Cargo Light Switch Activate Backup Lights?

TwoBallScrewBall · January 30, 2019

I was wondering if there was an easy way to run a diode, similar to the fog light mod, to activate the backup lamps when I turn on the cargo light? Searched around but didn't find anything.

I'm adding under rail LEDs to the bed, we do a lot of camping and it would be great if the reverse lights came on when I activated the cargo light. We hook up / unhook in the dark a lot of times, and the more light the better as far as I'm concerned, the reverse lamps being on would provide a ton of light in a campsite, or any other time for that matter.

Anyone familiar with the harness wiring of the reverse lamps and cargo circuit know if this would be something I could do without major mods?

Thanks!!!

SS502 · January 30, 2019

This isn’t exactly what you’re asking but it’s close and someone will probably chime in

xMEATxHAMMERx · January 30, 2019

There are several threads for the "cargo on with reverse" diode mod. Just put the diode in as shown under the dash, and you are golden! The lights, including bed lights will even come on when you hit the unlock button on your key fob.

And as always... Enjoy your ride!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

TwoBallScrewBall · January 30, 2019

I didn't see those, was searching for the other way, reverse on with cargo. That being said, this should still work, just reverse the diode. One way, cargo on with reverse, the other way, reverse on with cargo.

Or..... just use a jumper, and get both, reverse on with cargo and cargo on with reverse.

Thanks!!!!!! you guys rock.

KJS Sullivan · January 30, 2019

Just get a flashlight LOL just kidding

spenpet · January 30, 2019

i have a camper shell and in a similar fashion, I wanted lights to load and unload my camper when my truck was off (most camper installers will tap into your rear lights so your key has to be turned on...i asked to run a hot wire to my LED's...might be another way to look at what you are doing especially if you are already running bed LED's.... (FYI, I ran a strip LED light all the way around my camper shell...works fantastic...here are some pics...i can give you more if you were interested...but the gist is, post relay switch, i ran all my wires in one of those black plastic sleeves, everything looks stock under the hood unless you really are looking for it...

TwoBallScrewBall · January 31, 2019

Thanks all. Got everything wired up yesterday.

Ran a diode from the parking lamp circuit (X5-22) to the fogs (X5-10) so they are always on whenever the lights are on.

Ran a straight jumper wire from the cargo lights to the backup lights, just like above but a wire instead of a diode, so that they are always on together, whether it be reverse, or with the cargo lamp button activated. Works like a charm. The cargo lights coming on at night with remote unlock is a real nice unexpected touch

Thanks again!!

SS502 · January 31, 2019

5 minutes ago, TwoBallScrewBall said:

Thanks all. Got everything wired up yesterday.

Ran a diode from the parking lamp circuit (X5-22) to the fogs (X5-10) so they are always on whenever the lights are on.

Ran a straight jumper wire from the cargo lights to the backup lights, just like above but a wire instead of a diode, so that they are always on together, whether it be reverse, or with the cargo lamp button activated. Works like a charm. The cargo lights coming on at night with remote unlock is a real nice unexpected touch

Thanks again!!

With the way you have it set-up, do you have to ever touch the cargo light button in the cab? I guess what I am asking is that before the mod, you had to either able or disable the cargo rom inside, does it matter now what that switch does? I ask because if I have the cargo enabled they come on when I shut the truck off and get out, they are on and will stay on for 10 minutes I believe.

TwoBallScrewBall · January 31, 2019

With the cargo light switch off, the cargo light just comes on and off with the reverse lights, which helps with more light when backing up in the dark, and more light when you hit unlock in the dark. The cargo light does whatever the reverse lights are doing. When the reverse lights shut off, so does the cargo light. They do not remain on for an extended period of time.

With the cargo light switch on, it also lights up the reverse lights, which is what I wanted in the first place, to help me when arriving/departing a dark camp site, or any other time you might need more light in the back of the truck at night. So if you leave the truck with the cargo lights on, the reverse and cargo lights will stay on for those 10 minutes.

I didn't even consider the first option above until I found the posts linked previously in this thread. But I like it, which is why I just used a jumper wire instead of a diode for that connection, so it works both ways.

SS502 · January 31, 2019

1 hour ago, TwoBallScrewBall said:

With the cargo light switch off, the cargo light just comes on and off with the reverse lights, which helps with more light when backing up in the dark, and more light when you hit unlock in the dark. The cargo light does whatever the reverse lights are doing. When the reverse lights shut off, so does the cargo light. They do not remain on for an extended period of time.

With the cargo light switch on, it also lights up the reverse lights, which is what I wanted in the first place, to help me when arriving/departing a dark camp site, or any other time you might need more light in the back of the truck at night. So if you leave the truck with the cargo lights on, the reverse and cargo lights will stay on for those 10 minutes.

I didn't even consider the first option above until I found the posts linked previously in this thread. But I like it, which is why I just used a jumper wire instead of a diode for that connection, so it works both ways.

Thank you Sir...I have the diode mod but think I will just swap to the jumper. I really appreciate the detailed answer

Mark W. · November 30, 2020

On 1/31/2019 at 7:51 AM, TwoBallScrewBall said:

Thanks all. Got everything wired up yesterday.

Ran a straight jumper wire from the cargo lights to the backup lights, just like above but a wire instead of a diode, so that they are always on together, whether it be reverse, or with the cargo lamp button activated. Works like a charm. The cargo lights coming on at night with remote unlock is a real nice unexpected touch

Thanks again!!

Any chance you have a pic of this jumper wire connections? What year model truck?

Mark

Ravenkeeper · December 3, 2020

On 11/30/2020 at 10:03 AM, Mark W. said:

Any chance you have a pic of this jumper wire connections? What year model truck?

Mark

@xMEATxHAMMERx posted a picture of his diode jumper for Cargos on with Reverse, I have the same mod. If you only want your reverse lights on with the cargo switch, reverse the diode. If you want both operations going on, use a thin gauge wire between the two pins.

Mark W. · December 3, 2020

Thin gage like 16 or 18? Cool. That's it, huh? I will try it this weekend. I would like the reverse and cargo lights to all come on whether in reverse or by the switch.

Mark

SJLT · January 10, 2021

So what gauge wire is considered safe for this jumper wire?

Ravenkeeper · January 11, 2021

On 1/10/2021 at 2:52 PM, SJLT said:

So what gauge wire is considered safe for this jumper wire?

You should be fine with the same gauge wire as the diode leads, or even one the same gauge as the wires at the BCM. I would make sure that they are solid wires like the diode lead, so you can push them into the pin slots.