back up (reverse) lights

token7888 · 12-21-2005, 12:33 PM

Has anyone ever installed additional back up (reverse) lights? Any tips?

I need to back up into a dark and narrow garage area and the factory lights are a little inadequate when the weather is bad. I think that I should be able to splice a relay into the factory back up light positive lead and then run a power wire from the battery to the back of the truck to power the light. Or maybe get power from my hitch cable. Any potential problems with this?

Thanks in advance for any help.
J

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cootees · 12-21-2005, 12:38 PM

There are many threads about this. A lot of people have done it using fog lights, ect.. Do a search and you can find lots of good information.

celica · 12-21-2005, 12:58 PM

I used to have tractor lights on the back of mine but they didn't last very long in the snow, rain, backing the seadoos into the lake. I ended up putting an extra light attached to my garage door opener. My mom put up a motion light in her garage.

Robinhood150 · 12-21-2005, 01:08 PM

Moved to newbie section.

4Crawler · 12-21-2005, 02:08 PM

One thing you might try is swapping in a white 1156 LED bulb for the stock bulbs. I but a set of narrow beam, 30-LED white bulbs in my '85 and it is a huge improvement in light output. The main problem with the stock lamps is the reflector, if you want to call it that. It is more a light scattering device than a beam focuser. The LEDs don't rely on a refflector and the narrow beam version puts almost all the light out straight behind you.

But yes, add a relay and separate lights if you want. I'll be doing this on my truck, with a 3-way switch, mainly for off-road use. Switch positions will be down for automatic activation from the reverse light switch, center will be off and up will be manual on for lighting up at camp or vehicle repairs, etc. on the trail.

celica · 12-21-2005, 02:25 PM

this won't work for his truck. He has a runner with the 912 bulb as a backup light in the tailgate.

token7888 · 12-21-2005, 02:35 PM

Yep, found 64 hits in the overall "SUV and Truck Tech" section versus the 4 threads I found in the "86-95" section. Thanks for everyones help. Now to do some reading...
J

4Crawler · 12-21-2005, 03:02 PM

OK, did not know the bulbs changed with the 2nd gen backup lights. Learn something every day. Assuming a 921-style bulb, they only go up to a 9 LED version, so that probably would not be that bright.

12-21-2005, 12:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
cootees Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Roanoke Va Posts: 919	There are many threads about this. A lot of people have done it using fog lights, ect.. Do a search and you can find lots of good information. __________________ -- '90 4Runner 2Dr 3.0 / sas /OME 860 coils / rear e-locker / 32's/ MC Rear bumper / TG Sliders / surco basket / cobra 18 wxstII / ISR / Magnaflow exhaust

12-21-2005, 12:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
celica Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Canada Posts: 1,773	I used to have tractor lights on the back of mine but they didn't last very long in the snow, rain, backing the seadoos into the lake. I ended up putting an extra light attached to my garage door opener. My mom put up a motion light in her garage. __________________ Matt 2003 4-Runner Limited - Couldn't stay away from the runner 2003 Sequoia Limited 1989 Supra Turbo 1992 4r, 5spd V6 Sold

12-21-2005, 01:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Robinhood150 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wandering around Phoenix Posts: 6,043	Moved to newbie section. __________________ Steve. '93 4Runner V6 Auto 4x4 Robinhood's Lair. \|\| Gettin' Off 4wd Club member Lots for sale:5.29 ARB IFS third member... Click Sierra Club policy: [A reason to close trails] ...Physical soil damage, often readily visible, resulting in: a. Erosion, causing soil loss and damage to stream banks, streams, and fish habitat... Lesson...Stay on the TRAIL!

12-21-2005, 02:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	One thing you might try is swapping in a white 1156 LED bulb for the stock bulbs. I but a set of narrow beam, 30-LED white bulbs in my '85 and it is a huge improvement in light output. The main problem with the stock lamps is the reflector, if you want to call it that. It is more a light scattering device than a beam focuser. The LEDs don't rely on a refflector and the narrow beam version puts almost all the light out straight behind you. But yes, add a relay and separate lights if you want. I'll be doing this on my truck, with a 3-way switch, mainly for off-road use. Switch positions will be down for automatic activation from the reverse light switch, center will be off and up will be manual on for lighting up at camp or vehicle repairs, etc. on the trail. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

12-21-2005, 02:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
celica Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Canada Posts: 1,773	this won't work for his truck. He has a runner with the 912 bulb as a backup light in the tailgate. __________________ Matt 2003 4-Runner Limited - Couldn't stay away from the runner 2003 Sequoia Limited 1989 Supra Turbo 1992 4r, 5spd V6 Sold

12-21-2005, 02:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
token7888 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 33	thanks Yep, found 64 hits in the overall "SUV and Truck Tech" section versus the 4 threads I found in the "86-95" section. Thanks for everyones help. Now to do some reading... J __________________ '92 4Runner SR5 3.0 Auto 4wd

12-21-2005, 03:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	OK, did not know the bulbs changed with the 2nd gen backup lights. Learn something every day. Assuming a 921-style bulb, they only go up to a 9 LED version, so that probably would not be that bright. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

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