Auxiliary Backup Lights

[kd7mev]

I'm in the process of adding auxiliary backup lights on a 2000 Silverado 1500 Z71. The schematic below is how I plan to wire the lights so they can be activated by the reverse switch (or overridden) and/or the factory cargo lamp switch.

 

The plan is to have the cargo lamp [ground] switch activate a relay which activates another relay powering the aux. lights. An in-line diode prevents the activation of the OEM backup lights from the cargo switch. Alternatively, the aux. lights will be powered when the reverse switch is activated, but only when the override switch is closed.

 

Does anyone see any potential problems with the setup? Do I need another diode in-line with the wire tap on the cargo lamp wire to protect the cargo lamp switch and MBEC when the relay coil deactivates? My thoughts are no but I'm not real sure.

 

Comments are very appreciated!

 

[c.schulz]

This is what I used.

'Chris

[Mighty HD]

Wow. Much complicaton.

 

I simply spliced into the rear backup lights. When the truck is in reverse they come on. It's been that way for 3 years and many, many years on other trucks the same way with no problems.

 

I'm using 55w fog lights.

[Tucson_02Silverado]

if you have the trailering option with the 7way harness...have you thought about tapping pin 7 with a relay and power the aux lights with pin 4. That way you have enough amperage to run very bright lights

[J45p3r]

That's exactly how I have mine wired (minus an override switch). Works great. I don't think you'll need a diode on the cargo crkt, I don't and I've not had any problems.

 

Here is my crude schematic. You'll notice that I also added aux cargo lamps (rope lights) under my tonneau cover, but it doesn't really change the schematic at all.

 

Also, mine differs in that I power the relay using the dome light wiring just like the cargo lamp is. Other wise they don't shut off automatically if you forget them (you may not want this anyway).