(Partial) cure for anemic backup lights

[WeeHooker]

I seem to remember a couple of threads here in the last year where we were looking for a solution to our anemic backup / reverse lights. Given the size of the (191) bulb, there isn't a whole lot we can do with them. I did install some 15 LED replacements but they were only marginally better .
Took a chance this week and ordered the Light Buster Hitch light (off Ebay) after reading some reviews on the net. I have to say it works excellent for what it is. First, it plugs directly into the 7 pin trailer connector with no mods and stays there securely/without slop. It's decently built with a thick case, good wide angle reflector, 55W Halogen bulb and a gasket sealed lens. When installed, the lens sticks out maybe 1.5" past the bumper and it doesn't look bad at all. Once installed, you can twist the head of it to switch it from constant on ( requires head/parking lights on) or auto on when in reverse. As for light. It works VERY well. Since the unit is slightly off center, there is more light on the drivers side vs passenger side (when looking out your mirrors) but it's bright, white and widely dispersed. ( Think light intensity and spread like one of the factory OEM fogs)
My ONLY gripes with the unit are : a) it could be stolen since it's just plug in
b) has to be removed if you want to plug in trailer lights. (I may see if i can tap into it to pigtail a 4 pin harness out of the body but that's going to be another thread.)

Anyway, if your in the market for more light when you toss it into reverse, you could do ALLOT worse than this $19 investment. No affiliation yada yada.
hth

Light Buster Trailer Hitch Light, Truck & Suv, Mototrix at Sportsman's Guide

[zluke13]

Our backup lights are poor at best off the lot. I was OK with them until I got my canopy installed. Anywhere there weren't street lights was a guessing game. After reading this post I decided for $20 this thing is worth a shot. Turns out it was, I am very impressed so far, the lighting is much improved. I'm not crazy about how it looks, but it definately serves it's purpose. If it ends up stolen I will have to look for something more permanent.

[WeeHooker]

I'm not crazy about how it looks, but it definitely serves it's purpose. If it ends up stolen I will have to look for something more permanent.

My thoughts exactly. My intent was to use this until I did something more germinate but now that the "problem" is gone, the long term fix has fallen to the low end of the "to do" list. In fact, the top of my list now has the "wire a 4 pin harness in parallel to the 7 pin so I can leave the light Blaster in while towing"task as #1. FWIW, although it's appearance isn't "great', it's grown on me. It also tucks in enough so that it isn't evident that it pulls on/off easily. IF this one ever gets stolen, my guess is that it will get replaced with an identical unit that same week. It's just too simple and cheap of a fix to warrant an alternative for me.

p.s. I see we have identical (and excellent ) tastes!

[mike]

Thanks for the info.

[nightingale]

Any night pics?

[WeeHooker]

Any night pics?

I tried once but between the dark and the bright halogen beam, my camera took crappy pics. I try again soon. It's bright. Think single fog lamp coverage/brightness.

[khmaiaznboi89]

get a night shot

jus mess with the settings

[WeeHooker]

Ok, I played around with the camera settings( this thing has more presets than a cruise missile!) and got some decient pics. They don't quite do it justice but without dragging out the (dreaded ) owners manual and a tripod, this is it.

THis should give the reader an idea of the spread and intensity of the light. (I'm guessing I could read a book in it @ 30 ft out.)
Note these pics were taken in the country at 11pm on a cloudy night ( read DARK) with the light set to constasnt on (with headlights.)