Super backup lights

[pbsled]

While I was doing lots of interior work on my bathroom project, I ran some 12v wiring, relays, and a pair of waterproof LED lights on the back side of both wheel wells. They are on the same circuit as the reverse lights.

I have a long 15% grade driveway with an S curve in it that I must back the trailer up when I get home. As you can imagine these will be most helpful. It’s a 4x4 Lo required event time.

[KYAvion]

Great idea. Looks good!

[Razorback]

I like that idea! Thanks!!!

[pbsled]

I got all my lights working today and here is a view of the backup lights with new LED taillights that I finally got installed.

[Razorback]

Nice!

[KYAvion]

I had an instance this weekend where your wheel well lights would have come in handy. You mind sharing a link to the lights you used? Those round ones in back look good too...have a link for them as well?

[pbsled]

These are the ones I ordered from etrailer. The 1x3 light is the one in the wheel well and it came with a couple wedge mounts so you can put them at an angle. For the money I have no complaints, and they were very nice to have when I had to park in the dark after my last trip.

[pbsled]

Here is my relay setup for those lights, which is to the left of the data box (blue). It is just a standard 30a automotive unit triggered by switch on the right for now. Wiring in this picture included lots of spare loops as I was working on new home runs for several circuits like water pump.

[KYAvion]

What is the reason for using a relay and a switch, and not just the switch?

Did you consider wiring these to the 7-way reverse wire?

Would it be possible to wire lights to the 7-way AND to a switch? That is, so the lights turn on 1. when in REVERSE and 2. when in PARK and via a SWITCH?

[pbsled]

I am kinda half-way though the install. The relay is there so that when I do wire this up to be connected to the 7-wire from the tow vehicle, they will function as part of the regular backup light system. This also allows the lights to be turned on from two sources easily so I can use the separate hot wire from a switch to latch the same relay.

However, I still need to re-run or utilize that spare purple wire as my trigger for the relay from the backup light circuit of the truck.

As a rule - I like using relays with low latching current requirements instead of running all the loads through the switches. I think the LED's are not heavy on current draw, but they are drawing more current all together than the OEM backup lights I believe. I know they certainly put off more heat.