do the tractor lights throw a shorter, wider beam of light compared to driving lights? i am using driving lights now for my reverse lights, but the beam is kinda narrow.

 

You are correct.
"Tractor" lights are a general purpose flood light and can provide a wider beam. They should make a better reverse light than the pencil beams.

 

x2, they are kinda a mix between the two. Provided they are aimed right they will dispurse a long wide beam.

 

that is what i was hoping. i was at TSC yesterday and they have them for $10. looks like they are the same width as the driving lights.

 

it also depends what beam pattern you get with your driving lights. i know with Hella you can get wide, pencil or euro (a mix of wide and pencil).

 

the driving lights i have now throw a long narrow beam. no so good for backing up when you are around a bunch of trees.

 

I've got one 6 inch Hella flood light in the back and it works really well. Lights up everything behind me well. Then 2 130W IPFs up front.

 

I think that any time yer gonna need aux backup light, it will be dark enough that any light would work. This is not something you should be blowing a lot of $$$ on. I bought some trailer backup lights from the boat store. For $20 you get two lights (with slits in the bottom to let any water drain out), mounting brackets and wiring. Nice wide beam pattern and very low profile for hanging off the rear bumper.