Back up light mounts Superduty

[ADQ K9]

Off on a rabbit trail from another thread I found these.
http://www.socalsupertrucks.com/2011...x#.Wil1R0qnG00
I really don't like to cut or drill so these seem to be a solution for that issue. This is for my application not sure what they have for others. Now the question is what lights to mount.

[Bisjoe]

Is this to see the hitch for connecting up at night, or to go onto the trailer itself? My 2017 F150 has an LED light mounted next to the tailgate latch that shines down onto the hitch area. I don't know if the existing latch on other models could be replaced with this or not.

[ADQ K9]

No these are for an under bumper mount. For flood/ground ilumination. My Cougar has lights aimed at the hitch that work good.

[JRTJH]

As an alternative to purchasing the linked brackets, you might want to consider this: The ends of the hitch receiver on Ford trucks are open. Typically on F150's, a 2" square steel tube will slip into the receiver. On F250's and 350's a 2.5" square steel tube will slip into the receiver ends. Any steel fabricator can cut two 12-18" tubes to slip into the ends of the receiver. It's easy to install LED lights on those steel tubes and wire them to the backup light connector behind the 7 way plug. The cost of the linked brackets is almost $100. For that price, you can fabricate the tubes, buy the lights and wiring and have "floodlight illumination" under the rear of the truck that would light the area for several hundred feet behind the truck.

[ADQ K9]

John,
Your points are valid. How would the tubes be secured into the receiver without cutting drilling or welding? Steel dist here sells minimum 4ft sections of 3/16 square 2.5 inch for $35. Plus not all of us may have the tools or access to a shop that has tools to fabricate the tubing. These install in 20 min with hand tools and are already painted . I guess it all comes down to time and money. To me time can be more valuble than money

[JRTJH]

The easiest way (that I've found) to secure a "slide in square tube" is to slip it into the end of the receiver and when it's in the proper location, just use a sheet metal screw in the gap between the receiver and the tube. A turn or two after it's started and the two tubes are locked together and won't come apart until the screw is removed. No holes to drill and no damage to the hitch or to the tube.

I've found that 2"x2" 14 ga or 11 ga is usually available at most local fabricators and is much cheaper (and lighter) than 7 ga (3/16") thick tubing. There's no reason to use anything that heavy. It's far too hard to work/drill and much too heavy for the application.

There's certainly nothing "wrong" with buying preformed brackets to install accessory lights. I'm sure they sell a bunch of them to people who are looking for a quick way to install an extra light. My point is not to criticize that method, rather to provide an alternative that's not as expensive for those who do have the tools, "do-it-yourself" capability and don't want to spend $100 for two brackets.

If your time is more valuable than money, then my suggestion probably isn't as appealing as the "internet order form"....

[kfxgreenie]

This is irrelevant as it was a cut and drill solution, but one never has to worry about knocking one of these bad boys off. It also is as clean of an install as you can get IMO. Done for about $80 after the price of the lights and the harbor freight air saw I purchased to buzz the hole in the bumper. It did take a little courage hacking that brand new bumper up.

https://www.harborfreight.com/high-s...saw-62541.html

[rhagfo]

Well buying a pre-made bracket is reasonable, spending $48 ea. Seems a bit spende to me, I could see spending $48 for a pair, but not each.

[cynjon]

Originally Posted by kfxgreenie

This is irrelevant as it was a cut and drill solution, but one never has to worry about knocking one of these bad boys off. It also is as clean of an install as you can get IMO. Done for about $80 after the price of the lights and the harbor freight air saw I purchased to buzz the hole in the bumper. It did take a little courage hacking that brand new bumper up.

https://www.harborfreight.com/high-s...saw-62541.html

That's exactly what I did with mine, and for the same reasons. I used a pneumatic cut-off wheel to make my holes for the lights and had them installed in about an hour. Great mod and the lights are fantastic when you need them. For an hour of my time and $20 worth of LED lights ( I used these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1), this is one of the best mods I've made to my truck. Definitely nerve-wracking to make that first cut into the bumper of a truck I'd had for less than a week, but once you're committed, it's smooth sailing. The bracket is a nice idea, but too expensive, IMHO.

[ADQ K9]

John,
I understand now, when it comes time to do the lights and I will consider when ready. I am actually looking to have a complete ground light set up operated by one of my auxillary switches and possibly extend it to the trailer. The idea is to light up the path of travel and perimiter around the vehicle without disturbing other people in the CG when dark.
Alot of us up here surf the internet and make plans for projects to do when its not so cold and dark
If mounting in the bumper I think I would just get an aftermarket bumper

[Javi]

backup lights... get 'er done...

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Javi

backup lights... get 'er done...

Javi, while those would be great for the TV alone the reflection off the trailer would blind the driver if using with a trailer.
The factory backup lights on my Ram were at best useless, especially in the rain, wet surface just absorbs the light.
I installed a set of tractor work lights under the bumper, and a pair of halogen fog lights on the back of the 5er, both activated by relays activated by the factory backup lights.

[Javi]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Javi, while those would be great for the TV alone the reflection off the trailer would blind the driver if using with a trailer.
The factory backup lights on my Ram were at best useless, especially in the rain, wet surface just absorbs the light.
I installed a set of tractor work lights under the bumper, and a pair of halogen fog lights on the back of the 5er, both activated by relays activated by the factory backup lights.

My 5th wheel comes with a hitch light and I've never turned it on... well at least not on purpose..

[JRTJH]

It's been a while since this was discussed, but while looking for something else on Amazon today, I ran across a receiver mount reverse light bracket that clamps on the receiver of any truck and serves as a mount for two lights. It looks simple to install and to use and might work for someone interested in having more light behind their tow vehicle.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQQC3QH...%20accessories

At $28, it's cheaper than both the brackets discussed earlier and the 2x2 extensions I posted...

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

It's been a while since this was discussed, but while looking for something else on Amazon today, I ran across a receiver mount reverse light bracket that clamps on the receiver of any truck and serves as a mount for two lights. It looks simple to install and to use and might work for someone interested in having more light behind their tow vehicle.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQQC3QH...%20accessories

At $28, it's cheaper than both the brackets discussed earlier and the 2x2 extensions I posted...

That looks like it would interfere with the safety chains.

[JRTJH]

I suppose that's something you'd have to consider for your specific use style. I tow a fifth wheel and the only thing that's ever towed by the truck is a flatbed trailer or my boat, both have safety cables not chains with hooks that clip in from the bottom sides.

I don't have one of these, I used the 2x2 extensions in the ends of my receiver and never looked back. I just ran across this yesterday on Amazon and posted it as a follow-on to the discussion. It may not work for some, heck, it may not work for anyone ?????

[hornet28]

Backup LEDs on both truck and trailer

[ADQ K9]

Nice lookin' GMC there Hornet28

[hornet28]

Thanks K9. Here's a front shot

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by flybouy

That looks like it would interfere with the safety chains.

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I suppose that's something you'd have to consider for your specific use style. I tow a fifth wheel and the only thing that's ever towed by the truck is a flatbed trailer or my boat, both have safety cables not chains with hooks that clip in from the bottom sides.

I don't have one of these, I used the 2x2 extensions in the ends of my receiver and never looked back. I just ran across this yesterday on Amazon and posted it as a follow-on to the discussion. It may not work for some, heck, it may not work for anyone ?????

Just an observation not a criticism. Looks like a nice solution if you don't use the hitch for towing.