Better Backup Lights

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

I see multiple posts about making headlights better / brighter, and I will probably do that sooner or later.  But the lights that are even more weak are the backup lights.  Unless it is pitch black out, the reverse lights might as well be off!  So I expect something following the relay plan would work well for adding some backup lighting that actually lights up the area!  I am envisioning something like add on fog lights, mounted under the bumper, powered directly from 12V through relays that are activated by the existing backup light 12V signal.  I figured before I tackle this I might as well plant a seed here in case someone else already did this and wants to share what they did and how it worked out.  I'll also add on once I get motivated as to what I come up with.

[pizzaman09]

From my build thread:

 

Upgraded reverse lights with these light bulbs based on someone's recommendation on the forum.  https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Lumens-Replacement-Backup-Reverse/dp/B07W7HQPZF?pd_rd_w=6gfht&content-id=amzn1.sym.55bebd03-1feb-4883-a1f4-21b3be773289&pf_rd_p=55bebd03-1feb-4883-a1f4-21b3be773289&pf_rd_r=9E39KKAW1QJP61GG399Y&pd_rd_wg=2heao&pd_rd_r=bc776f05-5ffb-48a9-9a7e-884b8e70f0e3&pd_rd_i=B07W7HQPZF&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_grid_rp_0_1_i

 

They are awesome.  Final install.

 

New on left old on right.

 

Lighting up what's behind.  You would barely see that garage with the original lights.

 

[gogmorgo]

I haven’t done anything to enhance the reverse lights specifically, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
In my experience, adding lights below a bumper is a great way to not keep them installed for very long. But other than recessing them inside the bumper, I don’t know of a better place if that’s the route you want to go. You might want to double check local regulations too in regards to adding reverse lights, you may not get away with having more than two in total in some places. Uncovered white lights facing rearwards that can be switched independently of reverse gear are also a definite no-no.
 

There are lots of sketchy spots in the reverse light circuit that will reduce light output. The ground behind the driver’s taillight, old cloudy bulbs and scuzzy sockets, the taillight harness connector behind the driver’s rear wheel. With an automatic trans the reverse lights failing is one of the first signs of the neutral safety switch plugging up with road grime. Then factor in a cloudy plastic lens and failing reflectors in the taillight housing and probably a fair bit of dust inside it too if it’s never been cleaned out in 35 years. It all adds up. An alternator getting weak will also reduce light output. 

 

I’ve got no complaints about my reverse lights, but everything I listed above has been taken care of at some point.

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

@pizzaman09 so these are this just plug-n-play?  It appears that is the case so just confirming .

 

@gogmorgo yeah I was wondering about code issues but figured as long as I only had these on when backing up I could get away with it.  And I agree hanging from the bumper does ask for them being taken off unexpectedly but I don't do much off road anymore!  My bulbs are not all that old and come on they just don't provide much useful light (perhaps they did when my eyes were 34 years younger...), but the other tail lights seem to be as bright as they ever were for what that's worth.

 

Thanks!

[coheed]

If you have any interest in replacing the stock tail lights, the oracle LED ones have insanely bright reverse lights. They've got their own issues like not having the light projected to the sides or reflectors and don't have an OEM look. But the actual brake/turn and reverse lights are much brighter than what most LEDs can accomplish in the stock housing. 

[gogmorgo]

There’s also the Key Parts replacement taillights now if you’ve got failing OEM housings and want the original look but taillights that are less than 35 years old. 

[GonzoTheGreat]

I had good luck with parts-store LED bulbs. They make a huge difference. 
 

but I also started with clean connections and lenses like gogmorgo said. That alone made a difference with the old incandescents. Cleaning up the ground point behind the driver’s side taillight is pretty important. Even from the factory there was paint under the terminal.  Add 35 years of rust and road grime, and it’s struggling on a good day. 

[pizzaman09]

3 hours ago, AnotherOldJeepGuy said:

@pizzaman09 so these are this just plug-n-play?  It appears that is the case so just confirming .

 

Yes they are just plug and play.  I pulled out the old reverse light bulbs and put these in.

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

3 hours ago, pizzaman09 said:

 

Yes they are just plug and play.  I pulled out the old reverse light bulbs and put these in.

Great.  Thanks for that confirmation.  I think I'll see if I can clean the lens and then give these a try.

[llhat]

in my case  sylvania LED for the 1156 bulb had fitment issues in the stock socket.  would insert, but would not twist to secure.

tried multiple positions,  just would not twist and I ruined one making an attempt.....   have no some sylvania 'star' 1156 and will be trying them instead.

 

OP's  Amazon link .. on sale seem like a decent deal....

 

[Eagle_SX4]

The ones I got are from napa. They are the napa brand and work great. But they are expensive.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/LMPBP1156LEDN

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

24 minutes ago, Eagle_SX4 said:

The ones I got are from napa. They are the napa brand and work great. But they are expensive.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/LMPBP1156LEDN

I may go this way, I generally have good luck with NAPA parts.  Yeah they are $6 more than the ones on Amazon for 2, at first, but the Amazon shipping fee is $6.99, so Napa is actually about a dollar less on the bottom line.