Backup Lights

Status
Not open for further replies.

BoatBuoy

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
4,856
I haven't used my boat in some time, but I plan on using it this upcoming season. The ramps I use have no significant lighting. I'm thinking about installing some lights on the back of my tow vehicle to assist in launch/retrieval after dark. My vehicle backup lights lack a lot being of much use. Have any of you installed supplemental backup lights and if so what kind?
 

wayne h

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
862
Re: Backup Lights

get a set of fog lights and install them under your bumper on your tow vehicle. u can also get halogen backup blubs for your backup lights on your vehicle.i dont know if that will help u. but any good fog light kit will work they make them in many styles now so they are not to bulky and ugly. helps with tailgaters also haha
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,859
Re: Backup Lights

I've been looking at these.<br /><br /><br /> lights <br /><br />I used to have a pair of driving lights mounted inside my truck cap, and my full sized van. But now I have a baby-blazer, and need a new set up.
 

bubbakat

Captain
Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
3,110
Re: Backup Lights

BoatBouy get some shaped like rosco is showing here. in is post. I installed some on my truck and they work great for seeing behind the trk.<br />They are low profile and won't get snaged off on something.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,357
Re: Backup Lights

Well,<br />I'm getting Older,+ Blinder......<br /><br />I bought a set of 4" round "Flood" lights at the local Tractor Supply Store,+ mounted them up high on my ladder rack...........<br />I have them wired to my back of cab "Courtesy" light...........<br />Backing up, just the factory back-up lights work.... <br />Turn on the doom light/courtsey light,<br />And, I Can See .................... ;)
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Backup Lights

does anyone have the cabela's lights?<br /><br />bondo- your set-up with the ladder rack sounds like it would work great. but the cabela's lights look a little small and at the angle doesn't seem like they would light things up much.<br /><br />i'm looking for a solution for my 'burban too. i was thinking of adding a holder to the trailer winch post and attaching a light there, thinking that it would help to get the light(s) higher up. but that doesn't sound so good either. not to mention the glare when approaching with the boat.<br /><br />anyone tried the cabela's lights?
 

gewf631

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 4, 2003
Messages
489
Re: Backup Lights

For $25, one of these magnetic mounted lights seems the way to go Northern Tool
160965_lg.gif
 

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: Backup Lights

I bought a pair of 55w halogen fog/driving lights at Harbor Freight for 19.95. (on sale) I mounted them under the rear bumper of my Suburban, triggered them off of my back up lights and powered them using the trailer brake lead (in the factory harness)wired to the battery, via a relay. When I back up, watch out. It's like daylight behind my Burb.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,097
Re: Backup Lights

If you go with lights I would suggest the Fog lights due to the fact they usually cast a narrow wide beam. Driving lights have a narrow beam and are not as effective when backing your rig.<br /><br />Bob
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: Backup Lights

On my old van I put one of those downforce wings from JC Whitney, with a couple foglights bolted to it. Lite up the boat and the launch. Looked cool at night too
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Backup Lights

i've just got an old Lucas foglight bolted to the rear roof gutter of my Isuzu thats hooked up to my reversing lights.It looks rough but works well,but my Isuzu looks like a refugee from a war film anyway. When I tried to use a cigar-lighter plugged light the socket got VERY hot indeed-hot enough to burn the unsuspecting and definitely not safe with kids around.
 

araiha

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2001
Messages
121
Re: Backup Lights

I have a set of 3 x 5 JABSCO floodlights under the truck bumper, and a set on the back of the trailer. May be overkill, but I can see real well on dark launches/recoveries and greatly helps depth perception when backing the trailer in the dark. <br /><br />I chose these lights for simplicity since that is what I use on the boat as well.
 

NYMINUTE

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
3,298
Re: Backup Lights

I have a set under the rear bumper of my SUV. Thinking of adding one to the winch post on the trailer, that plugs into the SUV 12v Oulet in the trunk (Back)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top