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LED accessory back up lights?

Mason1217

Mason1217

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So, like others I find the backup camera at night to be useless. Its amazing clarity in daylight but totally sucks at night. I've been looking at adding some light to help improve night time camera quality, but I'm confused as to how they are powered? Do they plug into the standard plugs on the back of the truck where a trailer would? Or do they need to be wired separately to the taillights somehow? Now of the ones I've found explain that very well. Like these as an example. https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwiEn5Hc1ITeAhWSUt8KHebUACAQgjYI4QQ
 
Depends some plug into the plug(4 pin) on back but the only way you will get reverse light is if you wire it into your reverse light or if it has the 7 pin plug which has the reverse light built into the plug.
I know I have the Opt7 led bar on my current 2014 and I plugged it into the 4 pin but still had to run the wire and attach it to reverse light. It is plenty bright for me.
 
You could splice a wire into the reverse light and run that to a relay so it doesn't give you a code, and you could power the relay off the battery power and ground wires on the 7-pin trailer plug. This would mean you still have access to both trailer plugs and just a cleaner install all together.
 
Thanks for the input, I just feel like it needs more light back there at night.
 
 

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I prefer using my mirrors, but the reverse lights offer zero side illumination. Ram should have used the turnsigal lens with led switchbacks it's a clear lens and would have put out great light for the sides and back. I haven't pulled the tail light yet to see if it's possible to easily retro, but from the out side it looks like the led tails are smd boards and not led bulbs could be wrong though.
 
jordan2929 said:
You could splice a wire into the reverse light and run that to a relay so it doesn't give you a code, and you could power the relay off the battery power and ground wires on the 7-pin trailer plug. This would mean you still have access to both trailer plugs and just a cleaner install all together.
Click to expand...

+1,000,000

This is the best way to get your lighting your looking for and will have zero chance of burning down your truck if you get a short or pinched wire.
 
 
JamMastaJ said:
I did this, Best $40 i've spent, no codes or issues. Only took a few minutes to wire up

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Tow-Light-Bracket-Steel-Tow-Hitch-Mounting-Bracket-Dual-LED-Backup-Reverse/302840650262?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Led-Pods-Senlips-2x18W-Cree-Leds-Spot-Light-Led-Fog-Lights-Offroad-Led-Light/302869107812?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648

https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Way-Roun...16c9c9b:g:PukAAOSwV0RXvzW2:rk:1:pf:0&LH_BIN=1
Click to expand...
Assuming I know NOTHING about wiring.... What clip / connector did you use to splice into the backup lights so the LEDs come on at the right time? And, what type of special wite went from the LEDs to that trailer light plug?
Thx for the help!
 
Here is a video that explains how to wire a trailer plug. I only connected the reverse light lead and ground lead on the plug to the led lights. Connect the + cable from the led lights to the reverse light lead on the plug. Connect the - cable from the led lights to the ground terminal on the plug. Very simple. I also used the same plug to run my bed lights. I ran a cable from the AUX lead in the trailer plug to a toggle switch mounted in my bed that allows me to turn the bed lights on and off even when the truck is not on.

I don't know if this is the "Right" way to do it. But i'm not too keen on splicing into the factory wiring of a brand new truck under warranty. This is temporary and can be reversed. I plan on running it permanently though.


 

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JamMastaJ said:
Here is a video that explains how to wire a trailer plug. I only connected the reverse light lead and ground lead on the plug to the led lights. Connect the + cable from the led lights to the reverse light lead on the plug. Connect the - cable from the led lights to the ground terminal on the plug. Very simple. I also used the same plug to run my bed lights. I ran a cable from the AUX lead in the trailer plug to a toggle switch mounted in my bed that allows me to turn the bed lights on and off even when the truck is not on.

I don't know if this is the "Right" way to do it. But i'm not too keen on splicing into the factory wiring of a brand new truck under warranty. This is temporary and can be reversed. I plan on running it permanently though.


Click to expand...
Great info.... I think I got it. Appreciate the response!
 
 
JamMastaJ said:
I did this, Best $40 i've spent, no codes or issues. Only took a few minutes to wire up

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Tow-Light-Bracket-Steel-Tow-Hitch-Mounting-Bracket-Dual-LED-Backup-Reverse/302840650262?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Led-Pods-Senlips-2x18W-Cree-Leds-Spot-Light-Led-Fog-Lights-Offroad-Led-Light/302869107812?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648

https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Way-Roun...16c9c9b:g:PukAAOSwV0RXvzW2:rk:1:pf:0&LH_BIN=1
Click to expand...
This is great info. I yell every time i go to back up at night because there is horrible lighting on a 60k truck!! Did you create the connector? I wonder if i can just splice in to the correct with on the back side of the 7 pin plug. That was my plan with a Putco Blade i bought but it will not fit a 2019 ram.
 
ewmyers76 said:
This is great info. I yell every time i go to back up at night because there is horrible lighting on a 60k truck!! Did you create the connector? I wonder if i can just splice in to the correct with on the back side of the 7 pin plug. That was my plan with a Putco Blade i bought but it will not fit a 2019 ram.
Click to expand...
If you get one of these (linked below) you won't have to cut into the factory wiring, all you have to do is cut one of the plugs off this harness then you have all the wires you'd need and you wont have to worry about the factory wires corroding.
https://www.ebay.com/p/OEM-Trailer-...tter-40984/1734397677?iid=131330539877&chn=ps
 
Gravy12 said:
Did you install the LPR on your truck?
Click to expand...

Yes, if you search for it you should find my positive comments! I actually bought two more and installed on my other vehicle and travel trailer.
 
geotex1 said:
Yes, if you search for it you should find my positive comments! I actually bought two more and installed on my other vehicle and travel trailer.
Click to expand...
Which way did you go to tap into power?
 
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