LED Reverse/ Backup lights in rear bumper step cavity?

[Nwatson99]

 

I don't leave them on year around but very easily could and probably would, except I usually use the trailer hitch a lot more during the summer. If this one ever needs replacing, I will get the model that you can use while towing and just leave it on year around. They will see almost like it's day time back there with these.

Thank you sir I will pick them one up then, I would say they will not use it much in the summer with the longer days, but it sounds perfect for them for Fall and Winter.

[NoProblem]

Good deal - they will love it. And in case they want to remove it for any reason, it literally only takes like 30 seconds to remove or put on. Just unplug and pull the hitch pin and remove - that's all there is to it.

Edited December 15, 2016 by NoProblem

[Arth]

Okay they came in and got them installed.

 

Drilling into the plastic was very easy. I chose to follow what was done earlier and use the same mounting location. The set I got from Amazon didn't come with a mount template so I guessed.

 

I'll take a picture of what I used to drill with later. The instructions did have what should be used. I didn't loosen anything or unbolt anything for the drilling.. just went for it. I have small hands so I was able to thread both bolts just fine. I used needle nose pliers to hold the nut while I drilled down the screws. Took me roughly 1 hour including the wiring. I am an electrician by trade so it was easy. I wired into the actual reverse wires going to the reverse bulbs.

 

Over all I am very happy with the look and the performance at dusk... very nice.

 

Few pictures... Enjoy!

 

Edited December 15, 2016 by Arth

[slj2008]

Okay they came in and got them installed.

 

Drilling into the plastic was very easy. I chose to follow what was done earlier and use the same mounting location. The set I got from Amazon didn't come with a mount template so I guessed.

 

I'll take a picture of what I used to drill with later. The instructions did have what should be used. I didn't loosen anything or unbolt anything for the drilling.. just went for it. I have small hands so I was able to thread both bolts just fine. I used needle nose pliers to hold the nut while I drilled down the screws. Took me roughly 1 hour including the wiring. I am an electrician by trade so it was easy. I wired into the actual reverse wires going to the reverse bulbs.

 

Over all I am very happy with the look and the performance at dusk... very nice.

 

Few pictures... Enjoy!

 

 

looks good. what size hole did you drill ??

[Arth]

I used a 1 and 3/4 quarter sized drill... thing. It was in my drill kit. Like I said I will get a picture of it later.

 

 

 

looks good. what size hole did you drill ??

Edited December 16, 2016 by Arth

[gmdog2]

Okay they came in and got them installed.

 

Drilling into the plastic was very easy. I chose to follow what was done earlier and use the same mounting location. The set I got from Amazon didn't come with a mount template so I guessed.

 

I'll take a picture of what I used to drill with later. The instructions did have what should be used. I didn't loosen anything or unbolt anything for the drilling.. just went for it. I have small hands so I was able to thread both bolts just fine. I used needle nose pliers to hold the nut while I drilled down the screws. Took me roughly 1 hour including the wiring. I am an electrician by trade so it was easy. I wired into the actual reverse wires going to the reverse bulbs.

 

Over all I am very happy with the look and the performance at dusk... very nice.

 

Few pictures... Enjoy!

 

Looks Awesome...Do the tow mirrors provide a good amount of light?

[Arth]

Planning to take some pictures tonight.

 

Looks Awesome...Do the tow mirrors provide a good amount of light?

[Arth]

Here are some pictures...

 

Reference picture. My tail lights were on the whole time and it wasn't completely dark.

 

 

Back up lights only.

 

 

Tow Mirror Cargo Lights only.

 

 

Tow Mirror Cargo lights and reverse.

 

 

Lot of light back there now.

[15_silverado]

Looks Awesome...Do the tow mirrors provide a good amount of light?

What did you use to drill out the holes with, a spade bit??

 

Can the hole be round or does it need to be cut out square? ( I don't know what the back of the light looks like, to pass through the hole)

 

Did you pull out the taillights to wire into the reverse lights, or did you tap into the trailer harness? What did you use to make the connection, are those t-tap things ok to use?

 

Thanks

Looks Awesome...Do the tow mirrors provide a good amount of light?

What did you use to drill out the holes with, a spade bit??

 

Can the hole be round or does it need to be cut out square? ( I don't know what the back of the light looks like, to pass through the hole)

 

Did you pull out the taillights to wire into the reverse lights, or did you tap into the trailer harness? What did you use to make the connection, are those t-tap things ok to use?

 

Thanks

[15_silverado]

^^^ that last post didn't work right, sorry

^^^ that last post didn't work right, sorry

 

Supposed to be a question for Arth, hopefully he'll see it

Edited December 17, 2016 by 15_silverado

[Arth]

^^^ that last post didn't work right, sorry

^^^ that last post didn't work right, sorry

 

Supposed to be a question for Arth, hopefully he'll see it

 

 

Sorry for the delay here is what I used to drill with. For power I tapped into each light individually.

 

[SMack4]

Hey Arth, nice job! The lights look great. I was thinking of doing the same mod. Would you be able to post photos of the view from the rear camera? I am looking to see how clearly things are lit up for the camera.

 

Thanks.

[aaronarf]

Thanks OP. I just did the mod myself with a couple changes.

 

Decided to tap into the trailer wiring instead of each tail light. Grounded to the bolt conveniently located next to the hitch harness. Resulting in only one factory wire tapped into via 3m t tap.

 

Also trimmed the tab off the back side of the light since it was a little closer to the bed side then I liked.

 

Super bright for their size. I left the wires secured behind the plate so I can disconnect for state safety inspections.

 

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[martinmanning1954]

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

back up underneath.jpg

Wish I could find them for $92 got a link lol

 

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[aaronarf]

Wish I could find them for $92 got a link lol

 

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Looks like the price jumped on amazon. I paid $92 a few days ago, now $123

 

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