Brighter BackUp Lights

[hillkw]

I have excellent light now, two 50 watt Halogen bulbs that I modified to fit my 2007 Pilot. For easy money ($5.49 each) and a bit of work.

See picture & sketch.
Cut (hacksaw) off plastic flange to expose more of the bulbs metal contacts. Those contacts are 1/8" wide by .06" thick.
I wrapped a strand of copper wire around the contacts (aprox. 2" long by .015" diameter") to increase their thickness to aprox .09" to fit the Pilot socket snugly.
I soldered the copper wire to secure it. I placed an alligator clip on the contact between the glass bulb and the area I was soldering to act as a heat-sink to protect the filament.

Philips Fog-lamp #886 - $5.49 @ CARQUEST

[hillkw]

These "back-up" lights are almost like headlights now

[rocky]

Noticed 35 and 50 watt 12v halogen bulbs without the plastic cuff in Lowes lighting dept.
At first look think they'll fit without modification.

This link comes from an old thread on this subject on this forum
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/13-accessories/10379-back-up-light-bulb.html
http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/backup_bulbs.htm

[hillkw]

Originally Posted by rocky

Noticed 35 and 50 watt 12v halogen bulbs without the plastic cuff in Lowes lighting dept.
At first look think they'll fit without modification.

This link comes from an old thread on this subject on this forum
Back-up Light Bulb
Backup Light Bulbs

Thanks Rocky - I'll check out Lowes on my next trip.

Looks like the " Backup Light Bulbs " is similar (but different) to what I did - I went for the 50w #886.
I should have searched under "Accessories" also.

I just bought another pair of #886 bulbs for my wife's 2012 Santa Fe but this time I bought Sylvania bulbs. After I clipped off the contacts from the socket I found them to be thick enough (.085") to plug right in without any additional work. Just filed the sharp edges smooth.

[rocky]

Thanks hillkw for making me get off the couch and do this. Makes so much sense.

[3rdrow]

its nice and cold now so you may not notice it until the weather warms up but id check the sockets throughout the first part of next summer and make sure the increased wattage doesnt melt them. more watts=more light output=more heat, especially in a halogen lamp. granted the backup lights usually arent on for very long at a time, but id watch it just to be safe. seems like little parts and pieces like sockets and other small parts are being made cheaper than ever these days to save a buck here & there.

[dj5]

Originally Posted by 3rdrow

its nice and cold now so you may not notice it until the weather warms up but id check the sockets throughout the first part of next summer and make sure the increased wattage doesnt melt them. more watts=more light output=more heat, especially in a halogen lamp. granted the backup lights usually arent on for very long at a time, but id watch it just to be safe. seems like little parts and pieces like sockets and other small parts are being made cheaper than ever these days to save a buck here & there.

I've had mine in for 5 years with no problem.