Rock Lights on a trailer....

[ekbruster]

So have been looking at rock lights for my TV, but then was thinking, why not on the trailer? Was considering this because we tend to do long hauls that put us coming into campgrounds late at night. Wondering why they couldn't be hooked up to your back-up light signal coming from the trailer connector to a relay, so that they automatically came on anytime you were backing in?

Anyone out there done anything like this? Not sure if there is an easy place to tap the backup line on the trailer wiring on a 30FC Bunk model...

Thought about just putting them on a separate switch, but they'd probably be illegal in most states to have on going down the road, and figure the most time I'd use them would be when backing up. Figured I could also wire a connector to the trailer batteries to plug it into if I ever wanted them on when the trailer was not connected (like some do with their running lights). TIA!

[rmkrum]

I have a nice set of marine stainless steel docking lights for a boat that I will be installing on my Airstream as backup lights. Probably in the banana wraps up front to illuminate a wide swath.

Plan is to use a relay activated by the backup signal in the 7-way connector on the Airstream and use 12volt power from the house batteries. Still working out exact location and wiring access.

I think it’s doable.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Are we sure there isn't a yellow back-up wire in the AS harness?
I know they stopped using them but are we sure the wire is no longer in the 7way.

In the auto world the harness can be pretty generic and the wiring may be there but the option not, ie... the heated mirrors.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Dennis C]

Forgive my ignorance, but what’s a “rock light”? I’ve never heard that term. Is it like a spot light that’s used to illuminate the space behind the trailer when backing? Or is it something else?

[rmkrum]

It’s also known as a ‘ditch light’ on locomotives. Basically a very low mounted light to illuminate obstacles. My Tacoma has a set of driving lights that I refer to as ditch lights, because they really light up the shoulder of a road.

[Dennis C]

Got it, thanks. Sounds useful if you can work out how to mount and power it.

[ekbruster]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Are we sure there isn't a yellow back-up wire in the AS harness?
I know they stopped using them but are we sure the wire is no longer in the 7way.

In the auto world the harness can be pretty generic and the wiring may be there but the option not, ie... the heated mirrors.

Bob
🇺🇸

Bob,
I believe the line is available in the 7-way harness still, because it is standard, but have to figure out where to best tap-into it to get the signal from the vehicle.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Bob
🇺🇸



Ours is right in the TV plug...👍
Along with LEDs in the fixture we be good.

[Rich W]

On my Toyota the center pin is the backup wire, just like Bob's. I don't have backup lights on my AS but my boat trailer's surge brake requires it so you don't engage it when backing up. I would think this is a pretty standard wiring thing.