Wiring something for dual "activators"???

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usar17

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So I'm planning on installing some additional lighting on the rear of my truck to aid in backing up. My original game plan was to cut the wire for the reverse lights at the fire wall and install a relay so that the shifter is the switch and run a power from the battery to the relay to support the added lights.

But then I got thinking. Would be nice to have an override switch to activate the rear lights whenever I'm working behind the truck. so how would I wire it up to activate the rear lights by either the gear shifter or a toggle switch?
 

89Suburban

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Wire the lights to 2 relays. One switched and the other triggered off the reverse light signal.


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usar17

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Thats the only thing I could think of. I didn't know if there was a simpler way or some electronic device I haven't heard of yet lol.

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Yep, Listen to PawPaw, he just wired a 12v cam himself in his Burbie.
 

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I have a relay controlling the factory and accessory backup lights, and I plan to install an interrupt switch so I can turn the backup lights off when I am backing the boat up to the house late at night so I can stop pissing the neighbors off lol.
 

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I have a relay controlling the factory and accessory backup lights, and I plan to install an interrupt switch so I can turn the backup lights off when I am backing the boat up to the house late at night so I can stop pissing the neighbors off lol.

You're to damn kind. I'd be installing a Back Up Audible. Beep Beep Beep Beep, get the **** outta the way I'm backing up my boat !!! :happy175:
 

usar17

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Ya Id install a horn wired to a flasher controller lol

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89Suburban

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You're to damn kind. I'd be installing a Back Up Audible. Beep Beep Beep Beep, get the **** outta the way I'm backing up my boat !!! :happy175:

Think of it this way, we got stealth mode for when we backup to Old77's garage with our self tappers and donated parts lol.
 

usar17

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Haha Haha

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Think of it this way, we got stealth mode for when we backup to Old77's garage with our self tappers and donated parts lol.

Yep, we might need that. So we'll have to put a relay on our relays. :insane:
 

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Wire the lights to 2 relays. One switched and the other triggered off the reverse light signal.

Couldn't you run two 12v+, one from the shifter and one from the added switch, to the relay with the common ground?

Then when either is activated, the reverse lights will be activated. It would eliminate the added cost of a second relay.
 

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Because wouldn't that back feed the other line when one is active

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usar17

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Unless they make relays that can handle 2 switch lines

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I'm not sure LOL
 

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It would backfeed unless you had a diode on each line to prevent it.

But would backfeed really matter in this case since one or both lines would be open at any given time? Plus they're only basic switches instead of a fancy electronic component
 

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