I'm installing my auxillary reverse fog lights this evening and I'm still undecided on whether or not I want to run them to a switch or wired into my current reverse lights.

I kind of like the ability to turn them on and off at convinence, but I also think I may from time to time forget to turn them on.

Any one that has done this already has positive/negative feedback

 

Wire it both ways where they come on with the reverse lights and also have a switch to turn them on when you need them..

 

Any help with how that would work. Thought about that one but couldn't come up with the wiring to make it work

 

hope this helps you =)

 

Simple enough. Thanks didn't think about it like that. What do you think would happen on the off chance that I had the switch on then threw it in reverse

 

Don't you run the risk of leaving the reverse lights on all the time with this setup? (Including maybe with the ignition off)?

- Jack

 

nothing it would still be getting 12 volts its just sending 12 volts through a second wire its not doubling the voltage

 

allthough that may power your reverse lights also... I would put a relay in where it connects to the reverse light power .. .i gotta go somewhere i'll draw up another diagram with a relay when i get back on here tonight

 

Jackandjanet. Could you please explain what your trying to say. I want to have the ability to turn them on when not in reverse or if the truck is off.

I'll probably wire them up to the switch for now since I don't have a relay now and I guess need to work out the details to have both options

 

Heres the updated diagram with relay and switches

the relays are about $5.00 at any parts store

 

you could use lighted switches that light up when your lights are powered.

 

Just got done for the night. i got the lights mounted and the wires run but i either have a bad power or ground connection right now and didnt feel like messing with it more tonight. i think for now im just gonna run it on the blue rocker switch i got.

 

You can ignore what I said earlier. I sort of thought you would not want the backup lights on if the truck was turned off (totally - key out of the ignition). If you want them on whenever, then the switch in the 12v (always hot) line makes sense - although I would use a relay due to the heavy current draw. Most switches are not designed for that high an amperage value.

- Jack

 

what type of relay do you suggest. i think im going to run the power to the battery tomorrow since i think its not getting enough power inside the cab.

 

They sell these relays at autoparts stores they are usually with the off road lights section. they look like a 1" cube just ask the guy at the counter tel him u heed a relay for your aux lights.