Back up lights tied into reverse light circuit

[adrenaline503]

Well, the title says it all. I modified a junkyard stock bumper to hold 2 cheaper driving lights. Now I need to tie them into the reverse lights. I do plan on eventually adding the fuse box and relays etc, but is there any danger in just tapping it in for now. I think I know the answer but want an objective opinion.

 

[Robthebrit]

I would use a rely, the reverse lighting is not really setup for anything more than its doing. Lots of vehicles don't even use a rely on the reverse light so you have no idea what you could be putting extra load on.

Rob

 

[overlander]

I wouldn't do it without a relay. Melting wire+gas tank = bad day

 

[adrenaline503]

Yea, thats what I was fearing. So I could tie the relay into the reverse lights to activate it correct?

 

[ExpoMike]

Yea, thats what I was fearing. So I could tie the relay into the reverse lights to activate it correct?

Yep, you can use the reverse light circuit to activate the relay but you need to run a fused power line from the battery. The relay only draws a couple hundred millamps so it won't cause any problems with the stock circuit.

 

[jwhutch]

I went to 4 wheel parts and got one of the light wiring kits, $10-15, and just used the wire from the exiting backup lights in place of where the wire from thw switch would go to the relay. Works great.