LED Reverse/ Backup lights in rear bumper step cavity?

[Andy Seibel]

Hello all, I have searched for ideas on this, and only found a few people who installed "mood lighting" inside the bumper step.

 

I'm wondering how simple or effective it would be to get some real reverse flood lights inside the bumper step? I know you could fill the whole cavity with a tractor light and it would work, but I'd like to still be able to use the step if I need it. So has anyone installed an LED flush mount or similar light that actually throws enough light behind them to use for backing up/ doing work? How does it fit inside the curved surface of the step?

 

The reason is I want the ability to have light behind me for plowing snow. I already replaced the factory reverse and cargo bulbs with LEDs, I think they work fairly nice, but they throw really straight back like a spotlight. I'm hoping to have a little wider path lit up. I don't want to cut the bumper or have lights hanging down below the bumper, but I know those would be alternative options.

 

I know there have been a lot of creative people adding auxiliary lights to their trucks, so I'm hoping someone can show how you were able to do this.

[bndawgs]

these look pretty cool. but wouldn't throw enough light for what you need.

 

http://www.autoanything.com/lights/anzo-led-rear-bumper-step-lights

[Mike1220]

not really sure if you can put a flush mount in there. Aside from not being able to sit right, If I remember correctly, the bedside panels have a curve behind there that you'd hit/have to cut.

Another option would be adding the lights under the bumper. Thats how I have mine and like it better than flush mounts in the OEM bumper so theres no cutting. I pulled the screw that was used to hold the bumper step in place at the bottom and replaced it with the bolt and nut that come from Rigid Industries. They are holding extremely tight and can even loosen them to turn them if I choose.

[Silvern Sentry]

these look pretty cool. but wouldn't throw enough light for what you need.

 

http://www.autoanything.com/lights/anzo-led-rear-bumper-step-lights

 

 

I looked at these awhile ago as thought they looked cool but they have bad reviews. Lots of people complain about the quality and especially waterproofing. Anzo does not seem to make high quality products IMO they just sell flashy. But does kind of makes sense that water may be an issue at that location.

Edited October 14, 2016 by Alpine Truck Life

[Panik]

I mounted a set of cubes in the footwells on the rear bumper. Ended up using one of the torx bolts that hold the plastic footwell to the bumper. I did have to use loctite when I put the torx bolts back in as they tended to back out with the weight of the lights. Looks pretty good and I still have retained the use of the steps. I used a knock out bit and drilled a hole in each footwell to pass the wiring to the underside of the bumper. With a rubber grommet and the placement you really can't see the hole unless you look for it. I've had them on for about six months and the only issue I have had is remembering to spin the cubes around into the footwell when I go through the car wash. To

[amxguy1970]

There is a bro dozer running around here that did the same thing, mounted some 2x2 cubes in there. Looks good and I am sure they work pretty well too. Haven't seen a write up on it yet.

Tyler

Edited October 14, 2016 by amxguy1970

[rcoles871]

I installed Rigid dually lights in the cavity that mount to the top side. Kind of a pain to get the plastic portion pulled out far enough to drill the the mounting hole on the top side put they work great. I have the ones with the diffusion lenses to spread the light. Here is a link to the lights:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NKUMK8/ref=pd_sim_263_4/151-6702282-7258659?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007NKUMK8&pd_rd_r=X8NC3Y3Y1FTZKDYEH53P&pd_rd_w=tGcE0&pd_rd_wg=NR5Kc&psc=1&refRID=X8NC3Y3Y1FTZKDYEH53P

 

Will try to post pics soon.

[tjn54321]

I installed 1 led light in each bumper step. I drilled a hole in the center of the step toward the top. Right behind your hitch are a bunch of wires and plugs. I connected both wires to one of the wires that works with the cargo lights and grounded out the others. I forgot which one it was but ill look tomorrow. It works perfect. Never had a problem. I added some pictures below.

 

 

 

 

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[gmdog2]

Hello,

I just installed the Rigid Flush Mount Ignite Series. Provides a lot of light for the sides and the camera. Just thought I'd share with ya..Good luck.

 

[mjdxtreme]

Hello,

I just installed the Rigid Flush Mount Ignite Series. Provides a lot of light for the sides and the camera. Just thought I'd share with ya..Good luck.

 

20161102_175618.jpg

20161102_115832.jpg

I need some more details on this set up. I really like what you did and have been looking to ger better lighting out back when in reverse as I have some dark tint. Did you have to remove the rear step to install or we you able to install with the steps still on? Where did you pick up the lights?

[gmdog2]

I need some more details on this set up. I really like what you did and have been looking to ger better lighting out back when in reverse as I have some dark tint. Did you have to remove the rear step to install or we you able to install with the steps still on? Where did you pick up the lights?

I sent you a PM.

[Abearclaw]

I sent you a PM.

Whoa dude, spread the wealth! I'm interested as well. Looks killer! Love what you did there

 

 

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[neessh]

Me too....please post a link to where you got them and how it was installed.....appreciate it much!

[jvbronco]

Same here. This is one of the cooler mods I've seen

 

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[gmdog2]

Thank you for the nice comments everyone...much appreciated. I'll do my best to give you how I did it-

 

The lights I used are these- http://www.rigidindu...-lighting/20641

 

However, I just found them on Amazon for like 92.50..

 

The Rigids come with a round template and I used a Harbor Freight Step Drill. I think you can by the whole set on sale for like 8.99 for three of these gold plated step drills. Then just locate the center, mark, drill out and they slide in. The lights are square/rectangular shape on the back side. I've included another pic from the underneath for reference.

Also, I did not remove the plastic steps. I did loosen the screws that hold them in and warmed the plastic a little. I pulled the top down when it came time to put screws in the top of the flush mounts to put the nut on the back.(I'd just use long needle nose pliers to put the nut and washer on if I were to do it a again) Then I put the step back in and used long needle nose pliers to hold the nut on top and bottom while I tighten them down. Spliced, soldered, heat shrink, put back in OEM factory sheathing and reinstalled both rear taillights.

Then, second issue came up for me, factory back up lights were a dull yellow compared to the Rigids, so I ordered some new LED's for back ups in the OEM sockets which now are as white as the Rigid's.

While I was at it, I changed my license plate bulbs to LED bulbs as well.

I have about 5 hrs of labor and wiring.

Mark