backup lights project - anyone?
 

any of you guys have good aftermarket backup lights? i am just curious how everyone else did theirs... i just finished my project. i wanted something i can use to see behind me on the road, in the bed, and some to the sides. post up pics if you can, pics tell a thousand words!

-cutts-

Would like to see your pics. :)

lol ok, i will get the ball rolling. i used a pair of rectangular marine lights found at del city Halogen Flood Lamps (made by BEP marine, ironically they are HQ'd 2 miles from where i work in Peachtree City!) that give off great light. i welded two small tabs on my reciver hitch frame and bolted them facing back and some to the sides. i tried to place them away from the tire so they didnt get pounded by rocks and debris.

then i used a pair of CAT replacement work lights found on CAT equipment (CAT Lamp "G" Part # 142-8637 3x3 Halogen Light). i had a harder time finding these than i anticipated but finally found a source. they ran me about $50 each but are WELL worth it! i used those cheap stake pocket tie down kits to bolt the lights down. here are some pics:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M...0/DSCN0436.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...0/DSCN0438.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3...0/DSCN0444.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X...0/DSCN0445.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k...0/DSCN0443.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4...0/DSCN0441.JPG

-cutts-

ok here are some comparisons. i still need to get a good shot of all four lights on at the same time.

no lights on, just camera flash:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g...0/DSCN0424.JPG

bottom lights only:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M...0/DSCN0426.JPG

top lights only:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...0/DSCN0427.JPG

view from behind:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w...0/DSCN0430.JPG

-cutts-

Thanks for posting the pics, very nice, I'll bet they really light things up. :-jammin I thought I heard or read somewhere that the were not legal, maybe just in some states?

also, here is the link the gallery, (https://picasaweb.google.com/WunTunE...eat=directlink) i have a few more pics i took. i used separate switches and relays to isolate them from each other. i didn't want to be tied to my reverse lights but they are keyed so i cant accidentally leave them on. i bought a handful of rocker switches to clean up my dash, i had a bunch of different switches and it was starting to look bad.

-cutts-

not sure, havent heard one way or another. i am sure they are illegal somewhere. i'll take my chances here in GA.

yes they are great for those dark nights i just need a lil more light or for when i have a load in the bed i need to keep any eye on.

-cutts-

Just my plow Lights Attachment 46879

BTW, the stock backup lights are powered directly from the transmission switch. If you tap into the backup wire to the trailer hitch, it is powered through a relay beside the power distribution box under the hood. That is probably better suited to running add on lights.

that was one requirement i had, i wanted lights separate from reverse i could just flip a switch. these lights are for illuminating my load, be it a trailer or bed full of furniture. too many times have i wondered if everything behind me was ok and still strapped down at night. now i can just flip on the lights. sometimes i cant tell where my trailer tires are, a lot of roads i turn down in the country have deep, hidden ditches... now i can flip on the lights and watch my tires. i consider it a safety feature.

i wanted to put lights up higher but i dont have a headache rack and do not want to drill in the body unless i absolutely have to.

-cutts-

Cutts,
I don't have anything to show you but on my old red truck I had the lights like you have under the truck. Between seeing your pics and plowing this morning I have decided to copy you under the truck and the side lights. I ordered 4 tractor work lights. They won't look as nice as your square light up top but I should be able to see well.

One thing I will do different though is have them set up to turn on with the BU lights and on a seperate switch that way I can choose how I want them on

I really like that setup Cutts. I'm going to have to add those to my rig.

Holy Brightness Bat Man.. I've been thinking of doing up something as well. ;)