Backup light question

[47Jeepster]

Lots of good info on installing backup lights in other threads. The latest being @tesla 's "Rigid Ignite backup light installed" ... ( https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rigid-ignite-backup-light-installed.19307/ ) He did a great job with flush mounting them. That thread sent me out in the garage to think ...

Tell me the pros and cons of this idea please. I want to use a pair of Rigid Ignite surface mount lights:

And, install them below the bumper ... but positioned to protect them. The forum seems to be focused on mounting them symmetrically from side-to-side, but what if they both were mounted on the same side of the hitch assembly? Like this:

Oh yes, since I do like symmetry, how about protecting the lights with a trailer wiring bracket? It looks like the bracket is the correct size to cover two Rigid Ignite lights. And, it's made out of 3/16" thick steel ... kind of a skid plate for the backup lights ... hmmm. It's in the parts catalog for ~$29. It would need some filing on the face to remove the notches, but sure would protect the lights ...

So, what are the pros and cons?

Sponsored

 

[tesla]

Pros: easier install than flush mounting, symmetrical-ish look
If you do the diffused lens, I would think the light spread would cover the entire area behind the jeep, but you may have to aim them a little. Since it wouldn't be hanging any lower than the hitch and trailer wiring, I don't see how it really causes any issues with clearance.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I wanted my rear lights to be installed as low as possible.

I entertained mounting them up higher or high but decided for the purposes I wanted them for, that I would stick to low mounting.

I trailer often, so wanted lighting separated / on each side of the trailer draw bar.

My light mount height, gives me adequate light at trailer deck level (my deck level is quite low) for when I load my Harley, etc. at night. I just turn on the rear lights with the Aux switch and the trailer deck, ramps, etc. are then very well lighted.

Personal choice how you do the install. Reality is, each way of installing has positive and negative aspects to it.

Regardless, decent LED lights, make the b/u camera really useful at night.

With stock lighting the back-up camera, really can't do properly, what it is meant to do.

.

 

[lembowski]

Lots of good info on installing backup lights in other threads. The latest being @tesla 's "Rigid Ignite backup light installed" ... ( https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rigid-ignite-backup-light-installed.19307/ ) He did a great job with flush mounting them. That thread sent me out in the garage to think ...

Tell me the pros and cons of this idea please. I want to use a pair of Rigid Ignite surface mount lights:

And, install them below the bumper ... but positioned to protect them. The forum seems to be focused on mounting them symmetrically from side-to-side, but what if they both were mounted on the same side of the hitch assembly? Like this:

Oh yes, since I do like symmetry, how about protecting the lights with a trailer wiring bracket? It looks like the bracket is the correct size to cover two Rigid Ignite lights. And, it's made out of 3/16" thick steel ... kind of a skid plate for the backup lights ... hmmm. It's in the parts catalog for ~$29. It would need some filing on the face to remove the notches, but sure would protect the lights ...

So, what are the pros and cons?

Tom you ever do this? Do you have the P/N for the bracket? Not able to find it.

 

[47Jeepster]

Tom you ever do this? Do you have the P/N for the bracket? Not able to find it.

I did a lift, larger tires, and a Warn Elite rear bumper. Went with a Mopar hinge reinforcement and oversize tire carrier lift. The tire stuck out 3" beyond the OEM position. Got real nervous about sliding off a ledge and catching the tire ... thus ruining the rear gate. So, came back and bought the Teraflex HD tire carrier and was able to suck the tire back into the original tire bumpers on the gate. That still left the extra width of tire sticking out an additional inch. Now being paranoid, I bought a Beaver Tail attachment for the towing hitch to provide protection for the tire. The damn Beaver Tail is at the perfect level to interfere with back up lights mounted with the trailer towing bracket ... so, that's a long story to say no, I haven't done it.

I had my dealer parts guy look it up for me, but can't find it now. Please report back if you do it.

Sponsored