hey yall,

just realized i cant see crap when backing my truck up and im just curious do any of you boys have back up lights? and those of you that do, any product recomendations< just wondering where you have it mounted or how hard it is to install...stuff like that, any words of advice is appreciated! thanks a lot!

by the way got 12in of snow today

 

grab a grinder and go nuts

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how did you wire those up? Just a wire to the backup lights, or did you use a seperate 12v source so you can use independantly?

 

i have 8 switches and 8 relays in this box, and one switch is for the backup lights. i run all my electrical items through this box. it also has a computer fan on one end to keep air flowing through it so it doesnt get too hot inside.

oh yea, and the lights i used are sealed beam high beam replacements from walmart, like $7 each. and they are bright...well, bright as high beams.
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i love how ur truck is just pure truck, nothin fancy i love it

 

I just went to Tractor Supply Co. and got 2 $13 flood lights, mounted them under the bumper, wired to a relay and a $.25 cent switch.

 

I used this set but in clear. They put them on sale for $7.99from time to time.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpis...ord=fog+lights
Iremoved two bolts from the bumper and mounted the lights without cutting or drilling. The kit has a switch and fuse but I used my own switches and relays instead. You'll need to add a longer wire to reach the cab. I suggest you wire it to a switched power source to besure you don't drain the battery if you leave it on. I used an "Add-A-Fuse" to tap the cigarette lighter circuit. If I rememberI will take a few pictures in the morning. To keep it simple you can just use the kit. My system is more involved with two switches to control the lights. Switch #1 turns the lights on when ever I place the truck in reverse. Switch #2 allows me to turn them off or on at will. With both switches off the lights remain off. I hope this helps.

 

thanks alot! i bought a kit today at cabelas and like you have mentioned, the wiring allows the switch to be placed in the bed of the truck, which id rather have up front. how hard of a task was it for you to do your whole set up? i would like to turn them on at will and then again, having them on when i throw it in reverse automaticly is nice to. and one last ?, where did you mount your switches once inside the cab? thx a lot beach and evry1 else!

 

I will post pictures after I have breakfast. My setup is a little complicated. It requires two relays and two switches. Doing one or the other is easy but doing both is a little involved unless you already know how to wire switches and relays. I will post the complete details with the wiring diagram.

 

The easy way to have both is to replace your current switch with a switch that has on-off-on. If you search this board you’ll find details on this kind of setup. My system is harder because I wanted two separate switches. With a double throw switch you can have side #1 get power from the backup light wire when you place the truck in reverse and side #2 get power directly from the battery switched or un-switched. The first diagram is from another board. It was posted by Bobem12. The second diagram is my relay setup. If anyone wants details on relays and switches check out www.the12volt.com and http://www.bcae1.com.

Photo #1:
Lights mounted under bumper using stock holes.
Photo #2:
Typical wiring diagram
Photo #3:
My relay setup for using two separate switches.
Photo #4:
Lights mounted through stock holes.
Photo #5:
My relays in a project box from RadioShack.
Photo #6:
Switches mounted in dashboard.
Photo #7
Rear of switches in dashboard.
Photo #8
Add-a-fuse tap in fuse box (black with red wire). It allows you to add a second fuse to a circuit while maintaining the original fuse protection.

As you can see it is just a matter of deciding what you want and how you want it. I think the simple solution would be to extend the wires on the kit that you have now and mount the switch just below the steering wheel since that area is easy access. I tapped into the cigarette lighter circuit for switched power. You can see it in the picture of the add-a-fuse. I hope this helps.



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