rewire reverse lights with factory switch

[mud-dog27]

Ok so i recently picked up an '86 toyota truck 4x4 and as it would seem with almost any used modified vehicle the previous owner was a complete moron when it came to wiring, because its a flat deck he had ghetto fabbed some tinted dodge ram tail lights on there so ive managed to get blinkers, running lights and brakes all up and running with some tasteful universal truck lights but unfortunately the reverse light wiring is unsavable.

Now my question, I realise i could just bypass factory and run them to a switch and call it a day but as much as i love switches i would rather run it through the factory reverse switch that is in the trans. I was thinking just run a basic switched relay curcuit as one would do with fog lights. Has anyone done so? Any pointers would be great before i dive in.

[DEER TICK]

Just tun them off the existing reverse light wiring.I have 2 tractor lites for reverse lights.Works great.Just don't run to many watts and you'll be fine.

[Dustin Smith]

Originally Posted by DEER TICK

Just tun them off the existing reverse light wiring.I have 2 tractor lites for reverse lights.Works great.Just don't run to many watts and you'll be fine.

This will work, but it is ghetto as fuck, and has the potential to go south real quick.

Use a relay. Trigger the relay off of the existing reverse light switch, and wire a decent toggle or rocker inline. This is the best solution, and gives you flexibility. I like to run auxiliary reverse lighting on a SPDT switch. Center, the lights do not work. One direction, they are triggered by the factory switch, and the other, they are activated whenever you want.

[billy bones]

Originally Posted by Dustin Smith

I like to run auxiliary reverse lighting on a SPDT switch. Center, the lights do not work. One direction, they are triggered by the factory switch, and the other, they are activated whenever you want.

Mine are wired the same way. Switch on the trans - SPDT - relay - lights. Works well.

[mud-dog27]

Originally Posted by Dustin Smith

This will work, but it is ghetto as fuck, and has the potential to go south real quick.

Use a relay. Trigger the relay off of the existing reverse light switch, and wire a decent toggle or rocker inline. This is the best solution, and gives you flexibility. I like to run auxiliary reverse lighting on a SPDT switch. Center, the lights do not work. One direction, they are triggered by the factory switch, and the other, they are activated whenever you want.

Ghetto as Fuck sums up this guys setup, and the reverse portion of the wiring is right FUBAR'd so there is no just running it through that wiring, i like that idea i thing i will try out the setup you recommend

[DEER TICK]

My shit has been set up like this for 4 years,and still works! Take a look at my rig, and tell me it's ghetto as fuck!:what:

[DEER TICK]

Relays fail!! Keep it simple ..

[Dustin Smith]

Originally Posted by DEER TICK

Relays fail!! Keep it simple ..

Seriously? Relays are one of the most simple electrical devices in existence. Simple is running as few amps into the cab as possible. Simple is making sure that the load is carried in the most efficient manner possible. Even if your Vatozone toggle switch is rated for the 10+ amps that the lights pull, a 10amp circuit makes a HELL of a mess when it shorts...do you want that in your cab?

The fact that your ghetto setup has worked for so long proves nothing, other than you are lucky. I see a lot of ghetto rigged shit in emergency vehicle wiring that works, but is still wrong.

[mud-dog27]

Speaking from experience ive seen a few trucks catch fire when a ghetto ass wiring setup went south, ill spend the couple extra dollars and do it the right way and run relays. Which is why i already pulled the POs wiring for the flood lights and driving lights he had on this rig cause he probably had the same train of thought as you, sure it will work but eventually its gunna fail.