I am looking for ideas on installing some back-up lights. I'd like them to work off of a switch for backing and hooking up trailers in the dark. Has anybody done this? Does anybody have a good site or coupn code for PIAA products? Thanks!!

 

Search and ye shall find :

I used the term backup and narrowed it down to my posts, as I have been through this a few times.
Here are a few that you can either:
1. tap the reverse wire in the cab and +12 v for constant run and run a single wire to the back to control the relay for the lamps.
2. if you have the factory tow package, just tap off the reversing circuit on the tow ( 7 pin adapter ) and something like the parking lamps, to trigger the coil on the relay with the reversing lamps.

I did option #2, a Carling Technology switch under my cap ( waterproof switch ) to select between constant run or on with reverse.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ghlight=backup
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ghlight=backup
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ghlight=backup

This wil get you to the point of safely adding 55W of halogen lamps back there. As for PIAA, got me, I did Truck-lite BU LEDs on my '01 and Maxium BU LEDs on my '06.

 

I needed more light behind my '05 too and a good deal of that need came from backing up (boat) trailers. I solved my problem a slightly different way. I added a Star Warning Systems Interceptor light bar to my roof. It's a four rotator halogen amber light bar with a few options added in by my friends at Star. (It was also custom wired by me.)

For backup lights, I had them add two rear facing "takedown" lights. These are the ones that normally face forward on a police vehicle to light up the area directly in front of the car. Mine just face back. I also had two forward facing ones added that are aimed at 45 degree angles out the sides so I can see out there too. All four are wired through a relay to a switch on the dash so I can use them only when I want. Let me tell you, the additional light - particularly from that far up - really helps. I'll have some pictures up in my gallery shortly if you're interested.

 

Sure some pics would be great! What would a set up like that cost?

 

Thanks SSCULLY. I think I'll use one of the drawings in your gallery to do my wiring. Thanks again!

 

raynik,

I'll post some pics in the next few days. As for what it cost, that's a little more complicated. The light on my truck is a one of a kind as far as the mounting and wiring are concerned. I suppose you could order a stock one from their catalog and modify it like I did. I'd have to guess you're talking around $400-$500 by the time you add in the labor to wire everything though. I paid MUCH less than that, but I did all of the modifications and wiring myself. Of course that's what makes it so special too. I'll post back when the pics are up in my gallery.

 

That'd be great. I'd really like to check it out. By the way, your truck looks great. Those wheels are awesome!

 

my lights cost $20 and took 15 minutes to install.

 

That is not all that bad, when you take into account what I paid for those Truck-Lite Single BU LEDs from wireconnections.com. I think they were like 223.00 each They work much better then the Maximas that I have on my '06, but I only paid 55.00 for the set. Still seem to work pretty well though. Dad really likes his Truck-Lite BU LEDs on the '01

 

OK folks. The pictures are now in my gallery. Just click the camera and select the "additional lighting" gallery. Hope you like it!