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Installing a reverse backup light on a 2010 rancher.

3.4K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  Muddawg  
#1 ·
Hello, I am looking at putting a reverse light on my rancher. I have installed one on my 07 recon and it was very simple. All I did was run the + and - wires directly from the batt. To a switch that I mounted via a p-clamp under my back rack by the seat, it is under just far enough to keep from hitting it accidently but is still easy to get to.

Can I do this with my rancher? I have a small hella light i got from work, my question is if As long as I use an inline fuse with it would there be ANY chance of hurting any of the electronics that are also hooked to the batt, relays ect. If something would happen to short out with the light at anytime for any reason? The recon has nothing but a red and black lead, the rencher has much more that depends on the batt. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Muddawg, Are you just using a switch to turn the light on/off on your Recon? If yes, then you can do the same thing on your Rancher. I would recommend using an LED light because it draws MUCH less current then the Hella Light would. Nevertheless, if you use a switch and the Hella light, then protect it with a fuse that is rated at approximately 2 amps more than the light draw. For instance, if your light draw 8 amps, then you should use a 10 amp fuse.

The Rancher may have more wires on the battery. However, like the Recon, it only has a positive + terminal, and a negative - terminal. You should always switch the positive (red) wire which goes to the light.

You can also use the reverse indicator switch that is built in to the transmission of your atv's. However, if you do so, then you should ONLY use a low current LED light.
 
#3 ·
I was thinking the same thing kentco the LEDs are super bright the have tons of shapes and styles on ebay and it would be really cool to have it go on when put in reverse you won't hurt anything as long as you use a inline fuse the light will come in real handy for backing up trailers at night or to let people know there's a rock or branch on the trail
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the info fellas, i was thinking it would be ok to do this, but i have found it is always better to make sure rather than assume somethings right! Too bad i didnt learn this when i was younger, mite have saved me some money back then!! I was just thinking of useing a switch because its a little simpler, and i dont mind switching it on and of manually.

It still amazes me that backup lights are not installed as new from the facory on ALL utility quads. I have found them to be just as valueable as any other accessorie, and for what we pay i dont think it would bankrupt them!

I believe you are right about useing an LED light, it seems to me these quads use about as much power as they put back into the batt while running especially when useing the headlights also. I do not run this quad much at all i got it new left over in 2011 and have only ran 2 tanks of gas out of it since! I do start it frequently and take it around the yard to keep everythin lubed, and yes i run stabil in it and have had no problems as of far. I do notice that if i do this for a couple of mos. that the batt will get weak i guess from deain while sitting or just starting and takeing short rides.

I have installed a battery tender that aleviates this problem.
 
#6 ·
Yep, thats exactly what i did. Mine came with one hardwire plug, one cigarette plug, and one set of large alligator clips. Works great, i installed a 12 volt accessorie plug on my other quad (recon) and i use the 12 volt plug to maintain i from time to time, works great also.

I also cant believe the newer ranchers have no 12 volt accessorie plug! But easy enought to put one on i guess.
 
#8 ·
I put some flexible LED strips on the front and rear of mine so I can see to walk around it when we stop at night, works good for a backup light as well. However the ranchers make plenty of power to run accessories, mine runs the headlights plus stereo system and has plenty left to recharge the battery.
 
#9 ·
Muddawg: The Battery Tender is an excellent idea. It will also prolong the life of a battery as well.
As for your lights, any battery can provide the amperage/current to run the lights. However, the difference between LED and incandescent lights is the amount of current that has to be switched. Think of it as the difference between switching the water on/off on a fire hose verses a garden hose. The garden hose has less current, so it doesn't need as big of a switch/valve. Things like your starter motor and a winch actually use a contactor/relay that is capable of switching very high current (a normal switch would burn up if you tried to switch a starter motor or winch motor with it). When you are using LED lights, they draw very little current, which in turn means that you don't need to have a large or fancy switch to turn them on/off. Likewise, it doesn't draw that much current from your battery and/or charging system. LED lights are more expensive, but, if you want to do things the 'right way' it's the way to go. Also, they never burn out and are completely unaffected by vibration and shock.
 
#10 ·
LEDs are bright they have them on display at northern tool man they are extremely bright I went up to the lights pressed them button while I was looking into the light yeah it hurt and there battery was probably half dead
 
#11 ·
This is the LED strip I put on mine, if you were going for just a backup light white would work, I just put blue for some lighting that didn't blind people to be able to walk around with and not drain the battery. I got them in a 2 pack at an auto parts store for about 20$ a pair for 10" strips.
 

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#12 ·
Thanks a bunch guys, i recomend a battery tender to anyone who has a peice of equipment that sits for any time. Mine is a black and decker and cost 19.95 at home depot, if it prolongs the life of a battery or two for an extended time it pays for it self. I am heading to walmart this eve. Gonna try to get what i need for the backup light, if they dont have everything i will be going by 2 auto parts stores and shud be able to get set up. Prbly wont be till sunday when i get to mess with it, PA archery season starts tomorrow, hopefully im to buisy cleaning deer to get to it tomorrow! Haha!