Snow plow prep package, backup lamp power feed

[Sezwhoz]

I have a 2018 Silverado 3500 crew cab, diesel.  This has the snow plow prep package (which includes power feeds for backup and roof emergency lights) as well as the camper/5th wheel trailer wiring provision.  I purchased 2 small LED flood lights (12v, 15.1 watts each)  to add as supplemental reverse lights.  I want to use the power feed from the snow plow prep package, but cannot locate it.  Does anyone have pictures or know where i can go to find an image of the exact location and colors?

 

In addition, I would like to add a secondary switch and power source so that i can manually turn them on when needed - like when setting up or breaking down a camper at night.  So I want them to come on automatically when putting the truck in reverse and be able to manually turn them on at the back of the truck.

 

 

[ESMD]

The power feed for the roof emergency light is in the overhead console. When you pull the console down, there is a large gauge green wire you tap into. You also have to plug the harness into the switch, it's not plugged in from the factory. I connected up my radar detector and dash camera to this feed (it's mounted to the rear view mirror). I can upload a couple of pictures of that helps you.

I'm not aware of any "backup wiring" feed as part of the package, unless it was added to your model year (mine is a 2017). But you can change out the headlight switch with the one that has an auxiliary light feed control. It works while the engine is running. There's a thread on the 1500 section on that.

Edited July 10, 2019 by ESMD

[ESMD]

After you open up the overhead console this is what you see.  I've circled the heavy gauge green wire that's used for the +12V switched feed.  It's just a blunt cut wire, I added the connector.  You need to find the black plug bundled up there and plug it into the beacon switch.  After you do that, the grey circled relay in the picture should click when you use the switch.

 

If you need help getting into the console, let me know.  It's a combination of clips and screws to get it apart and down.

[ESMD]

Here's the headlight switch mod you can do that will give you another "switch".  This will only work with the engine running, and will also activate the exterior lights.  It does give you a telltale indicator on the dash on the fuel gauge.  There is a write up on the 1500 section that explains everything:

 

 

 

[Sezwhoz]

Thanks for the information.  According to the original window sticker, the plow prep package includes the backup lamp feed on the 2018.  I was planning to use the switch in the overhead eventually for a light bar,  but who knows if I will ever get to it.  I like the idea of the headlight switch mod - I may look into that a little more.

 

Still holding out hope that someone knows about the backup lamp power feeds.

 

Thanks for your help!!

[ESMD]

I just looked on my sticker and have the "backup lamp feed" as well but have no clue where that would be. I know there is a connection block at the rear of the truck under the tailgate where the rear lights, camera, etc plug into. It's possible it is located there.

It's possible it exists but not there. What I mean by that is I was looking for the "forward lamp wiring harness" that's listed with the package, but my understanding is the harness is a separate part that needs to be ordered. The truck is just ready to accept the harness. I guess they spin the wording on the package to make it seem like you are getting something when in fact you really are not.

But good luck on your search! If you find something out, post it up on here.

[Sezwhoz]

Thanks.  I will definitely post a notice if I confirm where it is. 

[redwngr]

Description in 2018 3500 order guide also confirms backup provisions:

 

VYU         Snow Plow Prep Package, includes power feed for backup and roof emergency light, (KW5) 220-amp alternator with gas or diesel engine, forward lamp wiring harness, (TRW) provision for cab roof mounted lamp/beacon, (NZZ) underbody shields and Heavy-Duty front-springs

 

 

Maybe the upfitter manuals will give further info about the backup provisions details.

[Sezwhoz]

I did get some help from my dealer.  They gave me the wiring diagram for the back of the truck (really the trailer harness wiring diagram).  Between the license plate and spare tire there were 2 bundles of blunt wires that correspond to all the trailering connections.  I was able to hook up to the reverse feed and ground there and lights come on in reverse.  I mounted the lights to the 2 bolts that hold the bottom of the bumper to the frame rails, which was really convenient.  

2018 Silverado trailer wiring guide20200605.pdf