7-pin) to relay pin 87
Aux Switch wire to relay pin 87a
Relay pin 30 to aux lights+
Taillight/7-pin reverse light trigger wire to relay pin 86
Relay pin 85 to ground

Thanks for the info. I haven't wired anything in a long time, but was pretty sure there was a way to do it with a relay. I already ordered the diode, so I'll use it for this.

Sponsored