back up lights

[bluethunder]

alright....im lookin to get myself a set of backup lights, or at least some lights that i can use as such. im sure you guys have some recommendations so feel free to tell me what you think. price is an issue though, i dont need a super-duper light, just something thatll get the job done. thanks.

 

[jimbo74]

i have heard that those 50 watt ones are good. dont know the price though. performance products has them. also they are 3157s or 3156s

 

[wabbit]

Are we talkin' replacement bulbs or mountable lights?

I would like to have a much brighter bulb in the backup light socket. Is this available? Description, part #, and price would be much appreciated.
I have yet to find a good place to mount a rear backup light that would look good and work well for me.

 

[jimbo74]

re: 50 watt back-up bulbs stock location

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http://www.explorerexpress.com/catalog/catalog.html?4101

i dont know the difference but the ones from X Xpress (second address) is 12 bucks cheaper

 

[Alec]

I've heard the higher wattage replacement bulbs can cause problems. People have had their wires fried and even the taillight housing melted. The taillight system is not meant for that power or heat.

I got some Pilot 280B fog lights and mounted them as reverse lights:

The lights, extra wire, and switch added up to about $40.

They throw out a very good light for help with backing up. I've also used them to illuminate a campsite, for help with trailer hookup, and when loading the back of the truck. They're activated by a separate switch in my console. They're also great for getting tailgaters off your butt at night.

Good luck!

 

[wabbit]

Hmm... I'd rather not have a meltdown...

What is the wattage of the standard replacement bulb?
Anybody have these 50 watt bulbs and what are your experiences?
I'd go with a small set of add-ons if I can come up with a "mash proof" mounting location.

 

[Brian1]

I use 55 watt lights. The kit cost me $9.99 with most everything I needed. They work great and provide a good spread of light.
Best pic I could find:

 

[ChewieM16]

I bought myself a set of those KC Backup Flood lights for like $65. they get the job done and are bright. i wired them to a switch so i have F@#$ OFF lights ready to go! =cP

-mike

 

[jimbo74]

the fifty watt replacement bulbs wont fry your wires i used to have them but they finally gave up. also i belive the stock bulbs are 27 watts. i will probably get new one soon

 

[leebo]

a $50 pair will work just fine. There's no need to go out and get an expensive set just for backing up. I've got a pair of "canyon crawler" lights installed on mine. I paid about 45 in took about 10 minutes to install. I've got them wired to turn on with a switch or whenever I go into reverse. Mount them on the roof rack and off you go. The best use I've found for them is like alec said....lighting up the campgrounds.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Alec
I've heard the higher wattage replacement bulbs can cause problems. People have had their wires fried and even the taillight housing melted. The taillight system is not meant for that power or heat.

I got some Pilot 280B fog lights and mounted them as reverse lights:

Not so, at least not in my case. I have used the 50w bulbs ( from Explorer Express ) for quite some time with absolutely NO problems. They are quite a bit brighter than stock. My tored old eyes truly appreciate them.

Mine are "backed up" with a set of Pilot fog lights mounted like Alec’s. They are wired into the back up light circuit and only work when in reverse.

The combinationof these two types of lights do a great job.

 

[bluethunder]

alright, well if i just go get some externally mounted lights and put them facing reward then thatll work. but what power source do i wire them to?

 

[leebo]

I've got mine wired up twice. I went ahead and wired them to a switch so when I'm at the campsite I can turn them on without the truck being in reverse plus I can turn them on for those polite tailgatters.

I also spliced them into the reverse lights. When the circut comes on from me putting the truck into reverse the lights come on with it. Both were simple to do and I've used them both several times.

 

[Alec]

Mine are on a totally separate circuit from anything else. The have a dedicated lead from the battery with an inline fuse and a switch. If you want them to go on in reverse, just find the power wire for the reverse lights in the taillight and run a splice. Adding onto what leebo said, the easiest way to have both is to run the line spliced from the taillight into the positive line running from the battery. To be safe, put in 2 fuses, one by the battery on the dedicated line and one on the power wire after the splice and before the light (or relay).

 

[bluethunder]

if i get some lights, im concerned about where i am gonna mount them. do yall have some pics of where you have yours mounted? i have a 96 and ive got a trailer hitch on the back if that makes any difference.

 

[leebo]

Right smack on the stock roof rack. No problems. Ran all the wires under the bumper and inside the truck, then up and right back out. Had to undo some of the pieces inside to hide the wires but nothing much.

Good Luck.

 

[bluethunder]

the stock rack, well that sounds pretty reasonable to me, and that way they can shed the light from an elevated position. i guess now i just gotta go find some cheapies and put em on.

 

[leebo]

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They've got a deal going on right now where you buy one "Pro Comp" light.....get one free. Sure you may replace them in a year or so,but for the price.....

 

[Dbirl528]

Back-up lights

I bought my 50W back-up lights at Auto Zone and they were comparible price to all the ones i've seen in catalogs. I haven't experienced any problems at all with mine. They even had the ones that beep when you back up, but I thought that was a little too much.

 

[DocVijay]

50 watt back-ups.

I've got the 50 watt halogen back-up lamps and have had no problems. They are much brighter. About the melting of the lenses... Well, halogen lights are hotter, but I really don't spend all that much time in reverse, so I don't think it'll be a problem. I usually prefer to drive forwards anyways.