Hi,
Here are pics of a backup light installation I did on my Silverado 3500. The highlights are:
1). Come on either in Reverse or via switch in cab.
2). Cheap tractor flood lights from Princess Auto.
3). Cole-Hersee switch mounted in bank under dash with blanks to mount 3 more switches.
4). Power from SEO connector in MBEC block.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/1ZC_Rev_1.jpg

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/3B8_Rev_2.jpg

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/F7B_Rev_3.jpg

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/65Z_Rev_4.jpg

Would be happy to answer questions. Good luck.Edited by: Diesel Dad

Did you use a relay? And if so where did you get 12V under the hood?

Almost forgot, where did you get through the firewall? My lights are mounted, just not wired for these two reasons.

Get power under the hood at either of the 2 studs. One is for brake control and the other is for power in the 7 wire camper plug. Use which ever one of these is not being used. If both are being used, use the one that provides power to plug. That way if something shorts you will still have trailer brakes.


As for running through the firewall, either drill a new hole or come through an existing boot.

Here is a link to a post where the wiring is explained: Wiring Instructions (http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6558&KW=Diesel+Dad)

The answers are:
1). I did use a relay as per the simplified diagram in the link above.

2). I got power under the dash from the SEO connector on the MBEC. Here is a link that explains where to get a connector: SEO Connector Thread (http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6817&KW=Diesel+Dad)

3). I did not get power under the hood. It all came from the connector above.

4). I ran the hot wire for the lights out through the grommet for the parking brake cable. Running the wire underneath the truck was no fund.

Keep the faith. The lights are worth the trouble.

Did you end up ordering a connector through your dealer or did you receive a sample?


My lights are done, the only thing I need at this point is that final 2-3 feet of wiring. I striped them off my F350 really nicely so that I had little wiring to do.

I ended up getting the sample altho you can also get it pre-wired from the stealer.

If you are looking for a switch in the cab, well worth the effort. If you only want them to come on in reverse, I'd tap the trailer harness.

Actually mine in the F350 was a little different. I had a 3 position switch. On with switch, off no matter what, and on in reverse. Worked out great. I also wired an LED that only lit up when the lights came on. I just need to find a place to mount the switch and finish up that wiring.