Hey guys, I'm adding some cheapy fog lights to the back for helping with plowing. The deal is it came with a switch of its own. But I've got the Trippin mount with the switches and I was wondering how I can wire the lights with a relay and then control them with the switch in the console. Or will the switch have no problem controlling the 15 amp lights.

Thanks

I also have some cheap fog lights out back and also have the trippin gauge mount and just used one of the switches on it. If you want to go the relay way then just connect a line thru a fuse to the relay and then to the lights. For the switch side run a line from the battery thru the switch into the relay and ground the other terminal on the relay. If you need a diagram and can make one tomorrow.

that would be awesome, Thanks. Do you use a relay that is already on the truck or did you install a seperate stand alone one? But if you say the switch holds pretty well with that power I could just do it the simple way. I was just concerned that it would be too much much for that little switch.

I put a set of fogs out back as well. I wanted them for backing up and hooking up the trailer at night. I used a relay that got the power for the lights from the red wire going into the plug since I mounted the relay behind the taillight. Then I used a ON-OFF-ON switch. One ON postions gets power from the reverse lights and the other ON postion gets its power from a constant hot. I didn't feel like looking for the reverse lights up front so I just used a wire from the reverse lights. Its nice being able to leave the switch on the reverse lights so they atuomaticlly come on then just switch it over to the other side when I need light while I'm back there. I hope this isn't too confusing. Don't forget to put a fuse in between the relay and the main power.

I put a set of fogs out back as well. I wanted them for backing up and hooking up the trailer at night. I used a relay that got the power for the lights from the red wire going into the plug since I mounted the relay behind the taillight. Then I used a ON-OFF-ON switch. One ON postions gets power from the reverse lights and the other ON postion gets its power from a constant hot. I didn't feel like looking for the reverse lights up front so I just used a wire from the reverse lights. Its nice being able to leave the switch on the reverse lights so they atuomaticlly come on then just switch it over to the other side when I need light while I'm back there. I hope this isn't too confusing. Don't forget to put a fuse in between the relay and the main power.
That sounds like a killer setup. I am a auto electric novice, so is there any possibility you sould draw up a rough diagram and maybe what electrical components are needed. I know I am asking alot, but your setup is exactly what I need. THX

I'll try to get something together tonight or tomorrow.

sweet

Here are some pics. I hope this helps. Don't mind the wires around the relay, there are some extra for other things.

JRZ2500HD-Nice job, been thinking about something similar for a while...

I just monted 4 lights and tapped power for 2 from the left tail and the other two from the right tail. It kinda dimmed the tails and the lights didn't shine as bright but they were quick to install and real easy.


-- Rick

The easiest place to get power is from the trailer backup light wire. It is already switched and has its own 15 amp fuse.

Yea, what boondokr said. I wired mine into the trailer harness, I think it was a purple wire. Put her in reverse with a wood block behind the tire and adjusted the light till I could see real good. No switches or dim lights. Works good.

I would love to have additional light while backing, so how do you tap into the trailer harness? I am not the best with electrical so any help would be great.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

Jim

I wanted a switch so that I could get light when I'm working back there. If it wasn't for that then just hooking in would be fine.

Here are some pics. I hope this helps. Don't mind the wires around the relay, there are some extra for other things.

So what color of wire and where did you find the black up light wire in the cab to hook up the switch?

Do you need the put a fuse on the wire coming from the switch, because doesn't the trailer plug have a fuse?

I believe the black wire next to the relay is the ground.
You really don't need a fuse to the plug because you aren't really dealing with that much power. That's the reason for the relay. But I like the safety of an additional fuse.

Thanks

I installed a small set of 50w driving lights on mine. Mounted the lights to the bottom of the bumper. Mounted the relay behind the tail light like JRZ did and installed a small manual switch just to the inside of the tail light where the tailgate closes over it. Tapped into the backup light wire in the 7 way and wired them so that they come on when I shift into reverse or with the manual switch.

The light green wire in the 7 way is the backup light wire.

sorry for the dumb question but I am more a mechanical guy than electrical.

What is the purpose of the relay?

Steve

First off it keeps from running all the power through your switch. Second, you only have to run power that short distance. The shorter the distance the less drop in voltage you have. Correct me if I used the wrong term.

Looking at the schematic that makes sense. Anything special about the relay? I assume a radio shack would have what is required?

A lot of good light kits have the relay with them other than that auto parts stores I don't think you would find these in RS.

Yea, what boondokr said. I wired mine into the trailer harness, I think it was a purple wire. Put her in reverse with a wood block behind the tire and adjusted the light till I could see real good. No switches or dim lights. Works good.

I stand corrected, here is the link for the color coding:
www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp