netaq
Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 02/14/2012
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Hi, has anyone ever installed a couple floodlights on bumper for use while in reverse? It looks like the center pin of rv7 plug is reverse light. This would definitely make backing into a dark campsite or the covered storage lot easier.
2012 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2 FX4
2012 Keystone Cougar HC321RES
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netaq
Atlanta, GA
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I'm thinking his sort of light would work....$8 at harbor freight
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westend
all over
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Joined: 11/17/2011
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Yep, easily done and nice find on the lamp. That's 55 watts of halogen so should give out a lot of light, perfect for a backup/utility light.
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton
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johntank
Oxford, Ms 38655 USA
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Joined: 06/17/2003
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I did this years ago with not much luck, the problem was I was trying to run the extra lights (2) off the same circuit as the backup lights (I had very dim light then I would blow the fuse in the truck), it can be done like you say the only thing is to power the lights from the trailer battery(s) with the use of a relay powered by the backup pin in your 7 way connector as this would not put but just a small extra load on the trucks backup lights system.
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batman99
at seasonal site
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Joined: 07/25/2009
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For KISS upgrade, I would simply install the above 12V utility lights under the TTs rear bumper - slightly pointing outwards. Being steel case, I'm sure these utility lights are self grounding. Then, connect its "+" wire lead to a 12 guage wire and run to the front TT's tonque area. Connect to a manual 12V off/on switch at the tonque area. Then, run 12 guage wire to inline fuse (for 2 x 55W lights, use 110/12 = use 10) 10A fuse, then connect to onboard battery's "+" post. When your TT needs extra rear "R" lighting, simply manually flip the TT's tonque 12V switch to ON, then perform a complete circle check before backup up. When traveling and you NEVER want this extra rear light to accidently come on, simply remove its inline 10A fuse. This is how I installed extra rear lighting on my TT. And, it works great. Simple install and simple usage. Especially if one performs circle check behind their TT before backing up anyway...
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dupreet
High Point, NC
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Joined: 08/03/2007
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X2 on wiring them to the trailers power and have a switch in a rear compartment. I would look at putting them on the top of the back bumper so they arent so low and prone to driveway bumps!
I am leaning towards one or two that are lower wattage, maybe 15-25, or LED. If I'm backing in to a campsite after dark, I don't see the need to come in blazing like a UFO!
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
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Turtle n Peeps
California
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One of my pet peeves. The 69 Fireball my parents had, had them from the factory. NICE setup when you came into camp at night.
~ Too many freaks & not enough circuses ~
"Life is not tried ~ it is merely survived ~ if you're standing
outside the fire"
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CavemanCharlie
Storden,MN
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My last camper had backup lights built into the camper taillights. I don't know if those would be quite as bright as what you looking for but, they might be a bolt on replacement for your existing taillights and add some light back there.
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batman99
at seasonal site
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Turtle n Peeps wrote:One of my pet peeves. The 69 Fireball my parents had, had them from the factory. NICE setup when you came into camp at night.
Agree. Having automatic active reverse lights on trailers / Tow Vehicle combos is a PITA when backing into sites in the middle of the night - when extra "R" lights isn't needed. Thus, it's always best to install trailer lights with a manual OFF/ON switch. When one needs to use extra lighting, they can. And when extra lighting behind trailer isn't needed (or shouldn't be used), the extra lighting can remain off. Thus, why I don't like automatic extra "R" lights on TT/TV combos either...
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Huntindog
phoenix arizona USA
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Joined: 04/08/2002
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I can think of a very good reason why wiring them so they automatically turn on with the reverse lights is s good idea (besides convience) It could warn some one behind you that you are about to backup...Maybe he pulled in behind you at a gas pump etc. without you noticing, and you need to backup just a little to get out etc.
He could honk his horn alerting you, or move etc. avoiding a unfortunante incident.
Huntindog
2010 Palomino Sabre 30BHDS
TWO bathrooms...No waiting!
MICHELIN XPS RIBS LRE
2011 Silverado Big Dually 3500 4x4 CC D/A
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Check out Rusty and her pups at www.bluecollarbrittanys.com
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