Stealth Reverse Lights Mounted with pics
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Personally, I think an actual reverse lamp (like the ones from PIAA) or a heavy equipment flood lamp do the overall best job for lighting.
Hella has a few of the heavy equipment floods...some HIDs that are super bright.
Or, I have seen people put HIDs in their stock reverse housings.....those are really bright as well.
Hella has a few of the heavy equipment floods...some HIDs that are super bright.
Or, I have seen people put HIDs in their stock reverse housings.....those are really bright as well.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 219
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
I installed these a few months ago on my rig and they do a pretty good job. Not to say that a bigger light like the PIAA's DC is talking about wouldn't do better. But they helped me for what I needed and they are nice and hidden. Definately want to put the 100w bulbs in, makes a for sure difference.
I bought my lites at Autozone here in Houston in the same box as BearHunter's pic earlier in the post. However I was at Advance the other day and saw the same exact lights in a different box. I mean they were exactly the same except they were in a completly different box. Same price and everything. Like $29.99 or something.
As far as Velcro if anyone is having a hard time. I went to Hobby Lobby in their cloth department and found there heavy duty indoor/outdoor velcro. Seems to be holding up great. Just try no to make adjustments to the lights while they are hot, cause it melts the adhesive and the lights slide on the backing of the velcro.
Oh. And these lights get hot quick, so be careful. They are cheapies, but they to get the job done.
I bought my lites at Autozone here in Houston in the same box as BearHunter's pic earlier in the post. However I was at Advance the other day and saw the same exact lights in a different box. I mean they were exactly the same except they were in a completly different box. Same price and everything. Like $29.99 or something.
As far as Velcro if anyone is having a hard time. I went to Hobby Lobby in their cloth department and found there heavy duty indoor/outdoor velcro. Seems to be holding up great. Just try no to make adjustments to the lights while they are hot, cause it melts the adhesive and the lights slide on the backing of the velcro.
Oh. And these lights get hot quick, so be careful. They are cheapies, but they to get the job done.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 7
From: Circle City
If you guys want a "brighter" idea, take the 4 screws off the back and remove the lamp inside (held by one screw) Please don't touch the glass.
Take the backing and measure and cut out a piece of mirror aprox. 1"x 1 1/4" sqare. Either super glue or epoxy the thing to the inside of the lamp housing.
The issue is that these lights don't have a reflector so you need to make one.
After reassembling the lamp install the oem side bolts that would normally be held with the (unused) bracket.
Turn the bolts just enough to expose about one to two threads. Apply 2 part epoxy to the base of the lamp housing, orient and set on top of receiver hitch ( these lamps have a wide beam so it isn't critical just where it sets up).
Take some tie wire and wrap around the hitch and each side bolt. Use pliers to twist tight the wire, Presto! you're done, and you can still acess the back of the lamp but can't remove the now secure housing.
The mirror adds the missing element to the exsisting 55 watt fixture.
The epoxy and tie wire makes it more permanent.
Take the backing and measure and cut out a piece of mirror aprox. 1"x 1 1/4" sqare. Either super glue or epoxy the thing to the inside of the lamp housing.
The issue is that these lights don't have a reflector so you need to make one.
After reassembling the lamp install the oem side bolts that would normally be held with the (unused) bracket.
Turn the bolts just enough to expose about one to two threads. Apply 2 part epoxy to the base of the lamp housing, orient and set on top of receiver hitch ( these lamps have a wide beam so it isn't critical just where it sets up).
Take some tie wire and wrap around the hitch and each side bolt. Use pliers to twist tight the wire, Presto! you're done, and you can still acess the back of the lamp but can't remove the now secure housing.
The mirror adds the missing element to the exsisting 55 watt fixture.
The epoxy and tie wire makes it more permanent.
Last edited by Benchwrench; Nov 28, 2007 at 09:20 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
i have no doubt that i will ever back into anything. i have the reverse sensors and a back up camera. and if i do ever back into anything, i would probably worry about a set of $20 lights last.
bench, yeah, i just looked close at the pic. it is funny now that i see it. and actually, i am 6'5".....
bench, yeah, i just looked close at the pic. it is funny now that i see it. and actually, i am 6'5".....
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
i also wanted to mount them on the top of the hitch but on the excursions, there just isn't the same ammount of room that the sd trucks have.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Woodside, CA
RacerX the reason bear hunters lights are able to be mounted ontop of the hitch is because i think the 05+ have more room above the hitch than the 99-04 i think. Atleast i cant mount them ontop of the hitch so im going to try what DC did to his bumpers. and with chrome bumpers it will be light as day at night.
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Woodside, CA
i'd like to rechrome the bumper to make sure the chrome wont peel off around the lights, but im sure with lots of prep the door trim stuff may work out.
and DC are the lights completly sourrounded on the inside of the bumper or is it just a piece of metal on the mounting side of the light?
and DC are the lights completly sourrounded on the inside of the bumper or is it just a piece of metal on the mounting side of the light?
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
I did a similar install on my 07 Explorer yesterday. I did use different lights, but the relay set up works perfect. Simple, but it took some time to get the wires placed. (I am particular about tucking and securing my wiring).
I hope everyone is as sucessful as I was on my project.
Great thread.
I hope everyone is as sucessful as I was on my project.
Great thread.
