Manually operated back up light install

[Filterman]

I want to mount a set of manually operated (with a switch) backup lights on my TT. Has any one accomplished this and is there a spare circuit in the 7 wire plug?
Thank you

[Casey r]

I thought about doing the same but I noticed on the the truck side of my 7 way one of the terminals is makes BU light. I think it was the center terminal. Have not looked to see where my 7 way enters my 5th wheel yet to find the cord and see if it has the wire tied in. That’s a some day project.

[fonzie]

Here's a good thread....

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-tt-54213.html

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by Filterman

I want to mount a set of manually operated (with a switch) backup lights on my TT. Has any one accomplished this and is there a spare circuit in the 7 wire plug?
Thank you

If you do this, be careful that they can not accidentally be activated while driving as some states prohibit a white rear facing light ( on) while driving.

[Filterman]

Thank you to everyone that has replied so far. Casey, I'll check that out re the plug. Providing switched powerfrom the battery is super simple, but my preference is something I can turn on from the cab when I have to dark into a dark and rainy spot.
As far as them getting turned on accidentally...shouldn't be an issue put them on a switch with a pilot light.
Not sure about state/ provincial laws on that but every Class 8 truck going down the road has manually operated back up lights on the mirror or side of the sleeper. Like everything, just use a little common sense and don't turn them on in someone's face at night.
However, they give you great visibility if you have to make a quick stop in freeway traffic or have to sit at the end of a flag stop line ( until other people stop behind you) so mister distracted driver doesn't drive through you🌝

[misterbluesky]

Maybe consider these.
https://www.harborfreight.com/rotati...ght-63422.html
I bought a set for my dump trailer which only need to back up in the dark on occasion. Also transfer them to the landscape trailer as needed. Haven't remembered to pack on a camping trip yet though.

[danc]

Originally Posted by Filterman

I want to mount a set of manually operated (with a switch) backup lights on my TT. Has any one accomplished this and is there a spare circuit in the 7 wire plug?
Thank you

I added backup lights to my trailer.....my 7 pin connector has a dedicated pin for the reverse lights. I think they all do.

You can find a diagram on line to help you locate which pin it is.

[MudyOvl]

See my install of backup/site illuminations lights. Post #7

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ks-134718.html

[maskins]

I went with a light bar with a wireless controller.

Backup Lights – Silly-bear.com

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by Casey r

I thought about doing the same but I noticed on the the truck side of my 7 way one of the terminals is makes BU light. I think it was the center terminal. Have not looked to see where my 7 way enters my 5th wheel yet to find the cord and see if it has the wire tied in. That’s a some day project.

The center pin on a 7-way plug has two purposes. It's primary use is to supply power to the 12 volt camper system. It is mostoften wired to go off with the TV ignition. It can be wired as a backup light feed if not supplying power to the camper and wired to the reverse switch. It could still be done, but the following would be the best option.

What I would suggest is to run a separate plug from the TV backup light circuit (at the tail lights). Use a 4-pin trailer wiring harness plug between the TV and TT. Then run a line to the rear of the TT to LED lights. You would not need a separate switch. They would only come on when the TV is in reverse. As the TV has a ground to the TT, it would only take the one (positive) wire. A short ground from the TT backup lights to a good TT grounding point will eliminate the need for a full run ground. The entire trailer chassis is a ground.

[TimVWulp]

Hi I installed LED backup and running/turn signal/brake lights on the rear bumper of TT. The bottom LED bar is the backup light one set on each side of the trailer. I am using the trailer running lights power to power the backup lights. I have mounted a switch in the rear of the trailer next to the back door top 2 pic. It is powered by the factory wired running lights to turn the backup lights on. The top LED bar is a red colored running/turn/brake lights also wired to the back factory lights.
They work very well to light up the area behind the trailer and the brake lights are very bright and do a grate job.
Got them from Amazon

Hope This Helps Tim

[doc73]

I wired a set to my from power distribution box under the trailer. I ran a heavy extension cord along the frame rail to be the source of power to the light since it was shielded and rubberished to protect the wiring.

I then used a waterproof switch on the frame rail and the light screwed into the rear bumper.