A SPST and a SPDT switch are not the same.

If you do understand this, you might want to consider finding an auto electronics shop to do the work for you.

Installing the lights without a relay is asking for problems with the switch later ( cannot believe that a kit still ships this way ).

Do not try splicing them into the reverse lamps on the truck, the DTR will not drive that kind of load. It can handle about 1 A more, after that it falls off. This means you can add 1: 13 W bulb to the circuit max. a 15W bulb, and it will not burn at full brightness, and slowly destroy the DTR.

If you are just going to have them as reverse lamps, and don't know how to install a relay, put them on the 7 pin trailer tow adapter, the reverse circuit. This has a max load of 8 A, so you are just over the limit ( by Ford spec ) with 2 55W aux lamps. Might want to run 2 35W aux lamps to be safe.

 

Ok i dont know where the idea that i thought the switches were the same came from but i do know they are different and how they are different.

I think for now my best bet for now with what i want will be to run a relay to the lights and getting power from a single post switch that way i can control them on and off and just turn them on when in reverse or when i want to.

thanks for all your input and its been very helpful. If you think this option isnt a good one then feel free to let me know and i may switch it up. i may go with the 2 post but im not sure where id mount the switch though. i already have blue led rocker switches on the dash and dont want to add a different type of switch. it may have to go in the kick panel.

 

Here is where I got this idea :
A SPST switch and SPDT switch are not similar. The diagram I posted would not work trying to use the wrong switch.
I am trying to stop something from going very wrong with your truck, applying power back to the DTR at the wrong time ( gear selection ) might not be the best idea, if something goes wrong.

If you are trying to make something work, due to having the switch already installed, vs. getting the design correct, then installing the correct switch, this is also something else that I wanted to stay away from having you do.
Form follows function, not the other way around.
Have you looked to see if some place else offers a switch that uses the same mounting hole / pattern as the SPST switches you have ?

 

ok i see where the confusion came from not. what i meant was that the set-up you suggested is similar to what i had wanted except yours runs off the parking lights and i had originally suggested by themselves.

im going to go to the autoparts store soon and get a relay, a new fuse(blew an unrelated one) and a SPDT switch. i still havent decided how i want to run the wiring yet. im not choosing based on the switch being already mounted because i have other ideas that i plan to add that will require a switch so that is not the issue.

Mostly i havent decided which wiring diagram posted will work best for me. SSCULLY is there any negative effects or danger in running the setup suggested by se7en? this will ultimately help my decision process. either way i will be running a relay.

 

I would not use the install diagram posted above with the diode and multiple switches.
That is just my opinion, it is your truck, and in the end your choice.

 

ok then one last question what if i run the wires as suggested in the linked how to but at 86 have the wire to the stock reverse lights as well as to a powered switch? that way they will get power when the reverse lights come on or if i run power through the switch or am i just being retarded and should just run them to a switch or your set up (SSCULLY)
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...-how-pics.html

 

Why is this? no difference except mine has switches... the switch wire goes to direct power instead of the parking light wire

 

I would not install anything that would apply power to the DTR.
That is what I was talking about with the mouse trap.

Performing modifications to the factory electrical system that change how it operates is asking for trouble. There are very few exceptions to this rule, but as a rule I never violate it myself.

Adding to it, so the factory system triggers and external system, that is isolating the factory and add on system, very little chance of bridging the 2 ( if done correctly ).

Again, your truck, your call.

 

that is the same way yours triggers the relay... the reverse positive wire am i correct?

 

so i just ran them to a switch in the cab as i didnt feel like messing with my factory stuff just yet. i did get a spdt switch so if i decide to i can change them up.

heres where they are mounted


and on

 

looks good now i need some...

 

Yea they help out alot. im glad i was able to hide them mostly. i mounted them up with some wire ties completely visible and still couldnt see out the back window so i got them aimed at the corners of the truck so i can see the sides which helps alot.

 

why when i put the vechile in reverse the reverse light are not working

 

Bit of additional info would be good.

Either post the MY, cab style and trim level, or complete your profile.

Also, you could have started a new thread if you wanted to. New problem, new member, that qualifies. Your call on that.

 

Just to clarify...

This diagram would allow the work lights to be turned on at any time by turning the work light switch on, or they will come on automatically when in reverse?

Also... the master switch would be to turn off the entire work light/aux backup light system.... and could be eliminated, right?