How well do LED backup lights work?
 

How well do LED backup lights work?

Started by belfert, August 18, 2009, 07:41:50 AM

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belfert

Does anyone have any experience with LED backup lights?  Are they as bright/brighter than incandescant?

I currently have two Peterson M393C lights for backup lights.  The only LED backup light I can find that would work in the space is the Maxxima M42205.  It has 20 LEDs.

I might just replace the lens on the lights I have now, but it would be nice to have all LED across the back so no more worries about bulbs burning out.  (Of course, LEDs can fail too.)
Brian Elfert - 1995 Dina Viaggio 1000 Series 60/B500 - 75% done but usable - Minneapolis, MN

TomC

As far as a backup light that warns others of you backing, it would work fine.  As to illuminating a dark night-you can't beat a sealed halogen light for brightness.  Good Luck, TomC
Tom & Donna Christman. 1985 Kenworth 40ft Super C with garage. '77 AMGeneral 10240B; 8V-71TATAIC V730.

Jeremy

Yes, it's a long time since backup lights were actually designed to help you see where you were going. If you regularly reverse into dark areas the real solution would be something like this:




Jeremy
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belfert

The present backup lights are pretty bright so it sounds like I should just stick with what I have.  I'll just replace the lenses as they are in bad shape.

I do have a backup buzzer that warns folks if I am backing.  I try to avoid backing except at home where the bus is parked.
Brian Elfert - 1995 Dina Viaggio 1000 Series 60/B500 - 75% done but usable - Minneapolis, MN

zimtok

I installed LED backup lights on my bus and they do an OK job of illumination. The P.O. of the bus had fog lights bolted to the back of the bus that looked just awful and made washing the bus difficult because they were not recessed into the back panel. I use the backup lights all the time in and out of my driveway and in and out of parking at the venues the band plays at. More then anything I need to install side lights on the bus to illuminate what is on the sides of the bus. you would be supprised how many people park real close to this big beast and with a dark color car at night it is difficult to determine how close they are.

Here are photos showing before and after the lights were installed.

See the rectangle fog lights just above the round red tail lights




Now it is much cleaner looking with the four upper lights for tail brake and turn signal and the lower lights for backup lights.



And with the lights off they all have clear lenses...









1960 PD4104-4971 - Memphis TN

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