Wiring fifth wheel backup lights

[RC621]

I'm looking to install backup lights so I can see better backing in my GD 295RL when I arrive at campsites late at night. I realized that I cannot use the 4-pin wiring harness as there is no backup lights. So do I need to run wiring all the way to the converter at the front of the FW to power these lights? This is my first post and appreciate everyone's help and input. My trailer is a Reflection 295RL.

[Country Campers]

I'm looking to install backup lights so I can see better backing in my GD 295RL when I arrive at campsites late at night. I realized that I cannot use the 4-pin wiring harness as there is no backup lights. So do I need to run wiring all the way to the converter at the front of the FW to power these lights? This is my first post and appreciate everyone's help and input. My trailer is a Reflection 295RL.

Rob

Welcome to the Forum.

There are 2 ways you could go about this.

One is to run a wire from the battery bus bar in the front storage back to the lights that you will install. This will require a switch and an inline fuse.

Another way is to run a wire up into the silver metal box that is located where the pin box bolts to the frame , follow the cord that you attach to your truck and you will find this box. You will be looking for a yellow wire that is not attached to anything. This should be the back up light wire from the truck, should be pin 7 the big one in the middle of the plug. If you attach your wire for your lights to this pin then when you put the truck in reverse your lights will come on , they will come on every time you back up. This would save you from getting out to turn a switch on.

Being as you have to run one wire the whole way back there I would suggest running a white ground wire with it so you will have a good ground , important with a 12 volt system.

Brian

[Second Chance]

I'm looking to install backup lights so I can see better backing in my GD 295RL when I arrive at campsites late at night. I realized that I cannot use the 4-pin wiring harness as there is no backup lights. So do I need to run wiring all the way to the converter at the front of the FW to power these lights? This is my first post and appreciate everyone's help and input. My trailer is a Reflection 295RL.

Oh, no! - not another Rob! Cate&Rob , can you start assigning numbers to all of us, please?

Seriously, though - welcome to the forum, (yet another) Rob.

(Another) Rob

[Yoda]

Rob - welcome to the forum - just ignore the other Rob Second Chance , but pay attention to the original Cate&Rob . Brian gave excellent advice on using the backup wire from the truck (yellow wire in junction box). I use marine wire in my projects. At the rear of the trailer under each corner you should be able to trace the existing wires to the lights. Good luck on you project - its on my to do list. Please let us know how it goes.

[Cate&Rob]

If we come up with "Rob numbers" how are we going to decide the order of the numbers LOL!

Something to think about if you are wiring backup lights on your trailer . . . there are lots of things to keep an eye on when backing a trailer in the dark . . . not just behind the trailer.

I installed a series of 10 "penny lights" down each side of the trailer and connected these to a circuit controlled by a wireless key fob and a dimmer. I find that I use these lights all the time while camping as well as when maneuvering the trailer in the dark. These could be wired to come on through the truck reverse circuit as well, if required.

Installing the lights in the plastic facia was easy with a stepped drill bit. Wiring them all together including the ones that go in and out with the slides, took much longer.

Rob

[Second Chance]

If we come up with "Rob numbers" how are we going to decide the order of the numbers LOL!

Rob

Age? I would probably get one of the higher numbers...

(Another) Rob

[Yoda]

If we come up with "Rob numbers" how are we going to decide the order of the numbers LOL!

Something to think about if you are wiring backup lights on your trailer . . . there are lots of things to keep an eye on when backing a trailer in the dark . . . not just behind the trailer.

I installed a series of 10 "penny lights" down each side of the trailer and connected these to a circuit controlled by a wireless key fob and a dimmer. I find that I use these lights all the time while camping as well as when maneuvering the trailer in the dark. These could be wired to come on through the truck reverse circuit as well, if required.

Installing the lights in the plastic facia was easy with a stepped drill bit. Wiring them all together including the ones that go in and out with the slides, took much longer.

Rob

With that many lights, do you think a relay would be advisable? On my truck I have a set of high power flood lights wired into the reverse circuit. I had to go to a relay asI blew the the fuse first time I used them.

[Cate&Rob]

With that many lights, do you think a relay would be advisable? On my truck I have a set of high power flood lights wired into the reverse circuit. I had to go to a relay asI blew the the fuse first time I used them.

These LED lights draw amazingly low current. The specs that I can find (eTrailer) show 0.046 amps per light. So, 20 of them is less than 1 amp. In my installation, I am actually using a relay because it is part of the wireless control unit, but no relay would be required for 1 amp.

Rob

[Country Campers]

[QUOTE=Cate&Rob;n13651]

These LED lights draw amazingly low current. The specs that I can find (eTrailer) show 0.046 amps per light. So, 20 of them is less than 1 amp. In my installation, I am actually using a relay because it is part of the wireless control unit, but no relay would be required for 1 amp.

Rob

Could you do a post on this light mod please?
Interested in the remote part mainly but the rest would be interesting as well.

Brian

[Cate&Rob]

Could you do a post on this light mod please?
Interested in the remote part mainly but the rest would be interesting as well.

Brian

Hi Brian,

Attached is a better picture of what I call the "skirt lights". These are controlled by a switch at the main panel or by the remote. There are several versions of key fob remotes. Also attached is a picture of the four channel one that I use. (one on the boat and one on the RV) for exterior lights. This remote has an extendable antenna and a range of at least 100 ft. I use the four channels for 1) skirt lights, 2) awning lights, 3) front cap light (on the end of my flag pole) 4) underbody lights (yet to be installed) for my suspension camera.

Rob

[RC621]

Thanks for all the replies Brian and all the "Rob's" . Looks like I need to make another trip to the Auto parts or Marine store for supplies but I have a better idea of what I need to do. I appreciate the great info and ideas for the skirt lights. I really like that idea as maybe a part 2 to my first Mod.
Now I need to wait for warmer weather in the Great White North to get this done!

1 more question: I originally thought I would drop the underbelly sheets to run this wire and a backup camera wire for the Haloview RD7. After crawling around underneath the coach, I am thinking now to run them both in a conduit to protect them from road grime. If I attach it to the I-beam, it should be well protected. I assume this is how it is best done, so I only need to do it once?

I'll provide an update when done

[Country Campers]

Rob

I would use caution when attaching the conduit to the frame. If you drill thru the side of the frame you may damage some wiring or worse a holding tank of some kind. I believe that there is "space" between the frame and these items but would not rely on that. You could drop a small portion of the coroplast to see what you have to work with. Looking forward to see what you come up with.

Brian