Reverse Lights

[Illini Trekker]

Playing around with some electrical projects on the Montana need an idea or two. I installed side turn signal lights yesterday on the sides, and thought some form of a rear lighting system (reverse lights) would be useful. They wouldn't need to come on when the truck went into reverse, it could be switchable? What style of light do you use or have found that work well of you?

[OntMont]

This is one of my yet to be done projects. I did buy a pair of clear fog lights. I figured the low, wide angle beam would be ideal for back up lights, and yes manual switch is what I have in mind.

Let us know how you make out with this project.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I also have been thinking about doing the same thing on my trailer, my Terry had them, and it was nice when needing light at night time parking. I dont know whe Keystone didn't install them in the construction of the our trailer, or make it an option. When I do mine I will mount two at the top of the cap, and two at the bottom they will be a clear defused light for maximum area coverage I will not have shaddows this way. they might even sell the Diode type lights by now.

TT2

[Native Tex]

Illini Trekker - I would love to know how you wired your side markers for flashing as a turn signal. Can you share the process for a novice electrician?

quote:Originally posted by Illini Trekker

Playing around with some electrical projects on the Montana need an idea or two. I installed side turn signal lights yesterday on the sides, and thought some form of a rear lighting system (reverse lights) would be useful. They wouldn't need to come on when the truck went into reverse, it could be switchable? What style of light do you use or have found that work well of you?

[Glass Guy]

I Installed a set of clear fog lights under the montana, I had to use a toggle switch as the factory harness the wire for the bach up lights was cut to short to work with out getting into a bigger project than I had time for. They work great and I mounted them nesr the rear stabilizer jacks. Roman

[OntMont]

[quote]Originally posted by Native Tex

Illini Trekker - I would love to know how you wired your side markers for flashing as a turn signal. Can you share the process for a novice electrician?

I don't know how Illini Trekker did it, but some time ago, member Eagle One provide these instructions.

This is the second unit that I have installed turn signals on in this =
manner.
What I do is purchase a pair of lights from an auto store (the last =
ones are from advance) which contain both running and turn lights. It =
will take about 17 to 20 ft. of wire for each side depending on your =
length .I mounted the lights on the divider between the two wheels =
,directly below themontana mountain. This is plastic so be careful,the =
lights took four screws and a hole for the wires to go thru.Once I had =
the lights mounted I used crimp fasteners to attach the wires.I only had =
three lead wire so I used brown for to brown and yellow to red,green =
went to ground.I used wire nut to attach the ground wire to one of the =
screws for a ground.
Once this was completed I ran the wires to the REAR of the unit and =
held it in place by attaching it to the wood under the unit with small =
plastic loops and wood screws.When I got to the arm that carried the =
slid out wireing I simply passed mine thru the same brackets and back =
along the frame to the rear,any loose areas I tightened with plastic =
wire ties.
I pulled out the tail light (assembly )and ran a bent coat hanger down =
by my rear jack and picked up the wire.
I hooked up my truck to the cord and made sure that I attached the =
correct wire to the correct wire.
The rear lights are easy to attach because they use wire nuts not =
crimp.
I have found in traveing l over the past 15,000 miles it has helped to =
have them.
GOOD LUCK
ERNIE MILAM
EAGLEONE
3295RK

[Illini Trekker]

Native Tex I'll try to help, remove both taillights (lens and housing) with truck plugged to trailer find the signal hot wire. I cut the hot wire soldered those back together with my wire used to power the single light. You can just drop that new wire down the inside of the rear cape and pick it up by the hole cut in the aluminum by the jacks. Run the wire to both sides to install the light. You'll be able to ground the light in the wheel area.

The driver’s side I inserted the hot wire in the folding wire rack. Then used plastic staples (those little nylon jobs with two nails on them) to attach the wire to a board that ran the length of the side out.

On the passenger’s, side just keep the wire in the aluminum skirting to the wheel well. You'll need to remove the tire to gain room to work.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

OK, looks like I got me another project for the summer months.

[Ozz]

Nice job,
Just what I needed, more work!
I had installed back up lights on our TT we traded in, I mounted a set of clear driving lights, and mounted an outdoor switch cover for the switch on a 2x4 box on the front side of the rear bumper, when Sue was back there keeping me from climbing up over a picnic table, she would switch it on for us to see, it worked great....until I drug one light off in San Antonio in a driveway.
I like the turn signal idea.
Good job!
Oz

[Illini Trekker]

Thanks easy and cheap job didn't have to get into the belly, a little wire LED lights $10.00 each. Sorry for the shabby editing it can only get better! See-Ya