Forum Discussion

FF_PM's avatar
FF_PM
Explorer
Jul 23, 2018

Reverse lighting question

I am replacing my tow vehicle lights with LED. If I put an LED reverse light in the truck that is too bright, would that make backing at night harder or is that light useful? I'm afraid the truck reverse lights would blind reflecting off the front of the 5er. Appreciate all input!
  • Instead of replacing the bulbs use one of your uplifter switches and add a separate LED light that you can turn on and off when needed. That would really come in handy when you need to do something behind your truck at night.
  • Your thought is well founded. More light from the truck will blind you. At one time I blocked my factory reverse lights with magnetic sign material when I backed my fiver at night.
    The center pin on your 7 way is for reverse lights. Easy enough to put lights right behind your jack legs and/or under the rear bumper of the 5er. The lights behind the jack legs will let you see where your tires are as you back up.
  • At times, I wish I could disable my truck brake lights when backing, so I think your concern is valid.
  • Halmfamily wrote:
    Instead of replacing the bulbs use one of your uplifter switches and add a separate LED light that you can turn on and off when needed. That would really come in handy when you need to do something behind your truck at night.


    Exactly what I did and it has worked out great.
    I have it on a circuit that is always hot (came off 12V power port in dash) so I can turn them on even with the truck off.
    Using upfitter switches would definitely lend to the :C factor.
  • Think he is replacing his truck lights for aesthetics and wondering what the adverse side affects will be.
  • I have really considered mounting leds under my trailer just for this reason, even the cheap ones should work well for backing in the dark.
  • My rear lights and backup lights are so bright I have to lay towels over the top of the bed to black them out so I can see. I too would like to wire some sort of cut-off switch for them.
  • bucky wrote:
    Your thought is well founded. More light from the truck will blind you. At one time I blocked my factory reverse lights with magnetic sign material when I backed my fiver at night.I have to agree with this, the more light you have will hinder you from seeing past the front of trailer while backing.
    The center pin on your 7 way is for reverse lights. Easy enough to put lights right behind your jack legs and/or under the rear bumper of the 5er. The lights behind the jack legs will let you see where your tires are as you back up.I don't have a opinion on lights on landing gear, but lights at or close to the rear would help.
  • johntank wrote:
    bucky wrote:
    Your thought is well founded. More light from the truck will blind you. At one time I blocked my factory reverse lights with magnetic sign material when I backed my fiver at night.I have to agree with this, the more light you have will hinder you from seeing past the front of trailer while backing.
    The center pin on your 7 way is for reverse lights. Easy enough to put lights right behind your jack legs and/or under the rear bumper of the 5er. The lights behind the jack legs will let you see where your tires are as you back up.I don't have a opinion on lights on landing gear, but lights at or close to the rear would help.


    Why I don't mind towing/moving our GN trailer in the dark. LOTS of lights down each side, including mid-trailer turn signals. :B

    Lyle
  • I am going to add switched reverse lights to the trailer, I like the extra light while hitching up, but wondering if (before I buy) if the LED would be too much. The main reason for the change out is just trying to be more visible. I haven't done anything simply for aesthetics. Truck looks bone stock. Seeking out the most practical and efficient upgrades. More light behind me is the goal.