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View Full Version : higher power reverse lights?


pteam
11-07-2007, 09:11 AM
Ok so we just installed one of those $100 wireless backup cameras from walmart on one of our h2 limos. We're going to be buying them for all the limos at $100 theyre amazing, compared to $900 for the hummer version.

But my question is , is there a cheap way to add more reverse lighting? Are they 3157 bulbs ? THe same as the DRL lights? Can the reverse bulbs be doubled in wattage or something?

audiofetish
11-07-2007, 02:48 PM
Ok so we just installed one of those $100 wireless backup cameras from walmart on one of our h2 limos. We're going to be buying them for all the limos at $100 theyre amazing, compared to $900 for the hummer version.

But my question is , is there a cheap way to add more reverse lighting? Are they 3157 bulbs ? THe same as the DRL lights? Can the reverse bulbs be doubled in wattage or something?

I added the Delta reverse light kit. They are bright as hell. I tented my rear lights so my reverse lights were dismal. The delta lights are nice and they fit in the bumper valance. From what I heard (but have not confirmed) these lights fit real nice in place of 2005 and newer bumper brake lights. When I installed my deltas the only pain in the butt was cutting the holes and making them look nice. I ended up buying some black door edge molding and covering the entire area that I cut. You can pick these kits up for less than $100. Hope this helps........

Dan D 2
11-07-2007, 04:44 PM
I did the same as audiofetish. They work real nice....as stated, cutting out the holes was a bit time consuming but a good dremel tool helps out with this.

I'd have to do a search but they also make a real nice system (had it on my Ford) that mounts on your reciever hitch...you may not have that on the limo though. I could find it for you if you need.

porschett
11-07-2007, 04:56 PM
I added the Delta reverse light kit. They are bright as hell. I tented my rear lights so my reverse lights were dismal. The delta lights are nice and they fit in the bumper valance. From what I heard (but have not confirmed) these lights fit real nice in place of 2005 and newer bumper brake lights. When I installed my deltas the only pain in the butt was cutting the holes and making them look nice. I ended up buying some black door edge molding and covering the entire area that I cut. You can pick these kits up for less than $100. Hope this helps........

Think they'd work in the front? I was thinking about adding them as additional DRL's.

jmsspratlin
11-07-2007, 05:53 PM
Ok so we just installed one of those $100 wireless backup cameras from walmart on one of our h2 limos. We're going to be buying them for all the limos at $100 theyre amazing, compared to $900 for the hummer version.

But my question is , is there a cheap way to add more reverse lighting? Are they 3157 bulbs ? THe same as the DRL lights? Can the reverse bulbs be doubled in wattage or something?



Never seen the back-up cameras at wal-mart. But, for $100...you can't go wrong. Hell, I don't even think I can take the Mrs. out to dinner and a movie for that.;)

iccon
11-07-2007, 06:20 PM
try Costco $75.00 same camera

tomp
11-07-2007, 06:33 PM
I have seen a backup light assembly that mounts into the rear receiver that was very flush and did not stick out much. Might search (on internet and not on this forum) on it to see if this will work for you.

pteam
11-08-2007, 01:10 AM
Well I might be putting this on up to 10 of my limos. So I dont think I want to spend $1000+ on just lighting for backups, with the camera vs without it is already 100% better. Any idea on upgraded bulbs or higher wattage?

audiofetish
11-08-2007, 02:03 PM
Think they'd work in the front? I was thinking about adding them as additional DRL's.

These lights would be too big to fit in the front bumper. I have seen a lot of threads showing different ways to add additional DRLs in the front.

audiofetish
11-08-2007, 02:08 PM
Well I might be putting this on up to 10 of my limos. So I dont think I want to spend $1000+ on just lighting for backups, with the camera vs without it is already 100% better. Any idea on upgraded bulbs or higher wattage?

I got one of those cameras. I haven't installed it yet but I am glad to hear they work well. Be careful on how high you go with the wattage otherwise you will melt the housing. (been there, done that):fdance:

marius
11-08-2007, 04:34 PM
I got these and they make a world of difference.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?partfamilyid=735

Marius

Dan D 2
11-08-2007, 06:20 PM
I got these and they make a world of difference.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?partfamilyid=735

Marius

Those are the ones I had on my Ford, they are much better than the Delta's that I have installed now. I'm probably going to put the rear brake / running lights in place of the Deltas and go back to the White Nights.

pteam
11-08-2007, 07:14 PM
I got one of those cameras. I haven't installed it yet but I am glad to hear they work well. Be careful on how high you go with the wattage otherwise you will melt the housing. (been there, done that):fdance:

It was my understanding that reverse lights you could go higher (not 5 times higher but maybe double) because your not in reverse for extended periods of time and the heat build up is not an issue as in DRL lights.

audiofetish
11-09-2007, 01:51 PM
It was my understanding that reverse lights you could go higher (not 5 times higher but maybe double) because your not in reverse for extended periods of time and the heat build up is not an issue as in DRL lights.


That sounds about right to me. I melted the plastic lense on my Dodge ram when I put some higher power bulbs in. They melted while I was hooking up a trialer a night so I had them on for a good 10 - 15 minutes.

NJ H2
11-09-2007, 02:49 PM
It was my understanding that reverse lights you could go higher (not 5 times higher but maybe double) because your not in reverse for extended periods of time and the heat build up is not an issue as in DRL lights.
I used the Designtech bulbs in my Mercedes a few years ago and they make a huge difference. I never got around to see if they would fit the H2 but if you find a bulb that fits please let me know. I notice Designtech now makes the same bulb with a warning beep built into the bulb
Here's the link:
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/designtech_backupalert.htm

pteam
11-11-2007, 06:32 PM
We ended up buying a set of fog lights for like 15$ from the local auto shop and mounted one of them under the tow hitch, one on each limo. We hooked the power up to the reverse light just like the backup camera so it only comes on when in reverse. It adds alot of light much more than upping the wattage of the reverse lights and risking melting.