Auxiliary Reverse Lights?

[AEmedic]

I installed some Rigid flush mounted diffuse reverse lights in my Road Armor rear bumper.  However, the way I chose to wire them does not actually work...  

I wired the positive wires to the reverse wire on the trailer plug and I wired the grounds to one of the ground points along ope of the bed cross-members. I think it is possible that the computer is looking for a trailer to be connected to the truck before those functions work.

Has anyone been successful installing auxiliary reverse lights and how did you do it.

[JAEDEE]

Just pull the tail lights and connect to the reverse light wire.  Routing is super easy.  Should get you what you need.

[Enough]

I went another route since I didn't want to take a chance cutting and splicing wires.  I bought Curt Industries T-connector 56584 and flat wire extension 58531. The T-connector t's into the big bumper wiring harness behind the bumper and the extension plugs into the T-connector. I then connected my aftermarket reverse lights to the extension. This way nothing in the truck's original wiring is altered.

 

This setup also gives me the option to connect other running lights or turn signals using the remaining wires on the extension with no worry about the trucks original wiring.

 

https://www.curtmfg.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+56584+Trailer+Wiring+Harness

 

https://www.curtmfg.com/part/58531

 

I bought some cheap Nilight lights from Walmart in case this idea didn't work so I've got less than $75.00 in this setup. The lights are plenty bright but don't wash out the camera at night.

Edited April 11, 2021 by Enough

[Sierra Jon]

Had anyone done the jumper wire between cargo light switch and reverse lights similar to the K2 mod? Turns the reverse lights on with cargos when the switch is turned on.

Thx!

[bpkeeper]

Did wiring the lights direct to your factory reverse light harness work? My plow shop tried hooking mine to the trailer reverse circuit and they would come on for a few seconds then shut off.

[GETGONE]

You need to wire in a relay and use the reverse wire as the trigger to the relay. I pulled power from the trailer wire as that is the only wire active when a trailer isn't hooked up.

[homermacleod]

On 1/20/2023 at 5:29 AM, bpkeeper said:

Did wiring the lights direct to your factory reverse light harness work? My plow shop tried hooking mine to the trailer reverse circuit and they would come on for a few seconds then shut off.

You could get this harness and tap into the reverse wire on it.

https://www.putco.com/product/blade-quick-connect-harness/v/Chevy/Silverado 1500/2023/

I saw it on ebay around $40.

[paxamus]

I put the Lasfit LED reverse lights in to replace the stock halogens and they are SO BRIGHT!

[JAEDEE]

I used a t-tap (no need for splicing) at each tail light for power and ground.  Work like a champ. 

[GETGONE]

If there's too much current draw it will cause the lights to flash 3 times then go off. That's why you need a relay and power from the 12V+ from the trailer harness or direct from the battery.

[superdashdad]

On 1/24/2023 at 7:54 PM, paxamus said:

I put the Lasfit LED reverse lights in to replace the stock halogens and they are SO BRIGHT!

Same.  I went from having to drag my brake lights to see anything while reversing at night to 'wow, that's bright!'.

[DHBWA]

On 1/24/2023 at 4:54 PM, paxamus said:

I put the Lasfit LED reverse lights in to replace the stock halogens and they are SO BRIGHT!

Same.