[GMK14]

So I have a 10" Rigid E-Series light bar laying around i haven't had a need for. It seems a waste to just have it laying around so I had the idea of using it as a back-up light for the doghouse (my frontier).

So my plan is to mount it on a mini winch receiver mount I had laying around and then just wire it so that it would plug into the trailer light plug, So my question is would this wiring set up work for the limited time the back up lights would be on? I'm just unsure about the need for relays or fuses that would be in a normal harness for this light when its used in this limited role. I don't intend at this point to wire a separate on off switch, I just need some extra light for backing up now that its getting dark out and the factory tail lights are not great.

 

[GMK14]

It looks like it draws 4.7 amps and 65 watts, I'm not sure if this it to much for trailer wiring...

Thanks for the heads up I'll have to check my trailer plug for a back up light wire, i just assumed there would be a backup wire in there for when my trailer lights come on.

 

[GMK14]

Thanks for all the replies.

Just checked my trailer plug, there is a backup and ground wire. So i think the plan will be to get a 7 pin wiring kit and plug along with the rigid extension harness and then just use it as a plug and play back up light for the winter. I might put a fuse before the trailer plug just in case but we will see how it works first.

I figure a 10" light bar should give me lots of extra back up light!

 

[GMK14]

Great! I'm glad to hear I'm not totally out to lunch. I'll post up some pics of the final set up when its all done.

I bought a flush mount set from a member here and plan on installing it soon. I have drawn wiring diagram but I am using water proof 30 amp relay and a diode. I will take the signal from one of the reverse lights and will mount a switch inside the cab so I can turn it on when needed. A relay is a must IMO.

I'm not going to lie I'm still wondering about needing a relay. I was hoping an inline fuse might be enough. This light won't be on for any extended time at this point point and will sorely be used as a additional back up light. If I decide later on that I want a switch to leave it on, then I'll do a full harness for it.

 

[GMK14]

Well it's on, wired and lights up the night. Its just comes on in reverse at this point but I think I'll have at add a switch for it to so I can deal with those late night tale gaters Since the picture I have added an amber cover to.

 

[GMK14]

LED back up lights are definitely on the list of things to do but I had all this stuff laying around so it made a cheaper quick project. I'm not entirely sure yet how the switch would get wired in, probably an on-off-on switch, I found the attached diagram on the almighty google machine probably would be a good start.

 

[GMK14]

You could just mount the switch/relay in the bed, then at worst there's only one wire to run to a 12v source.