So my new rear bumper came in and it's got mounting locations for rear pods. I'm planning on installing a set of LED ones but want to make sure I have my wiring correct.

My goal is to use a single switch off an Apollointech Pod to cycle between the pods turning on only when in reverse, and constant on. Can someone please double check my wiring diagram as I'm no expert in DC wiring?

 

We posted a write-up on something similar many years ago for our LOD bumper. We used a 3-way switch so the lights can be turned on manually, disabled, or activated when the Jeep is in reverse. Note that we ran the reverse sense wire to the switch instead of a relay terminal like you. Running the reverse wire to the switch will allow you to use the voltage to trigger the switch's top led indicator light (with the icon) when the lights turn on in reverse.

This was our diagram, and for the most part it should apply to you.

Edit: the top led icon Illumination wiring isn't shown in this version; we added that function when upgrading to Contura XIV switches a couple years ago.

 

OnBelay,

I took a lot of inspiration from your overall build. That's the reason I added the bus bars. I figure I might want to add another item back there some day in the future and having additional wiring points that don't require me to run wires all the way back to the front of the jeep might be a good idea.

I remember us talking about this a while ago and I've definitely ready your excellent write up. That's where I got the idea for the diode. It's a shame that the redesign of the forums have left many of the legacy posts largely unreadable as the text is white on a white background. My plan is to use an Apollointech switch system as my control. These are all two way switches that are hard wired to a relay controller. That's why I have that extra step at the beginning of the circuit. It also prevents me from being able to use a three way switch, which would be the ideal solution honestly. I should also add a fuse on the positive lead from the battery to the 30 position on the relay now that I think about it.

 

Glad the write-up is still somewhat helpful lol. The install has changed over the years as we improved our techniques and upgraded components.

Anyway, one thing that I recently discovered was relays that have a flyback diode or resistor built into them (e.g. the relays we installed into our Cooper Bussman units). I don't have any part numbers for you, but it might be worth looking into if you haven't come across them already.