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Last Updated: 5/8/2010
Resources
LED Backup Lights
etrailer.com
Address: 1507 East Hwy A
Wentzville, MO 63385
Phone: 800-298-8924
Hours: Monday - Friday
7.00 AM to 8.00 PM (CT)
Saturday 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Click here to visit their website.
Amazon.com, Inc.
Phone: 1516 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (800) 201-7575
It's a shopping website and
therefore open 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Click here to visit their website. |
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Disclaimer
| The fabrication, modifications and designs you see on this web site are completed by myself. If you duplicate these modifications you do so at your own risk. I do not endorse or make any claims to their safety, performance, On-road or off-road worthiness. Any "Product Reviews" are my sole and personal opinion. These reviews are on items purchased from or provided by reputable aftermarket suppliers. All registered trademarks belong to their respective owners. |
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Leaving at night from my friends house and having to back out from his long driveway in the middle of winter was no fun! I couldn't see a d... thing and the fact that I almost took out his mailbox, made me to look into a better lighting solution for the rear. I wanted something which would install flush into my rear bumper. I know it will take some effort to get them installed, or any light for that matter, because the bumper is made from 3/16" steel and cutting that isn't a two minute job.
After a good amount of research on the web, I came across these high powered white LED backup lights from etrailer.com which are now more comonly used on late model truck trailers and decided to give them a try.
I have read some good reviews about them and it seems truckers like them a lot. |
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The below image shows the LED light set with rubber grommets installed and the pigtail wires!
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I have ordered previously from etrailer.com a 2" weld on receiver and was very happy with my purchase. I also like their customer service as they answered every email with all my questions within a reasonable time amount. This is always a good sign and more than good enough for me to order these LED Lights from them and not through a to me unknown ebay seller although I could have saved a few bucks!
Anyhow, this isn't some cheap light set people. I hope these LED Backup lights don't disapoint for the rather steep price and are worth it regarding reliability, and also quality.
I paid roughly 95 bucks for the light set which included two dollars for rubber grommets and 3 bucks for the pigtails plus the additional shipping. They arrived fast and well packed. |
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 1-800-298-8924
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The company was founded 1946 by Henry Bross as a small family business. In 1976 they constructed a massive new showroom, warehouse, and installation facility that quickly became a regional destination. |
Massive warehouse, shipping, and installation facilities along with employees and management that have a deep history and passion for automotive accessories means that etrailer.com is able to deliver the top quality, custom fit supplies you need at a price that will fit your budget.
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The only other solution would have been KC HiLiTES 517 2x6 55-Watt Halogen Back Up/Flood Light System with standard bulbs. This set was available from Amazon (click here) for 70 bucks with free shipping.
The bad part on these is, that they also draw a lot more current than the LED Backup Lights, a factor I can't disregard.
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I would also have to weld two mounts for it into the rear bumper after cutting it out.
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This was just another step which could turn very quickly into a much larger project then I am prepared for at this point and
I also don't want to bite more off than I can chew especially while having to deal with my current health issues.
Manufacturer Description:
Sealed, 6-1/2" Oval LED Trailer Backup Light, Flush Mount, 36-Diode - Clear
These are sealed, oval, flush mount LED back-up lights. The light meet FMVSS 108 * requirements in any 360 degree position. This clear lights measures each 6-1/2" long x 2-5/16" wide x 1-13/16" deep.
The Lenses and the housings are one unit that is sonically sealed and therefore waterproof, providing protection to the 36 light-emitting diodes (LED's). The molded plastic housings and the durable lenses providing all-weather protection against corrosion.
Each light draws 0.275 amps at 12.8 volts. The light mounts flush, and a separate, industry standard, two-prong plug is used for the wiring connection to easily upgrade from incandescent lights. A mounting grommet and plug are required to complete the installation.
