how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

Where in the harness would I incorporate additional running lights on the bed? These lights have been there forever, but the way they were wired in is non-existent and I would like to not only re-do it, but do it the way a professional shop or factory would.

The rear wiring harness in my truck is butchered, and to add insult to injury, the mess that's left behind looks like it has been torn to shreds and is hanging from every corner...

...in other words nothing is hooked up and nothing works.(in the rear of the truck).


Which circuit would I add running lights without overburdening any circuit?

http://www.chrismeadtattoos.com/wiring/harness_back.jpg

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

I would use a relay. Any existing headlight switch wire can be used for the trip-wire on the relay. Only takes low draw to trip a relay. Wire directly from the battery with inline fuse for the power to the lights. That way you can put unlimited number (up to the relay's rating) of lights on the circuit without overheating the headlight switch.
Here's a complete kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-HID-LED-..._Tools&vxp=mtr
Throw away that switch in the kit and instead tap into a hot-when-on wire on your headlight switch.

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

Thank you very much for the help. Once I get the rest of the rear wiring in order, this is what I'll probably do.

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

Buy a roll of 4 wire round trailer harness. Run it from up front to a trailer junction box in the back. Split off from there. That's how I would do it any ways.

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

I would pull all the old junk off of the truck. Keep the pigtail from the harness and rebuild from scratch. You really only need 3 wire trailer wire as the white is ground. As far as the marker lights, unless you are planning to have a rolling Christmas tree, you shouldn't need any special extra wiring. If you are worried about amp draw, use LEDs. They draw about nothing. Also most marker lights use a 194 type bulb, so a trip through Ebay would hook you up. Just make sure you have a good ground cable from the bed to the frame. And solder and shrink wrap is your friend!!!!

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

The extra wire is helpful if you ever need power back there for something else ;)

Re: how to incorporate addictional running lights properly?
 

I'm currently trying to cover the whole harness to find any problems and fix them, and to organize the mess that I found. Thank you all very much, and I will most likely run something to the rear since I will most likely put a spotlight back there at some point. Additionally, if I ever switch to an electric cooling fan--necessitating a higher amp alternator--I will then probably run some regular house-type receptacles as well.


This trucks electrical upgrades are far from over.
Thanks again.