Reading through this thread earlier, a good point was raised regarding lack of visibility of the secondary lights if a tire carrier is fitted. Further, some people (myself included) may not want to cut into the tailgate to fit additional lights. So, looking into options for improving the rear lighting without making major changes to the body, replacing the stock 1156 bulbs with something brighter seems to be the only reasonable route to take.
After some poking around, I found these halogen replacements. Two things bug me about them: 1) 50W current draw vs. 27W stock, and 2) the greater heat output of the halogen bulb could burn (or melt) the plastic in the reversing light lens if used for long periods of time.
Option two: white LEDs. About the most promising item I found were these 24-element 1156 replacements (scroll down to find them). Advantages: bright light and low power consumption and heat, so OK for sustained and engine-off use.
Now, as regards the LEDs... From searching, I've found it suggested that they won't work well with the reflectors in the stock taillights, possibly even giving off less light than the factory filament bulbs. I'm not quite understanding why this is - can anyone explain it to me in terms that make sense?
After some poking around, I found these halogen replacements. Two things bug me about them: 1) 50W current draw vs. 27W stock, and 2) the greater heat output of the halogen bulb could burn (or melt) the plastic in the reversing light lens if used for long periods of time.
Option two: white LEDs. About the most promising item I found were these 24-element 1156 replacements (scroll down to find them). Advantages: bright light and low power consumption and heat, so OK for sustained and engine-off use.
Now, as regards the LEDs... From searching, I've found it suggested that they won't work well with the reflectors in the stock taillights, possibly even giving off less light than the factory filament bulbs. I'm not quite understanding why this is - can anyone explain it to me in terms that make sense?