The main features are:
Clear, oblong light functions as a back-up light
Sealed, waterproof housing and lens unit
Corrosion resistant
36 LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
Accepts industry standard, 2-prong plug
Simple to upgrade from incandescent lights
Flush mounts with a rubber mounting grommet (required)
Dimensions:
6-1/2" L x 2-5/16" W x 1-13/16" D
0.275 amps at 12.8 volts each
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Front View
Side View
Back View
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Let's get started with the Install:
The simple plan here is, that the new lights will be wired in conjunction with the into the tail light build-in backup lights and therefore providing additional light. They will light up as soon as I put my shifter in reverse. I also will be integrating an external auxilary switch into the wiring layout, this way I can also disable them when I don't need them, like in the city or well lit locations. This just makes sense to me!
1. Here is a picture of the rear bumper on my Dodge Durango just before I got started with the install of the new LED backup lights. |
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2. Another picture before installing. I inspected the bumper carefully on the back for any wires which I had put in for the license plate light. |
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3. I began the install process by masking of both corners of the bumper, measuring and drawing the cut-out section with a MagicMarker on it. |
4. Daddy, you got it all wrong, look here! Yes, of course I would have cut right into my bumper mounting plates if I left it like this. Great catch! |
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5. Measure twice cut once someone once said. After careful inspection I did re-drew the cut-out's on both corners of the bumper. |
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6. Now I am good to go and I start by drilling a hole into the bumper which has to be wide enough to stick a JigSaw blade through it.
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7. Using my Jigsaw with a medium size metal cutting blade I am now cutting the oval I drew onto the bumper out. I use WD40 to spray in intervalls onto the blade to keep it lubricated. |
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8. I took a while to get it done, 3/16" steel isn't a quick cut! Next I am removing the masking tape and clean the area up using shop towels, a universal degreaser and Windex. |
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9. Here is the LED backup light. The rubber grommet around the LED light aids in reducing vibrations to be transferred to the light itself for a longer service life.
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10. The first test fitting revealed that I need to grind just a tiny bit off here and there.This is quickly done by using my grinder with a course wheel. |
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11. I am going around the edge with a halfround file, this takes care of any sharp edges which prevents insuries and also gives it a more professional look.  |
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12. Before I install the light, I paint the edges and the exposed metal with some POR15 paint. This is thick stuff, using a small hand brush works great with that.  |
13. The right LED Backup light is now installed! I am now repeating the entire procedure on the other corner!  |
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14. That was a lot of fun and it looks really sharp! Next step is to get the lights correctly wired up with the OEM lights.  |
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15. I start by setting my tools up and taking the two screws off which hold the tail light and the guards to the vehicle.
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16. I then shift the truck into reverse and check with a small 12V cable tester which of the wires is the one providing power to the backup lights.  |
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17. Turns out to be the purple wire on my Durango and I am using a Tap Splice Connector to splice the plug wire from the LED light into this existing wire.  |
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18. I am setting up my a Hakko Solder station, some resin core solder, and a 3rd hand to hold the cable temporary in place for the soldering which is next.
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19. I have now soldered the other end from the spliced in wire to the connector of the LED Backup Lights.  |
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20. A piece of shrink tubing will make this section waterproof and prevent any future corrosion to the joint.  |
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21. Wrapping the cable in electric tape and again with Black Friction Hockey Stick Tape to prevent rattling.
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22. The LED Backup Lights are now routed below and behind the bumper and then plugged in.  |
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23. A small hole is drilled and the negative (ground) wire is securely attached to the chassis.  |
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The project is now completed, it was fairly easy and could be done on a Saturday afternoon.
Now I just had to wait until it was dark outside to test the new lights out. |
I made a shot before and one after the lights were hooked up and you can see the difference in the pictures below.
Before  |
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After  |
Verdict:
Although it did improve the lighting behind the vehicle, I am not really impressed with the outcome at this point despite what the camera seems to show (just look closely at the concrete patch behind it).
I honestly have expected more light output from them especially considering the somewhat steep price. However, I will be doing some more testing in pitch darkness at my friends driveway :-) and will report back with an update until then I'll give this upgrade an "It's OK" stamp of approval. |
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This Project was completed on 04-27-2010
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