Possible Rear Lighting Solution?

[TheForger]

So I've been thinking about adding more lights to the rear of my Hundy to enhance my rear visibility when backing up and also for ambient lighting while setting up camp. I have been thinking about several different locations to mount lights and what lights to use. I came across these 7" single row LED bars on Amazon and I was wondering if mounting them to the rear wind deflector (one on each side of the top brake light) would be possible or not. Weighing in at only 1.1lbs per unit, I would think the deflector would be able to hold that amount of weight. What are y'all's thoughts on this option? I also purchased a pair of LED reverse lights to replace the stock ones but I doubt that will be sufficient lighting, especially considering my obsession with LEDs If you have any other solutions you'd like to share, feel free to post them below!

 

[spressomon]

Mount them on the roof (via roof rack/slots)...then they'll do double duty when you're in camp with the hatch open . One step better: Mount single LED pods using a camera ballhead...and get the benefit of aim-able/directable light wash. I can aim mine straight down/up for indirect, more eye friendly,light wash or anything in between.

That's how I have mine and they are incredibly useful and versatile.

 

[OregonLC]

Like the idea. Pics?

 

[2000UZJ]

They are hard to see in this picture but the only one I could find. Two 16W lamps on the rear bumper and two 10W lamps on the roof rack. Killer camp lights and rear visibility. The rack mounted lights were on swivels so I could point them anywhere. Awesome feature.

 

[duggy]

I used these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJKXW8M/?tag=ihco-20

 

[TheForger]

I can't mount them to my roof rack because I have to take it off when summer rolls around so I can fit in the garage where I store my boat and camper. I like the bracket @yodaTEQ makes for the 80s that goes on the side of the hatch, but the ability to aim them whenever I want would be fantastic. Any pics of your setup @spressomon ?

 

[DarkPharf]

You could try mounting them on CB antenna mounts just off the rear hatch. Just watch for clearance on the door.

I have mine under the roof rack.

 

[Manhattan]

How about fab'ing some brackets - mounting them in place of the rear air deflector, using the holes in the roof that are already there. Or, go nuts... flush-mount them IN the wind deflector; hiding the wiring behind it... give it a quasi-factory look.

 

[DJWUZJ]

LabRak has mounts for the rear deck lid. You can also use the CB mount.

 

[Manhattan]

Assuming the added lights are LED and not huge, could they be wired into the reverse lights? 99% of the time, I'd want them on with the reverse lights. I'd rather not flip a switch every time I back up - I know, first world problems. Plus, at camp - engine off, in reverse would work.

 

[spressomon]

Like the idea. Pics?

Any pics of your setup @spressomon ?

Either when it stops raining or I get my desktop computer, with all my photos, operational I'll post photos. FWIW I have the lights mounted to my FrontRunner roof rack channels...so if you're running the OEM roof rack my set-up may/may not work as well.

They are switched via rocker switch on the dash...I didn't want them tied to the back up lights as the 7W Cree backup bulbs do a great job for back-up purposes 90% of the time. I've had them up top for going on 4-years and am 100% happy. And they're out of harms way. The only thing that would be nice, sometimes, is a translucent red lense cover.

 

[ntsaint]

I have 4 of the cube/pod LEDs on my rack/bumper (2 high, 2 low), and they are controlled by a rocker switch, BUT also wired in so that when I hit my reverse lights they come on. They make a HUGE difference obviously. Light up the whole area.

 

[ntsaint]

After having seen the short/wide lights above though, I just ordered a pair and will use those instead of the cubes up high.

And that handicap spot I'm parking in is at a building I own...on a Sunday

 

[bdac]

What's the best method for tapping a power source for 12v constant and 12v reverse?

 

[ntsaint]

I tapped power from the fuse block I have in the rear of the truck. Reverse power came from one of the rear tail lights, drilled in from the back side. Had to use resistors between the LEDs and factory wiring.

 

[TheForger]

Got the LED reverse lights in today, will probably install this weekend. I will see how well these increase my visibility but most likely it won't be much. Any tips or tricks to get the taillights out or can I install these without removing them? Looks like I just have to take a couple bolts out after dropping the tailgate.

 

[ntsaint]

You will find that those are brighter but don't help much. That's what I found anyway.

Popping the rear lights is easy. Pull the two screws and then give it a good bump outward away from the fender. Pops right off.

 

[duggy]

After having seen the short/wide lights above though, I just ordered a pair and will use those instead of the cubes up high.

And that handicap spot I'm parking in is at a building I own...on a Sunday

If you bought the ones I posted, you'll enjoy them. I plan on buying two more to retrofit into my ARB bumper.

 

[ntsaint]

I did. How are they holding up?

 

[spressomon]

FWIW: The 5W Cree reverse LEDs were just OK but the 7W are much better.