So I kinda wanted a brighter "hitch" brake light...

On my last taco I took a WHELEN 500 series LED and merged it with a hitch bracket which created one hell of a bright brake light... After setting the bar that high I new it would be tough to top but I think this came close.

• Walmart 2" hitch brake light $8.98

• Autozone 1156 Super-Bright LED (2 pack) $18.96

• Maglite reflector (from any C or D model) - Spare parts bin (free)

• Step Drill Bit from Harbor Freight $11.99 (WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD)

• Hacksaw (uncle jim's tool shed next to the mountain oyster removal device)

First take the hitch light apart and throw out the standard bulb (or save it for the ole parts bin).

Next take your maglite reflector and hacksaw (or dremel) the bulb extension off. Once that is flush with the reflector cone take your step drill bit and slowly start expanding your opening until it fits tight around your LED cluster.





Next insert your LED bulb into the hitch base, place your maglite reflector onto your LED cluster and insert the red lens to hold everything together.



THERE YOU HAVE IT, 1 super-bright LED hitch brake light!






Enjoy peoples...

 

Good idea. I have already been rear ended once (no damage thanks to it being a small crappy car and my aftermarket trailer hitch).

People just don't pay attention, hell, it would be even better if the light blinked a few times before going solid to get people to look.

 

Looks good. Although, with those particular LED bulbs, you really aren't getting much benefit from the reflector. Those bulbs mostly project straight out from the base. This bulb would make that light with reflector REALLY pop!

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&category=CAR&Page2Disp=/specs/115x-x45-T.htm

 

Oh those LED bulbs are nice!

I put the reflector on after realizing how dull the light was without it. The depth of the maglite reflector coupled with where it sits(in association with the bulb itself) works great with this bulb and adds a significant change to the light. The bold statement in my original post is because if you drill too much from the reflector you will end up with a situation like you stated above.

 

SuperBrightLEDs.com products are nice. I used them for a lot of my lighting. Here's a shot of my interior lights.

 

whatcha really need is a 12v driver and a P7 LED.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12721

That'll stop some cars!