LED backup lights

Just installed a pair of these 120SMD LED lights. They are not as bright as I was hoping (probably marginally higher lumen output) but I guess they look cool. The 120 SMD barely fit in there.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=121501811370

 

Had similar results with mine

 

I've had some 'projector' type led reverse lights installed for quite some time.
Similar to these:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=121581148201&alt=web

They are pretty dang bright. But they don't light up the housing inside. they paint straight back. I may end up getting some with the projector lens, but also side emitting leds too, so that it lights up the reflector as well. Mostly so people can see when I'm in reverse. Because with only the projector, it's kinda hard to tell the light is actually on when looking at it from the side.

Like these.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=151511973500&alt=web
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=151385040989&alt=web

Or these that light up the reflector only
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=161441194746&alt=web


There's all kinds of em. Smds aren't the greatest to use as reverse lights. More for accent lighting. I've tried both reverse and turn style same as you have. Look for the projector style ones with maybe cob integrated on the sides as well. Or even the smd on the sides along with the main projector. I haven't looked at these in a while because my solo projector style have suited my needs for now and have not failed. But those first ones I listed are new to me and look pretty promising. The ones with the curved base for rear reflector lighting and the projector on the end. May order some up!

 

The LEDs in the first set of pics is throwing too much light to the sides. With reverse lights it's better to go with more of a "flashlight" LED style.

 

Right. Again though, I found that during the day at least, people are less likely to stop as I'm starting to back out of a parking space. Because they can't see that my reverse light is on from the side at all.. There's absolutely no reflector illumination with the projector style I have now. Which works. Just wish it was visible during the day. I would say the angle of light on the ones I have are probably 45 degrees or so. So until you're pretty much directly behind the vehicle, you wouldn't know I was in reverse... And yeah, most people are just assholes anyways and don't stop regardless. But I think it would help. And I'm anal about having the most function out of my 'courtesy' lights. I call them courtesy lights because it seems that most stock reverse lights aren't bright enough period to do anything except act as a courtesy to other drivers to let them know you're in reverse. But now with the projector style I can actually see behind me now. But even then with my 5% tint, I can't see through my windows so I'm forced to use my side mirrors. I'm planning on getting some flush mount diffused led pods to put in the bumper. Still not enough light for me now... People should see me then!!

 

You should probably reinstall your stock bulbs in the meanwhile. Knock on wood if someone does hit you while you are in reverse, having improper vehicle equipment could be used against you.

There are a few TW members here that sell LEDs. csjumper2003 is one seller I know of. If I remember correctly those sellers also sell LEDs for the reverse lights. Check their threads, there may be testimonials of other members who have purchased reverse lights LEDs

 

I have projector style LED's and they were disappointing. The best thing I did to my truck for daily use was to install aux reverse lights.

 

Just went outside and checked and yeah it's definitely hard to tell they're on in direct sunlight but it was really the same way with the regular bulbs. I think it's just a problem with the design of these aftermarket tail lights, the brake and turn signal lights are fine but the reverse reflectors could definitely have been engineered better