Turning off back up lights

[atomicglock]

One night about a week ago, I was trying to back up my camper in the dark. Needless to say, as soon as the back up lights on my truck came on, I couldn't see spit because of the glare. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's experienced this problem. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way to splice in a switch so I could temporarily shut them off? Is this even legal (Mass.)? Or is there a better solution?

Howard

[Black05]

Black duct tape over the part of the lens containing the back up light. Pull the duct tape off when you disconenct from the trailer.

[atomicglock]

[ QUOTE ]
Black duct tape over the part of the lens containing the back up light. Pull the duct tape off when you disconenct from the trailer.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. I'd thought of doing something like this too, but I'm looking for a little more permanent solution. I don't want to get into a similar situation and find the tape is missing from the cab for example. Also, I don't want to get stopped by some over zealous cop and ticketed for defective equipment because I forgot to take the tape off when I was done.

Howard

[WildcatB]

Option 1)

On the driver's side of a manual transmission (at least that's where it is on mine) is a two-wire harness plugged in to the side of it. 3/4 of the way back toward the bottom. It's the switch that tells the lights you've shifted into reverse. Cut one side and splice a set of leads to a switch inside the truck. With the switch on, the lights will come on when you shift into reverse. With the switch off, they will stay dark

Option 2)

Pull the fuse that runs the backup lights. Tap a set of wires in in it's place. (make sure to include an inline fuseholder with the same amperage fuse.) Run this set of wires up to your switch. Same situation as above.

Just my $.02

CB

[LongRider]

[ QUOTE ]
Option 1)

On the driver's side of a manual transmission (at least that's where it is on mine) is a two-wire harness plugged in to the side of it. 3/4 of the way back toward the bottom. It's the switch that tells the lights you've shifted into reverse. Cut one side and splice a set of leads to a switch inside the truck. With the switch on, the lights will come on when you shift into reverse. With the switch off, they will stay dark

Option 2)

Pull the fuse that runs the backup lights. Tap a set of wires in in it's place. (make sure to include an inline fuseholder with the same amperage fuse.) Run this set of wires up to your switch. Same situation as above.

Just my $.02

CB

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This will work; and, option #1 is what I did.

Except, I went a few steps further and installed a relay at the rear of the truck.

The factory reverse wire triggers the relay and the relay turns on the stock reverse-lights plus three big ones, one in the center and one on each side angled at about 45*.

I also added an over-ride switch that lets me turn on the reverse-lights, regardless of which gear the transmission is in, even with the ignition off and the key in my pocket. </font>

[atomicglock]

[ QUOTE ]
Option 1)

On the driver's side of a manual transmission (at least that's where it is on mine) is a two-wire harness plugged in to the side of it. 3/4 of the way back toward the bottom. It's the switch that tells the lights you've shifted into reverse. Cut one side and splice a set of leads to a switch inside the truck. With the switch on, the lights will come on when you shift into reverse. With the switch off, they will stay dark


CB

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This sounds like my best option. Thanks guys for all your comments.

Howard