Switched License Plate Lights

[CentralOverland]

I'd like the option to switch on my license plate lights while the back hatch is open. I think this would help while setting up camp and cooking dinner, especially now that I have some excellent LEDs back there. Seems a waste to not have them usable without the parking lights being on.

Anyone done this mod yet? Any ideas on best source to tap for constant power back there? I'd like a switch located back there somewhere.

If any of you wiring pros could help me out, I'd owe ya a cold one. Thx.

 

[1loudLX]

Add some diodes on the original 12v+ leads, then splice in a switched secondary power feed to the lights. You'll want to do both of those things near the lights and not elsewhere. If you remove the interior trim you should have room to work.

The switch should be wired to the battery(or power dist. block) with appropriate fuse. The diode will prevent the wiring you add from also illuminating the rest of the lights in the TAIL circuit.

 

[RobRed]

What Loud said.

Holy crap I'm agreeing with Loud!

 

[CentralOverland]

Excellent. Thanks, guys. I think it makes sense.

I'll dig into this soon and put up some pics of the process and outcome.

wc