I recently got a 99 ram 1500 standard cab 4wd. I have a hard time seeing with the reverse lights. the cab has tinted windows and the reverse lights appear to be smoked. I was wondering if I could switch the stock reverse light bulbs with LED bulbs. I don't want to add aux lights and thought LED may be a simple alternative, any idea or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks you

 

Depends on the LEDs. Most LEDs are not as bright as incandescents, because LEDs are designed to focus light like a flashlight, and incandescents spread light far more efficiently. Now, there are LED bulbs that use SMT LEDs, which aree very bright, and depending on placement and quantity, can be very bright.

My suggestion would be to clean off the 'smoke' from the lenses. Usually it's just a sprayed on product that you can clean off, maybe with a plastic safe solvent.

 

LED wont shine through smoked lenses any better than incandescents will. There are some license plate frames with built in backup lights that work pretty well.

 

Agree with needing to remove the smoked lenses, then you can try some LED's. I bought a set of these and very pleased with the increased light output--- http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...led/1646/3769/

 

My reverse lights are smoked...factory. There is a tint to them.

Solution...I wired a couple 55 watt lights (these, http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...ght-93904.html ) along with a relay to the back-up lights. I followed this write-up: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-pictures.html I have no problem seeing behind me.

EDIT: I mounted the lights to the receiver. Just drilled a couple holes about 1 1/2 - 2 inches from the ends.

 

I partially agree with this.


I would only suggest removing the "smoke" from only the reverse light sections if possible. It'll still have a really nice look.

 

The LED's most likely won't do any good. If you check the lumens on any LED and the incandescent it replaces, 9 times out of 10 the incandescent will be brighter. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.

 

I had a reverse light go out and i also have smoked tail lights. After some searching i found these http://bit.ly/1baLjA9 cree led projector bulbs on ebay for a little bit more than standard incandescents at the local parts store. Im very pleased with them. Not home right now but when i am i can take a picture for you. Seeing as how they arent flashers and are constant on when your in reverse, theres no need for ballasts or anything. They work great and are much better than the incandescents i had.

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Thanks, I'll give those a try. I wasn't sure what bulb type I have. your ram is a bit older so I think there the same

 

Check the base of the bulbs before you order. 2nd gens are supposed to have 1156 base but some packages have the 3156 base like mine

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