I was looking into adding some back-up lights but heard the halogen bulbs had a tendancy to blow. how durable are they anyway? Also, anyone have any problems with replacing the existing back-up bulbs with brighter bulbs?

55 Watt H-3 Halogen Bulbs – 12 Volts, 4. 2 Amps ea.

http://www.fog-lights.net/index.html
http://catalog.com/susq/
http://whitenight.shows.it/
http://www.kchilites.com/prod_spot1.html

 

I replaced the factory backup bulbs with halogens, but could not tell any difference in the two (I replaced one side, threw it in reverse and compared the two). The looked identical.

 

The factory back up bulbs are 24W. Replacement halogen bulbs I found were 50W. Maybe the tail light lens is not very well designed. Do any of the aftermarket lenses improve backup light brightness?

I was looking at the circuit diagram last night...they are on a 15 Amp circuit that includes a unused personal alarm. If I installed the aftermarket backup, two lamp kit, 55W each, the backup circuit could handle the load with 22W to spare. yeah I know, thats not much margin.