Backup/Aux Light Solution?

[Moonlight]

I'm wanting to install a couple rear 50watt or so backup/aux lights ... with the "aux" part meaning I want to be able to control the lights from within the cab ... and want them on when in reverse.  I've searched/read most of the related threads within this Forum and it doesn't appear anyone has a complete solution for this particular application?

 

I found a set of K/C backup lights I like ... but they come strictly for tapping into the backup light wire ... don't really want to hook up a trailer with the truck in reverse and the E brake applied

 

Has anyone this themelves and have tips/suggestions to offer?  I have no problem installing the lights, soldering, etc. however I don't want to dismantel my truck in search of wiring, etc. and end up with a bunch of rattles in the end.

[HendyPhoto]

I just ran a few wires to a new KC switch in the cab, you have to manually turn on the KC lights, but it was very simple.  You can find a way to route the wires without drilling holes, just some zip ties and you're GOLDEN!!  I am definitely not an electrition, I dont even know how to spell electrition!  I like the switch, because when somebody decides to draft me (ride my ass) I can flip on those reverse KC lights and watch them cover their eyes and back WAY off!! Works especially well for that.

[sonjaab]

MOON...Does your truck have the snow plow prep

pkg?  Is there a aux. light switch next to the pass.

airbag cut off switch?   If not you can buy a

aux light switch from dealer and install like factory.

Check out Mountianeer Toms web site...He

has pixs and EASY instructions to install one.

............geo

[99silveradoz71]

Is there a aux. light switch next to the pass.

airbag cut off switch?   If not you can buy a

aux light switch from dealer and install like factory.

Check out Mountianeer Toms web site...He

has pixs and EASY instructions to install one.

............geo

You can use a 4 pod housing around the airbag shutoff and add a few switches depending on your needs.  I have 1 for my Hella's out front and another for the KC's under the rear bumper.  Looks factory and function is great.  Jason Pendlum has some install diagrams/tips if you want to drop him a line.

[bandera]

Just last week I posted in the 1500/2500 catagory the almost same question.   I was planning on the aux lights to be hooked up to a relay and would be activated by a switch so that I could turn them on when I wanted AND also wanted to find the back-up lights wire under the dash and run it to the relay ALSO, so that they would come on with the factory BU lights when put in reverse.  All I need is to find the back-up wire.  I did this same set up on my old Dodge truck and it worked great.   My son used to have a 90 GMC and you could see the back-up switch on top of the steering column near the firewall, but I can't see anything like that on my 2000 Siverado.  Does anyone know where we can find this wire?  There has to be a switch up there somewhere that is activated when the shifter is put in reverse.  Any info on this subject will help us out !!! ???

[sonjaab]

YA KNOW...I think if you have the factory

tow pkg.  One of the wires in the factory

bumper harness plug is for the back-up lights.

You can put it in reverse and use a test light

to check the factory harness plug for power

in reverse or Have a look in the owners

manual to be sure..........geo

[bandera]

Yeah, I already thought of that.  Only problem this truck didn't come with factory towing package.   The previous owner added the hitch, wiring harness, and transmission cooler.  Thanks anyway

[3/4TonYukonXL]

The reverse wire can be found behind the taillights, as well as under the dash (if you like tracing wires)  It is a light neon colored green wire.  I have mine set up that way, they come on in reverse, and I can turn them on by a switch.  It works/looks great, really helps since I have 20% tint on my front windows.

[sonjaab]

Bandera..........I think the trailer wires are there

bundled anyway even without the trailer pkg.

GM only likes to make 1 part to fit them all.

Maybe its hanging there or already hooked to

your add on plug.............

[Beaux Duke]

Have you seen this? Backup lights at Stylin Concepts

[Dkalvin]

Have you seen this? Backup lights at Stylin Concepts

I just spent an hour going through my catalogs looking for that. ???  I could not remember who had them. Thanks for the reminder.  

[bandera]

Got my K/C back-up lights put on today.   Ended up doing it like it was recommended in the KC instructions--put the relay inside the left rear tail light housing so that when I put it reverse they come on with the factory back-up lights.   Then I also added another hot wire directly to the lights (by-passing the relay wiring) so that I can manually turn them on.  When I turn them on manually only the KC's come on.

[sonjaab]

GUYS.....for back  up light wiring etc.  Check out this

link.  Shows amperage,  wire colors, which fuse etc.

www.gmupfitter.com

bulletin #27

[SWLA]

I wanted to do the same type of thing Bandera described.  I was thinking about using the cargo light switch to control the lights, that way I can turn on the cargo light and backup lights from the cab using a factory switch.  I was planning on running a wire directly from the battery to the lights, using a relay.  I would run a wire from the cargo light switch to the relay and splice it to the reverse light wire.  If this works I should be able to control the lights manually and have them come on in reverse.  Any reasons this wouldn't work?

[MountaineerTom]

I was thinking about using the cargo light switch to control the lights, that way I can turn on the cargo light and backup lights from the cab using a factory switch.  

Now that's a good idea.  Post the details if you do it, I wouldn't mind having something like that myself, especially if it's wired with the reverse lights too.  :thumb: