Backup Light Upgrade
The following 3 users liked this post by whitescrew77:
12-18-2014, 06:47 PM
#62
Senior Member
An "aha" moment...
Worrying about legality of using subject auxiliary lights prompted me to do some online searching of laws. As I figured, not legal here in AZ for; "Not more than two backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but a backup lamp shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion". Other state laws are likely similar.
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument....28&DocType=ARS
With that known, I'll mount a single low profile LED lamp with flood-style beam and provide switched power from inside the bed box. I have a Leer 100XL topper cap which I had built with optional 3-gang weatherproof receptacle mounted on rear driver side (above UnderCover SwingCase). Since my objective for additional rear lighting is for utility, this approach should keep me legal since it isn't switchable from inside the cab.
Worrying about legality of using subject auxiliary lights prompted me to do some online searching of laws. As I figured, not legal here in AZ for; "Not more than two backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but a backup lamp shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion". Other state laws are likely similar.
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument....28&DocType=ARS
With that known, I'll mount a single low profile LED lamp with flood-style beam and provide switched power from inside the bed box. I have a Leer 100XL topper cap which I had built with optional 3-gang weatherproof receptacle mounted on rear driver side (above UnderCover SwingCase). Since my objective for additional rear lighting is for utility, this approach should keep me legal since it isn't switchable from inside the cab.
12-18-2014, 09:43 PM
#64
Senior Member
Without intending to derail this thread (which maybe I did already in post 60), I spent some $$ tonight rather than waiting on replies to my comments in post 59 regarding the inexpensive LED lights some of you bought. For my previously stated functional yet legal utility lighting, I chose Lifetime LED Lighting products. Shopped around and found best deal at Nutrend (div of Newegg) at 20% off MSRP with no shipping or tax. Not the least spendy alternative but thinking it'll work well for me...
These items for under bumper mount on the driver side receiver hitch support:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._inch_18w_cree (90* flood plus 1400 Lumens)
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._switch_wiring (truck bed installation)
And this mag mount lamp for semi-portable lighting:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le...ighter_adapter
These items for under bumper mount on the driver side receiver hitch support:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._inch_18w_cree (90* flood plus 1400 Lumens)
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._switch_wiring (truck bed installation)
And this mag mount lamp for semi-portable lighting:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le...ighter_adapter
12-18-2014, 09:49 PM
#65
Senior Member
[MENTION=182348]DirtDawg[/MENTION] I responded to your post about the legality. It's one way around it since "only 2 reverse lights are allowed" per your state. While many things are illegal (like certain levels of tint), it's really up to the person to use these things responsibly. LEO's wont usually mess with people unless they are doing something blatantly stupid like flashing people behind you with LED's while driving down the road. That's why I suggested to essentially replace your stock lights with a set that sits below the bumper like the ones in this thread. It would still be abiding by the law, but net you much more usable and driver friendly light.
12-18-2014, 09:51 PM
#66
King Hater
Without intending to derail this thread (which maybe I did already in post 60), I spent some $$ tonight rather than waiting on replies to my comments in post 59 regarding the inexpensive LED lights some of you bought. For my previously stated functional yet legal utility lighting, I chose Lifetime LED Lighting products. Shopped around and found best deal at Nutrend (div of Newegg) at 20% off MSRP with no shipping or tax. Not the least spendy alternative but thinking it'll work well for me...
These items for under bumper mount on the driver side receiver hitch support:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._inch_18w_cree (90* flood plus 1400 Lumens)
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._switch_wiring (truck bed installation)
And this mag mount lamp for semi-portable lighting:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le...ighter_adapter
These items for under bumper mount on the driver side receiver hitch support:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._inch_18w_cree (90* flood plus 1400 Lumens)
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le..._switch_wiring (truck bed installation)
And this mag mount lamp for semi-portable lighting:
https://www.lifetimeledlights.com/le...ighter_adapter
12-18-2014, 10:02 PM
#67
Senior Member
I t-tapped into the center wire on the trailer harness then grounded them on their mounting bolts. I need to go tuck and weatherproof my wiring this weekend - I wanted to see if I was happy with them before I cleaned them up.
12-18-2014, 10:02 PM
#68
Senior Member
@DirtDawg I responded to your post about the legality. It's one way around it since "only 2 reverse lights are allowed" per your state. While many things are illegal (like certain levels of tint), it's really up to the person to use these things responsibly. LEO's wont usually mess with people unless they are doing something blatantly stupid like flashing people behind you with LED's while driving down the road. That's why I suggested to essentially replace your stock lights with a set that sits below the bumper like the ones in this thread. It would still be abiding by the law, but net you much more usable and driver friendly light.
12-18-2014, 10:09 PM
#69
King Hater
Amazon ones are flood lights too. Some of us dont have the extra $$ sitting around and need to save a buck when we can. I can buy 2 sets for what you paid for one.
BTW, amazon has excellent customer service and if you have any issues with products, they will go above and beyond to help you out.
BTW, amazon has excellent customer service and if you have any issues with products, they will go above and beyond to help you out.
12-18-2014, 10:18 PM
#70
I have the flood light version of these (like what others posted above):
Amazon.com: 2x 18w LED Spot Work Light: Automotive
The spot light ones are $20 for the pair. The flood light pattern are slightly more.
They work great! I've had them for a few months with no issues. Mine come on only with the reverse lights. Eventually I'd like to put them on a switch, so I can turn them on whenever I need light out back.
Amazon.com: 2x 18w LED Spot Work Light: Automotive
The spot light ones are $20 for the pair. The flood light pattern are slightly more.
They work great! I've had them for a few months with no issues. Mine come on only with the reverse lights. Eventually I'd like to put them on a switch, so I can turn them on whenever I need light out back.