Rear Bumper and License Plate Light

On my standard clearance rear bumper, I installed the license plate flip-up (down in this case) to allow me to use the receiver hitch. As most people do.

I also installed the factory license plate lights in the bumper cutouts - as most people do.

My question is, does anyone adjust the lights to properly illuminate the plate? On mine, the lights are focused behind the plate, so the plate is rather dark. I personally don't care, but don't want one of the boys or girls in blue to explain to the me that the plate is not illuminated and needs to be.

What do people do?

 

There is no adjustment on the license plate lights unfortunately. The focus should not change however, the location and angle is nearly identical to stock. I cant imagine having any issues with law enforcement with the illumination, if its a real concern in your area you may consider changing out the bulbs for a brighter LED version.
Hopefully this helps, let me know if I can assist in any other way. Thanks so much for your business.

 

The location and angle are nearly identical to stock - however, the plate is not on the bumper surface, rather about 1/2" proud of the surface, due to the flip-up. It seems like the light is aimed toward the bumper surface - I am sure Toyota did that to keep from having stray light.

I did swap to LEDs, which are considerably brighter.

I'm not worried about it, and have not had any problems with it. I guess I was just curious...

BTW, I will be ordering a front bumper this fall.

 

I have the same issue and would be interested in seeing a solution, my plate is nearly black at night.

 

@Pelfreybilt, I just placed my order for my standard rear bumper and wondering if the issue with the license plate lights not pointing at the license plate due to the tag sitting off the bumper by 1/2" because of the flip up bracket has been addressed?

Also, I would like to replace the hardware that mounts the tag lights and the trailer connector to your bumper with Stainless Steel hardware. Could you give the the sizes of fasteners used if possible?

Thanks

 

Thank You for the order. With the current configuration there is no issue illuminating the license plate light. Here is the parts list for the rear bumper, the license plate lights use the #8 hardware

05-15 Tacoma Standard Rear Bumper:
(10) M12 Flat Washers, Large Diameter/Fender, Zinc
(6) ¼-20 x 1” Button Head Screws, Zinc
(6) ¼-20 Nylock Nuts, Zinc
(2) #8-32 x 1 Oval Head Phillips Screws, Zinc
(2) #8 Nylock Nuts, Zinc
(8) #10-24 Nylock Nuts, Zinc

-Pelfreybilt
www.pelfreybilt.com

 

Speaking from my 2015 with Standard Rear Bumper and LEDs in the license plate lights, your statement is correct only if one does not use the license plate flip-up kit.

However, with the flip-up, the light is aimed/focused behind the plate, leaving the plate somewhat dark.

A solution I have thought of, but not implemented, is to build some wedges to raise the inboard end of the light fixtures 1/2", to move the light beam to the plate. I imagine some could be 3D printed rather inexpensively. I also looked for some aluminum wedges, but was not able to find anything suitable.

At this point, this is not a high priority for me. Once I catch up on my project list, I may try to solve this.