Simple Rear AUX lighting

[61N150W]

Hey all. If you are looking to add a little extra reverse lighting, I thought I'd share what I did.
I had purchased some cheap, like maybe $20 for the pair cheap, Amazon 7" LEDs (Spot patterned) that I was going to mess with on the front of the truck. I ended up not using them so in a pile they sat. If I can find the link, I'll add that here.
I had been looking to do the rear bumper flush mount others had done here. I wasn't 100% on the look and it would be fairly permanent if I didn't care for it.
Anyway, I noticed if I flipped the brackets around, these would fit perfectly on the bottom plate of the stock hitch for those who have it. I lined it up, drilled two holes, mounted it up, then tapped it directly to the reverse light. It's hardly noticeable and sits pretty tight to the truck. I wouldn't recommend doing this with a high dollar light but it's been on there for a little over a year with no problems. A fog pattern may serve you better for width but I don't have any problems with blinding children in parking lots. Some poor shots below to give you an idea.


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[JB1]

Looks like a great idea, I think I'm going to do the same. I have been looking for something simple yet effective like this

 

[69GWC]

I have 2 on the back of mine.

 

[blackbetty14]

Looks good!

I run 2 morimoto mod pods in the stock hitch (2 vertical holes to the left and right of the hitch hole) no drilling and bolt right through. They are configurable so a low and high output but I wired them for highs. They keep all the ground clearance and rated over 800lumens each. I wish it was more flood pattern but it’s not spot either.

You guys with the big lights, don’t you guys have a hard time seeing via the back up camera? Mine are much smaller than yours but bright enough to wash out the backup camera.

Here are some pics of how they looked in my 14 expresss. They look exactly the same but didn’t need the plastic caps u see. They are very bright but very hard to knotice and subtle. I’m also seeing that TRS has finally come out with amber and red cones/lenses so maybe they will work better in amber with the backup camera.

 

[chrisp2493]

I really like that! I’ve been wanting some back up lights because of my window tint, the hitch idea is great!

 

[69GWC]

Looks good!

I run 2 morimoto mod pods in the stock hitch (2 vertical holes to the left and right of the hitch hole) no drilling and bolt right through. They are configurable so a low and high output but I wired them for highs. They keep all the ground clearance and rated over 800lumens each. I wish it was more flood pattern but it’s not spot either.

You guys with the big lights, don’t you guys have a hard time seeing via the back up camera? Mine are much smaller than yours but bright enough to wash out the backup camera.

Here are some pics of how they looked in my 14 expresss. They look exactly the same but didn’t need the plastic caps u see. They are very bright but very hard to knotice and subtle. I’m also seeing that TRS has finally come out with amber and red cones/lenses so maybe they will work better in amber with the backup camera.

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One question, how are you going to hook up safety chains for a trailer with the lights in the chain holes.?
Other than that they look nice for sure.

 

[Hemi395]

^^^Was wondering the same thing

 

[Skubasteve!]

One question, how are you going to hook up safety chains for a trailer with the lights in the chain holes.?
Other than that they look nice for sure.

My thoughts exactly, must not tow anything. Ever.

 

[61N150W]

Here is the exact light I used.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KV9LYZE/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The other is still sitting in a drawer somewhere.
I should also mention I mounted this pretty far back. I'll try to get another picture with a side view so it's more clear. This way the safety chain loops are free and clear.
This is the second AK winter with it mounted there.

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[JB1]

I went and measured that metal area on the hitch, looks like an 8" light would be the max if it bolts from the end. I saw the metal you mounted it too that's behind the chain hook area and in no way would interfere with any towing. I think you found the perfect spot IMO.

 

[Grant211]

With the back up sensors and back up camera....if I hit somebody/something with the lack of light...I have other problems to worry about.

With that being said...I guess I need to add more lights. Lol


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[MarshRam]

So many ways to mount them. I used exhaust clamps to mount to the hitch!

 

[blackbetty14]

That was on the old truck and your right I didn’t tow much. But I could have the lights out and disconnected in 5 mins.

On the new truck the hitch is different and I have access to the safety chain holes. See pics attached of the new setup.

 

[JB1]

That was on the old truck and your right I didn’t tow much. But I could have the lights out and disconnected in 5 mins.

On the new truck the hitch is different and I have access to the safety chain holes. See pics attached of the new setup.

did you just wire them up to the trailer reverse wires?

 

[blackbetty14]

did you just wire them up to the trailer reverse wires?

Yup. I used a curt T harness bc u was running an opt7 triple redline tailgate bar. That allows me to tap into it without touching the stock wiring. Plugs between the stock harness and the bumper plug. Super easy and clean.

 

[Deepc6]

Yup. I used a curt T harness bc u was running an opt7 triple redline tailgate bar. That allows me to tap into it without touching the stock wiring. Plugs between the stock harness and the bumper plug. Super easy and clean.

Do you happen to have the model number for the Curt T Harness you used?


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[JB1]

Yup. I used a curt T harness bc u was running an opt7 triple redline tailgate bar. That allows me to tap into it without touching the stock wiring. Plugs between the stock harness and the bumper plug. Super easy and clean.

5 pin version?

 

[jmh288]

I’m assuming he’s using the same on I did:

CURT 55384 Custom Wiring Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009FJ38Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1PJxAbKGX2WXY

However I hate to ASS-U-ME!

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[jmh288]

Here’s the five way.
CURT 56584 Custom Wiring Harness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EA6WQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LTJxAb9JCKNC1


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[blackbetty14]

Yea it was a 4 pin. My opt7 triple red line tailgate bar was a 4 pin so that’s why I got it and had to hardware reverse which was a T splice and a spare and all done.