I want to replace my oem 21w 7440 backup bulb with something brighter. So far I've found a couple of 27W 7440 bulbs and lots of LED replacements ranging from 3-24 LEDs. My experience with LED replacement bulbs is limited to 1157s that I installed on my motorcycle and immediately replaced with the standard bulbs because the LEDs were too dim.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

I have tried a ton of LED bulbs purchased from Autolumination for the rear backup (18-Super-FLux LED, 24-Super FLUX LED, LUXEON) and while some of them where definitely brighter and all a much whiter light, none of them projected as wide of a beam as the stock standard bulb. All were a much more focused beam. Like the two differences in beam patterns on a flashlight (ie maglight).

I would like a better look (whiter color) but would also prefer to have a better performing bulb too, one that will help make backing up more visible. I did not feel any accomplished this for me.

I have extras if anyone wants to try, but not for me.

I would love to hear/find out if there is anything better....

 

most leds are relly dim. I have the 4LED 194 bulbs for the license plate and i must say i am a bit disappointed with them. There are, however, superflux LEDs which are really bright and should be nice. I have 3 one each side mirror and they;re much brighter than all 8LEDs in the license plate light. you might want to check those out.
Another thing, why not just get a hyper white bulb. It wont be brighter but much whiter than the stock bulbs. You dont want to blind people when you're reversing

 

Thanks for the replies. I was afraid that LEDs wouldn't cut it because of the incandescent lens and their narrow beam light projection. I had the same problem with LED bulbs in my motorcycle taillight. Viewed head-on they looked pretty bright but move just a little off center and they were very dim. The only safe LED brake lights I've seen for motorcycles are large LED arrays that replace the stock reflector/socket assembly and come with clear replacement lenses.

Probably the best 7440 bulb I've found yet for color is the PIAA 27W 7440 but since it's a blue bulb I think I'll keep looking for a clear 27W 7440 instead. I'm more interested in brightness than color and a 27W blue bulb likely doesn't produce any more lumens than a clear 21W 7440. I really want more than a 27W bulb but 27W is better than the stock 21W.

As for blinding people, I actually like that idea. Ideally I'd like to replace the stock backup light assy with a 55/100W dual-element light where the low-beam is activated by reversing and the high-beam is activated by a manual switch. It would be great for those douchebags who follow me with their high-beams on.

 

^

 

I used to know a guy who installed small aircraft landing lights under his rear bumper. I highly doubt that anyone tailgated him with their high beams on... at least not for long.

I just hate people who ride around with their high beams on with total disregard for other drivers.

 

How do you guys get to the bulb? Does the round backup lens just pop off? Do I just need to pry it off?

 

Look behind the lens under the car the bulb twists out of the socket there.

 

You wouldn't happen to know how to take off the clear lens in the back do you? I want to slightly tint mine with some spray paint.

 

no clue...

 

I upgraded mine it makes a difference.

 

what bulb is that and where u buy?

 

The lens is part of the housing. To remove it, there is a nut on the back (you have get under the car to see it) that holds the housing in, as well as a little plastic spring clip.

Here is another thread regarding the reverse bulb issue:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=199001

 

reverse light that low is hard to notice that the car is backing up so I added strobe light to the tail light

 

how many watts does that strobe light put out???... jh

 

80w output with adjustable speed. Bought at local autoparts