Kerry

My new 2006 xB is replacing a car on which I replaced the OEM backup light bulbs with after market 50 watt halogen bulbs—so I'm used to having lots of light at night when I'm in reverse.

Anyone know if there are brighter bulbs to replace the OEM backup light bulbs? I don't want to install dedicated backup light fixtures.

I browsed through the various publications and couldn't see what the wattage is of the OEM 's if/when one goes out.

Thanks,

Kerry

superboxcarxb

just get a flood light and mount it on the top.

MyCrisis

Ummm......superboxcarxb, are we listening much?????

If you're set on using the stock fixture, building a bank of LEDs is pretty much it.

brambling

I have seen 50W white taillight bulbs at some automotive stores. My brother had some on an Isuzu Trooper.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcyc...icles/halogen/

Kerry

Thanks all,

Since posting I found the wattage of the OEM backup bulbs, in the 2006 Owner's Manual xB, pg 222. The name of the 21-watt bulb is "wedge base." Now to find out if there are brighter wedge base bulbs.

Re: "My brother had some on an Isuzu Trooper." How ironic, that's the vehicle I first used them on. Don't quote me but I believe they are designated 1052's (or something like that) with a 3/4" fat base & two locking stubs. The xB's "Parking and front turn signal lights" designated 1157NA, appear to be that fat base kind, only a double-ended (dual filament) bulb. I haven't looked at them. The company that sells the 50-watt halogen bulbs is excellent, they stand by their warranty—free replacement for as long as one owns the vehicle.

Re: "building a bank" is a good idea but a bit beyond my skills.

Kerry

Update: Google—"wedge base bulbs" = GE Quartz 50w, but they don't use the words "wedge base" although from the the pic it sure looks like one. I'm thinking it might just be available at auto stores or Home Depot. I'd need to bring the 21w OEM with me to ensure that the size of the wedge and the spacing of the contacts are the same. Then to find out if the xB's circuit will handle 100 watts. Given how little time they are on I'm thinking if the fuse will handle them I'd go for it.

Boxer_Rebellion

http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html

hotbox05

go to www.autolumination.com
about 9.99 per bulb . just get the one named "matrix II" it's bright and reflects towards teh back as well forward pointing lighting.

Kerry

When I click 3157 = 3057 3155 3357 3457 4157

INTRODUCING THE WEDGE MATRIX II LED BULB

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT MAKES THE MATRIX LED SO SPECIAL

>>CLICK HERE<< it takes me to a bayonet type bulb not the Matrix II wedge. Also I don't see any reference to the wattage. Brighter than the 21w OEM? If so how much?

Thanks,

Kerry

hotbox05

there will be no wattage info , and we don't use 3157.


we use 7440 . and it is a wedge bulb.

Kerry

Thanks Hotbox05,

I'm looking for replacement backup bulbs that are brighter than the OEM 21 watts. I don't want to gamble, hoping new bulbs will provide more visibility. I suppose what I'm looking for is personal testimony, "Hey, I bought these bulbs and I can vouch that they are definitely brighter. You will notice a difference."

I'll keep researching.

Thank you.

Kerry

hotbox05

i have them and they are definately brighter. with the leds in my smoked lights they seem brighter than the stock tailights with stock incadescents.

Kerry

Thanks hotbox05,

Did you replace the backup bulbs also? Wondering where I can find stats about how much brighter they are? I do understand seems, that's exactly what I said about my headband flashlight when looking at the light but when I look into the PC I find that they might be a whiter light but not necessarily brighter on the object. As you can tell, I'm pretty fussy.

Kerry

hotbox05

when i said tailights I was referring to the tailight assembly.

My car has had every incandescent bulb removed.

all lights in teh tailights are led , front turn signals , side markers , dome light , license plate light , high stop light , all dash lighting has been converted to blue leds and the headlights have been changed to hid;s.


apparently you do seem pretty fussy and as such i don't know if you'd be happy. first of all may I ask why you want/need brighter backup lighting?

if you had 50 watt fog lights in before do that conversion again.

at www.superbriteleds.com and www.autolumination.com they sell empty 7440/7443 light buckets which you can add your h3 or h1 bulbs into..

brambling

I replaced a halogen dome light with an expensive "Ultra Bright White" 6-LED dome light and it was dimmer than before. The LEDs are a bluer light but they are usually not brighter. Maybe you could find Xenon bulbs?

hotbox05

for my dome light I have both a 9 led light and a 3watt wide angle one. i like the 9 led a bit more. much larger and brighter leds than any other dome light i've got before which have been numerous.

one problem with some leds and their pictures online is that they do not show 9 or possess) the ability to show the light of a matrixII style bulb refracting off teh chrome pieces inside the tailight housing.

Kerry

I was unaware that the dome light had two bulbs, I never thought about it but for sure I'd like a bit more light than the OEM dome light.

Got it about the Martrix II being able to bounce light off of the rear of the backup light fixture.

Thanks,

Kerry

bB2NER

I think the tails that have a clear lens for the reverse light work better than the OE lens. Having a chrome relector behind the bulb also helps.

Kerry

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to look closer and see for myself. That's a whole new tail tight assembly, stopping, directionals and backups? Yes?

Kerry

hotbox05

the dome light is only one bulb. i own two different ones the 9 led and the 3 watt one ,

hotbox05

yes . all new tailight. meaning plastic housing and lens , you re-supply the stock and or upgraded bulbs.