Adding backup lights, Wiring help needed.
I've been wanting to add backup lights to my TT for several years now. I've read every single thread here & on other sites, my plan is to mount 4 LED flood lights, 2 on the rear bumper of the TT f...
Forum Discussion
You absolutely want a relay to control the lights. I did not see if you posted the size of the lights you plan to add. If they are smaller lights plan on at least 1 amp per light. The problem I see with your plan is adding front lights to the trailer. Backup lights point backward. You would have to check your state laws on adding forward facing "backup" lights.
Some relays have two separate triggers. One of them would be required to activate the lights. The Diodes allow one way voltage. Expect the diode to drop the voltage by .5volts. Wire the diodes on the trigger or control side of the relay. This allows maximum voltage to the lights. Be sure to fuse the power. I would add a fuse before the relay. If your two lights draw 1amp each, use a 5amp fuse for two light protection.
I would add two separate circuits. One wired to the truck for rear facing backup lights. Another separate circuit for forward facing clearance lights. Have you considered a wireless remote control system? Not expensive to purchase. Have the rear facing backup lights wired to the truck and the wireless system. Either could engage the lights. Wireless switch #2 to the forward facing clearance lights. If you have extra wireless control circuits use #3 to control clearance lights under the stairs. Have #3 lights pointed downward to avoid glare. As you approach the trailer at night you could click on #3. Circuit #4 could point to some dark blind spot?
Don't use expensive lights. Do buy an extra for replacement. This allows the future replacement to match the current lights. I use Kawell lights from Amazon. They are cheap and easily replaced. No idea if they are the best. They have worked for me. I also included a video of my Dodge. The lights are a combo of the included link and another style from the same manufacturer. I have many of these lights on my offroad Jeep.
Kawell from Amazon
My towrig clearance lights.
Some relays have two separate triggers. One of them would be required to activate the lights. The Diodes allow one way voltage. Expect the diode to drop the voltage by .5volts. Wire the diodes on the trigger or control side of the relay. This allows maximum voltage to the lights. Be sure to fuse the power. I would add a fuse before the relay. If your two lights draw 1amp each, use a 5amp fuse for two light protection.
I would add two separate circuits. One wired to the truck for rear facing backup lights. Another separate circuit for forward facing clearance lights. Have you considered a wireless remote control system? Not expensive to purchase. Have the rear facing backup lights wired to the truck and the wireless system. Either could engage the lights. Wireless switch #2 to the forward facing clearance lights. If you have extra wireless control circuits use #3 to control clearance lights under the stairs. Have #3 lights pointed downward to avoid glare. As you approach the trailer at night you could click on #3. Circuit #4 could point to some dark blind spot?
Don't use expensive lights. Do buy an extra for replacement. This allows the future replacement to match the current lights. I use Kawell lights from Amazon. They are cheap and easily replaced. No idea if they are the best. They have worked for me. I also included a video of my Dodge. The lights are a combo of the included link and another style from the same manufacturer. I have many of these lights on my offroad Jeep.
Kawell from Amazon
My towrig clearance lights.
