Recommended Optronics Assembly for Adding Backup Lights to Sprinter

Question:

I like the looks of the BUL78CB. I also like the explanation of the differences between the BUL78CB and the BUL10CB. When I hear the words “back-up lamp” I am thinking similar to my car’s reverse lights. They are there to indicate that the vehicle is going to, well, back up. They are NOT meant to “light” up the area behind the vehicle for you to “see” what is behind you at night. I want to install auxiliary “back-up lights” that will light up the area behind my sprinter van so that I can see what is behind me. The length of the vehicle as well as the height of the vehicle makes backing up almost impossible at night since I cannot see what is behind me. Which of the two lights would be best for this? I would be considering 4 of these lights and adhering them to my trailer hitch back and sides. I would then make a wiring harness to plug into my 7-way plug to activate them when in reverse. Thoughts?

asked by: Mark R

Expert Reply:

I recommend going with the Optronics LED Backup Light # BUL10CB, as it will provide you with a clear, bright LED and it is DOT approved to be used as a backup lamp. The Optronics Sealed Oval LED Light # BUL78CB that you also mentioned is a nice utility light, but it is not actually DOT approved to be used as a backup lamp on a vehicle.

To install the light assemblies, you can use the 2-Wire Pigtail # A45CB. The white wire will be attached to a bare metal surface of the frame for ground, and you will need to connect the red wire to the reverse light circuit wire on the vehicle.

expert reply by: Chris R