Anyone know if there is a wire that runs to the back of the truck that you can pull current from. I want to install a light that can be switched on (towing, tailgaters, etc) and also wire it so that it comes on when you throw it in reverse. I planned on using a relay to switch it and didnt know if there was a reliable place to get juice since the light may be pulling some amps or if I need to run my own wire back from the battery. Thanks in advance!

 

The black wire in your 7 pin towing connection is 12VDC Aux Power, and the White is the Ground. If you want to install a power socket back there (very cool for tailgate parties) it would be a snap.

If you want a flood for backing up that's different. You will need a relay because the DTR will not handle direct addition of an addional lamp.

 

Thanks.

What exactly is the DTR? I plan on using a relay but did not know if I needed to run a wire back straight from the battery or if I could use the aux power wire like you mentioned. I would imagine there is the possibility of 5 amps or so going to a decent light and dont want to fry anything. Also, do you know if the black wire is continous power or if it is switched with the ignition. Thanks again!

 

Here is a thread with ideas on 12VDC in the bed, and the aux power is only hot with the key ON.

12VDC in the Bed

As for DTR it is the Digital Transmission Range sensor, and it is touchy. A number of people have added higher wattage bulbs to their backup lights and fried the DTR. You'd have to tap the black/pink wire out of the backup lamp/DTR harness and hook up the low side of the relay there so the high voltage flood would operate with the trans in reverse.

 

I know I'm going to get some flak for this. I tapped into the under hood power box for my bed power outlet. I used Conduct Tite connector P/n 85349 (crimped and soldered) to an in line blade fuse holder, to the wire going to the bed. I got the Connector and power box fuse from NAPA. The inline fuse, fuse holder, 100% tinned wire, and outlet from Boaters World. I pre installed the Power wire, return ground and a (smaller gauge wire; for bed lights) in yellow loam from Auto Zone. I had my kids hold the Loam straight while I taped the whole length with 3M Yellow tape. I installed it under the left side following the existing black loam. It is wire tied using HD Black (UV resistant) wire ties. I pulled the left rear Tail light. From inside the bed I drilled a hole in the "Triangle" 2 3/8" from the back and 11 5/8" high (Centered) from the bed and used an electricians Knock out tool to make the final hole. I worked the wiring thru the power outlet nut and new hole to the power outlet and made my connections. I installed the power outlet in the bed. I then made the connections under the hood, if I remember correctly I had to slightly file the sides of the Conduit Tite connector, to get it to snap in. I installed the fuses checked the Power Outlet and reinstalled the Taillight. The only thing that went wrong was the taillight slightly scratched the paint from swinging in the wind and I had to buff the paint out.

 

I have an '03 Screw. Any ideas on how to tap into the under hood fuse block? I want to power backup lights back there and an external power source would be really nice as well.

Houstonwide