what if the cargo lights were wired to come on with the reverse lights. i know that would help out alot of people at night. yet still operate normally from the dome/cargo light switch.

 

I think you would get a lot of light backscatter from the tailgate. You would only see the tailgate in the rear window, thus blinding the driver.
Chris

 

It would probably be more effective to wire up some b/u lights and mount them under the rear bumper.

 

i think 'blinding' is a strong word. i mostly use my side windows which are tinted, so using mirrors at night, the visibility is slightly reduced. and the tailgate is not a problem with a toneau cover.

 

FYI;
Blinding is the correct expression. It does not mean the person is actually blinded, just as 'blindsiding' does not mean poking one's eye out... Glare ‘blinds’ someone, thus masking or hiding the view.


I have used roof mounted lights on many vehicles. When you turn on a light positioned above the driver's eyes there is tremendous backscatter off the surface below the driver’s eye.
Notice off roaders who drive at night paint their hoods flat black.
Even flat black gives off a heck of a lot of light when illuminated from above.

You have to actually do this to understand what I mean. My black Fold-a-Cover reflects enough light when my dome lights are on to make it hard to see out the back.

Not saying that it won't work for you, I don't know your usage.

I back up looking out the rear window, as even with oversize mirrors, and a back up camera, I feel I need the best view possible. Backing up with the mirrors is more a big truck thing, and semi mirrors are about four times the size of the mirrors on our trucks. On my motorhome the mirrors are about twice as big, and twice as far from the body. Our trucks are not intended for stock mirror backing on a regular basis. They make larger mirrors just for that, if someone has the need.

Putting a diode in the light wiring would make it possible to do this mod, and it would be an easy mod, but around here (California) back up lights must be mounted low so as not to blind other drivers in parking lots, thus it would get you a ticket pretty fast.

Of course you may live somewhere where this is not the law.

I say do it if you want. Diode should cost you a buck or so. And you can do the job in about two hours tops. Then post your results, maybe you can start a trend.
Chris

 

I think it's a great idea! I dont think I'd be blinded with my Line-x back there though.

 

I'd try to take out the inside dome light and then turn the dial up so the cargo light comes on before spending the time wiring it. Not sure if removing the dome bulb "breaks the circuit" though, I'm an electrical dunce. I just don't think that cargo light is "sharp" enough to make a difference. I'm with NASSTY, get some $20 driving lights and mount them somewhere under the rear bumper/tow hitch.