Connecting to existing wiring.

GordonThree wrote:
I came across someone that put a light bar on their reverse circuit. He blasted everyone behind him while navigating a dark parking lot. I'm glad he could see because he destroyed my night vision for a good 30 seconds.

I don’t plan to be “navigating a dark parking lot” while in reverse.

mchero wrote:
Consider a relay if that lightbar draws a significant load.

I am going to be doing some testing before permanently installing it to see if that is a problem.

enblethen wrote:
Have you checked the trailer connector for a reverse light wire?
I agree that others will not like your light bar install.
Have you tried brighter LED style lamps to improve lighting?

I have a Ford, and they DO have a reverse wire in the trailer connector. My tail lights are a sealed unit. I can’t replace the reverse bulbs. If one of the bulbs dies, I have to replace the entire tail light unit.

wnjj wrote:
When backing up, turn your headlights off (to marker lights onlyj. You’ll be surprised how much better you can see looking back without your headlights shinging back at you off of things in front of you. You may find no need for reengineering the factory back-up lights.

If I wanted to splice into a wire, I would scrape back the insulation with a knife, wrap the new wire around, solder and tape over it all. No cuts to the factory wire that way.

Tried with the headlights off. Ford’s reverse lights just suck. I like your concept of just stripping the insulation off the wire, but I would like to put heat shrink tubing over it. I may go with the cut/twist/solder/heat shrink route.

time2roll wrote:

Bobbo wrote:
What is/are good means of connecting to the tail light wires?

These involve cutting the wire however will provide a permanent sealed splice connection.

Waytek Wire - Multiple Sealed Wire Connector

If I go with the cut method, I will use those and put shrink wrap tubing over it. Belt and suspenders.

Chris Bryant wrote:
I'd be surprised if nobody makes a harness plug that will be a plug and play wiring breakout.

Actually, they do for the 4 wires of a 4 pin, but that leaves off the reverse circuit. I will have to splice in the reverse wire no matter what. After all of my testing, I am going to buy that harness and splice into it. That way, if really bad things happen, I can remove that harness and have the stock truck again.



Thanks everyone. A lot to consider. If you have any further ideas, I am still open.