Back up lights

TitanicCaptain · 11-15-2006, 10:07 AM

I bought my truck about a week ago, and in general I love it. However, I've noticed that it really needs better backup lighting, as it's pretty dark back there otherwise. (I have the privacy glass and electric rear window, which may have something to do with it). Are there any simple upgrades in this area that people can recommend? I have thought about getting 1 or 2 tractor lights and bolting them to the bumper, but that seems pretty crude.

gixxer0.6g · 11-15-2006, 10:18 AM

I put a couple lights between the bumper and the hitch. More of a cat-eye shape lilght. I posted a thread about it. I tapped into the tow harness so that they automatically come on when thrown in reverse. Works slick.

Installed some reverse lights

**Kronos1965** · 11-15-2006, 10:24 AM

I have these back up lights by KC.

http://www.aztrucks.com/Product.asp?product=79

Very easy to connect.

However this system is the macdaddy of quality back up lights....
http://www.masterhitch.com/suv-truckAcc.asp?prodID=59

baseballfanz · 11-15-2006, 10:28 AM

I have seen some on here use this one.
http://www.whitenight.com/index.htm

or this
http://www.autobarn.net/pi15baupli.html

TitanicCaptain · 11-15-2006, 11:45 AM

You guys officially rock! I've just ordered a set of the White Night ones, since I couldn't resist the idea of having the MacDaddy of lights ;-) They now have a little adaptor that plugs into the 7-pin socket so that you can plut the lights in without doing any splicing yet still use the socket for the trailer. Looks nice - pictures to follow when it's installed.

Steamguy · 11-15-2006, 12:09 PM

I like this idea. Out where I live it is DARRRRRK... especially this time of year and with the heavy rains.

I was going to build my own when I get my next paycheck - and I was going to plug them into the trailer connector just like they did here. I figured that I'd automatically disconnect them when I connect the trailer... that way, I'm not blinding myself when I'm backing with the trailer on.

Any idea how much this whole solution costs?

Thanks!

gixxer0.6g · 11-15-2006, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steamguy

Any idea how much this whole solution costs?
Thanks!

It really depends on the type of lights you want. If nothing special, then $25 at walmart. If you want some piaas it will be over $100.

rkricko00 · 11-15-2006, 06:51 PM

I installed a White Night Fixed Mount light on my truck. Made a big difference.
Easy to install and I used the Plug and go adapter, that made the install even easier. Can take it all off in about 10 minutes if a reason came up to do so.
Locking bar makes it hard to steal. Great investment.

TitanicCaptain · 11-15-2006, 07:04 PM

I just ordered the White Nights kit that bolts onto the hitch receiver, plus the 7-pin adaptor. With shipping and 7% sales tax it came to $103 and change. Ordered it directly from the manufacturer and had a nice chat with the guy on the phone to confirm it should fit my truck.

TitanicCaptain · 11-17-2006, 08:53 AM

Good news! Got the lights in 1 day, installed them in about 1 hour. The only tricky part was trying to hold the washers in place with one hand, the U-bolt in place with another and tightening the nut with my 3rd hand :-) The 3-way switch on the back of the unit is nice, as you can turn them on all the time if you're trying to light up the area while in Park.

The lights themselves are pretty powerful, although it's still a little darker than I would prefer with the rear window rolled up. However, it's way better than the factory set-up, and I no longer feel like my only guidance is the backup sonar. Thanks again for the advice - this was a good buy.

vatitan65 · 11-17-2006, 09:08 AM

Is there a pre-existing plug that they go into?

TitanicCaptain · 11-17-2006, 02:00 PM

I have the factory tow package, so in addition to the hitch I have a 7-prong trailer electrical plug. For $13 I got a little adaptor from White Nights that plugs into the socket and gives you the 3-wire pigtail you need for the backups and at the same time provides another socket for you to plug a trailer cord into. Pretty slick, as you don't have to do any wire splicing, and you automatically get the proper operation when you're in reverse. Plus, in a pinch you could move the lights to another truck without having to cut any wires.

rvandam · 11-17-2006, 03:17 PM

I bought this one at Northern tools:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...9799_200319799

Not as fancy, but works for me. has two settings: always on, or on when backing up. Only $29.99, and plugs right into the receptacle on the hitch.

Steamguy · 11-18-2006, 08:23 AM

^^^ Now that's what I was looking for. I was ready to put together something with spare tractor headlights, but this isn't permanent and it's cheap.

Thanks!

titanmike · 11-18-2006, 04:53 PM

I out some 14.99 ones from walmart on and ran a wire in the cab. I can put the on whenever i want. They work wonders when backing up in the dark. I also have my memory seat/mirrors set on 1 for normal driving and 2 for backing up usually when i have a trailer hooked up. Just hit the switch and the mirrors move to the best angle i have set to see backing up. Thats about the only useful thing i have thought of for those memory settings.