Rhino Backup Lights
By Steven DuPont and SteveS

Backup Light
This modification will allow you the convenience to add a backup light and operate it by shifting into reverse but the backup light will ONLY come on when the headlights are on. This is to preserve the life of the bulb by only using it when needed, at night. Pass modifications called for a switch, which the driver must flip in order to operate the backup light. Not any more.

Equipment needed:

1. 1 - 30amp 12volt heavy duty relay
2. 4 - Insolated female blade terminals
3. 3 - Insolated butt splices
4. Inline Fuse Set-up
5. Assortment of 16ga wire
6. Heat Shrink
7. Electrical Tape
8. Wire Strippers / Crimps

Here is a drawing of how each wire will be tied into the relay:





First, you will need to tap into the blue wire that is coming out of the light switch.
 

This will be your source of power for the relay. Using a butt splice, tie in and connect your power wire through the inline fuse to terminal 30 on the relay.

Second, you will have to find the green wire with the blue stripe that feeds the reverse dash light. It will be located in the black wire harness that feeds the idiot lights.
 

This wire is the ground source for the relay to operate. Anytime the Rhino is placed in reverse, the CDI sends a signal (ground) to the dash light thus lighting the reverse light. You must tap into this green wire with the blue stripe and run a wire to the relay at terminal 85.

Third, I chose to use an ignition hot from my painless fuse box to power the other side of the relay at term 86.

That way the backup light will only come on when the ignition key is on and the headlights are on. This is a good set-up to prevent others from leaving your lights on thus draining your battery.

Fourth, Run a wire from term 87 to the hot side of the light of your choice (55 watts or below).

After all wires are tapped into, connect all the female terminals to their designated place on the relay:


You must then find a good location to mount your relay to keep it weather proof. I chose a corner in the battery box.


Once the relay is mounted, run all wires out of harms way under the floorboard.



Once the wires are run through the floorboard, run the wires to the designated location of your choice. This designated location is where the light will be mounted. I chose to run mine all the way to the back. This will give me the best access to the light for any maintenance issues. Also the light must be grounded to the chassis or run a ground along with the hot for the light and ground it to the battery. I’m not sure where I’m going to mount my light but the wire is there for my access.


When it is all said and done, you will have the convenience of having a backup light that is only operational when the headlights are on and in reverse. Enjoy.