I am looking for anyone that can point me in the right direction for modding the clear back up light bulb with a halogen or a brighter bulb then the standard bulb in the tail lights now. I don't want to replace the tail light, just the bulb. The back uplights are too dim to be useful when backing up.

My only option to counter that is to install fogs under the rear bumper and hooking them into the back up bulb of the tail lights (real easy mod , I know).

 

I got a back up light kit (White Knight) from JCWhitney that fits over the hitch (if you got one) or under the bumper. Its super bright, and it has a switch so you can use it as a work light.
just another option

 

Yeah I was thinking the same thing can be done with the fog light kits that come with a switch and some come with a remote too. I think I might go that route. Be great for cars following too close too... nah, that would be rude... well, maybe...

 

That's the only thing I don't like, mine has the switch on the back of the housing and I didn't what to mess with wiring the switch into the cab so I could warn those tailgaters to back off!!

 

Triton.. the kit you have, is it the one that slides into the receiver?

Go Aweigh: I would go with something other that fog lights for reverse lights. I would hook up an second switch in the cab, and not wire into the reverse lights, that way you can use them anytime you want witout shifting into reverse. Even if you go with some framed headlights, there arent flood lights, and you would have to face them outward. I know you can buy brighter bulbs from numerous stores, and I plan to do so in a week or two.

 

cow_boy104

The kit I have slides over the reciever, so you can use the hitch without removing the lights. Its suposed to be weathertight, and its been raining alot last few weeks, no problems.

 

I see that setup all the time. The extra light would be nice for backing up out of town. I put halogen in mine 45 watts. paid $20.00 canadian, and had them for 6years now and I think its well worth the price cause I can see 100% better then with the normal bulb.

 

Dude,
You can buy Halogen backup light bulbs at any auto parts store or Walmart and simply pop em in! Very Bright! Just don't leave it for extended periods with the backup lights on - they WILL melt your lenses after a while...

 

pcollins8872, I have not found any bulbs that just pop in due to the special plug in. I'll have to check my local auto store again if that is the case and we can just pop in halogens???

 

Sorry, you're right, they're a bit harder to find. The bulb is #3156, do a Google search for F150 backup light bulb or 3156 halogen or 3156 xenon and you'll find suppliers. Or, always try eBay - here's one now... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2437851127

Cheers!
98 F150, Projector headlights, Altezza taillights, killer stereo, not bad for an old guy...

 

pcollins, thanks for the heads up. I went to Autobarn and ordered the plug in lights. I also found an LED light bar I will use to install in my truck bed under both side rims so I can easily see at night. I'll hook that up to my back night driving lights so they are on when I have my night lights on. I also ordered a plug in back up beeper that comes with a halogen 3156 for one of the back up lights. (I work at a HS and want to make sure no students are behind my truck when I back out of my spot which is not in a normal paved parking spot). The lights on e-bay were 27 watt verses the Autobarn of 50 watt...

I saw one other truck with fog lights hung off the back bumper and did not like the look so this easy mod is what I think will work for me... thanks...

 

Glad it worked out. The tail lights I installed have a round reflector-style backup light and man are they bright! With brighter bulbs they would burn a path behind me. Not such a bad idea.... I'd been using the halogen b/u bulbs for years in offroad rigs, essential items!