Wiring Up Reverse Lights on Trailer to Use as Both Reverse Lights and Utility Lights

Updated 04/16/2024 | Published 02/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Light-Duty Toggle Switch - On-Off - 12 Volt - 10 Amp - 6" Wire Leads

(9)

$9.06

Roadmaster Hy-Power Diodes (Qty 2)

(340)

$34.59

Question:

I have some lights on the back of my trailer that I would like to use as backup lights and also accessory lights. Do you know how I can do this?

asked by: Dean

Expert Reply:

In order to use your reverse lights as utility lights you would have to have a separate 12 volt power wire running to the lights. You would need a switch and you would need diodes to prevent back feeding.

You would need to run some wire from the 12 volt circuit on the trailer connector back to the reverse lights. A switch will need to be installed in line with the main power wire going back to the lights. Diodes would be needed at each light you will be wiring up. Take a look at the picture I made that shows how this would wire up.

A diode has 2 inputs and one output. It acts as a gate that only allows power to flow one way. You just have to remember to turn the switch off when towing the trailer or the reverse lights will be on all the time.

For diodes use # RM-792 for a 2-pack. And for a switch a simple on/off toggle switch such as # PK34513 would work.

expert reply by: Michael H

click to enlarge

Allen J.

4/16/2024

I assume that the wires depicted in the diagram are positive leads. What about the negative ones? I assume + and - from fuse panel to switch then + from switch to diodes and - to lights. Then reverse lights from trailer 7 pin (yellow wire) to diodes and - (ground) from trailer 7 pin to lights. Is this correct? I prefer to run grounds instead of just grounding to frame at the light.