reverse light hook up

i want to install a set of auxillary reverse light on the lower bumper or on to a tow hitch.

is it possible to wire them into the existing factory reverse light power wire--this way when i put the vehicle in reverse, all (4) the lights come on.

should i use both the power and the ground on the factory reverse light, or just the power wire and ground the aftermarket lights to the body?

--B

I would be reluctant to hook any high powered lights to the existing circuit, it is easy to overload. If it were me I would install a relay for new lights, and run a new fused wire from up front. Just my two cents.

would i tap off the reverse switch in the gear shift? would that be a good idea?

--B

I wouldn't, most of time they don't give you any spare capacity. It may cause you problems.

What I would do is mount a relay at the rear of the truck, run a fused power wire from the battery to the relay (making very sure it's protected and won't get pinched), hook the relay trigger to the factory reverse light wire, and run the aux lights off of that.

That's it.

I installed some auxillary back-up lights on my Rodeo by tapping into the back-up light lead wire in the rear light assembly. They are Kc lights product #517. Comes with a wiring harness and everything you need to make 'em work.

http://www.kchilites.com/store/2x6-Back-Up-Flood-LightsbrSystem-517-P1C26.aspx

outstanding, thank you all

what size relay would i use?

The standard at most auto supply stores I've found is 30 amp, more than enough.