My first big disappointment

Backup Lights on this thing absolutely SUCK. I get more illumination from hitting the brake lights, than I get from the reverse lights. Old school here, don't like relying only on the back up camera... but at night, I can't see anything out of my side mirrors. Anyone else find an easy solution to this? (don't want to add lighting if I can help it).

 

The problem with adding "brighter" reverse light bulbs is that the optics in the factory tail lights also kind of suck. So, adding higher powered bulbs kind of leads to what I can only call "brighter suck" - if that makes any sense.

I know you said you didn't want to add any lights, but I'm old school too and the only thing I found to really help was adding better lighting. I added a set of Baja Designs LED pods and they blow away any simple bulb swap. The installation was actually pretty simple.

BTW, Thank you for your service!

 

Ha.. unlikely. I've spent the past 45 years driving without cameras, had a backup camera in the last three vehicles, still use rearview/side mirrors almost exclusively. Old habits die very hard.

 

https://trail4runner.com/2018/03/01/tail-as-turn-5th-gen-4runner/

This is supposed to really help

 

Because the mirrors can see through the liftgate…

The ISO of the back up camera sucks, tho.

 

Lol. Yes. I don't disagree that the backup camera might add some visibility where you don't necessarily have it, but [knocking on wood] I haven't backed into anything in 45 years, and just feel much more comfortable using the same method I've always used. This is the first vehicle I've ever owned that has completely useless reverse lights, though. I was pretty surprised, with all the other safety features, how Toyota can just let this wimpy halogen bulb stay. All the money spent on sensors, radar cruise, collision prevention, etc... and not illuminate behind use for reversing at night.

I appreciate all the constructive recommendations. I think I will try a No-Error CANbus bulb upgrade first (to hopefully avoid a more intrusive mod), but definitely interested in the Tail-to-Turn +Backup mod, if the bulb-swap isn't enough.

And thanks for mention of my 22 year career on Submarines, "Too Stroked"!

 

I do live in the bay area and I often have to back up to the point where my hitch is like less than 2-3 inches away from something and you can only do that with a back up camera.

 

Pretty amazing that I hauled cotton trailers, farm equipment trailers, etc for years back home backing up a truck to a trailer before backup cameras were invented, then, huh?

Ha.. don't get me wrong, I am NOT discrediting the usefulness of the backup camera. I simply don't use it for 99% of my reversing duties. Never have. I am certain that if I were one to learn new tricks, I would be amazed how easy it is to do things a different way. However, the fact remains that the backup lights do me no good, camera or not. More illumination would VERY likely improve the camera view, as well. I'm not trying to debate camera or no camera, just need more light.

 

I have to deal with people parking these too close to me and then having to back up.

A bit more of a problem than hitting a rusty cotton trailer.

 

ha... touche, and I definitely would NOT want to cause damage to those, but I'm certain my method is just as safe, after many years of practice. But, my old boss would disagree with you, and hitting one of his "rusty cotton trailers" was grounds for being fired - so I learned pretty quickly not to.

And I will, again remind you that you're the one pushing the use of the camera. Glad it works for you, but I'm happy doing my thing.

 

Having towed (mostly boat trailers) of all sizes for a marina for 30+ years, I too can tow without a damn camera. That said, hooking up to a trailer is another matter entirely. Having a backup camera there made my life soooo much easier.

 

My old truck (F150) also had that "auto trailer backing assist" thing. Like a cruise / crawl control for trailer hookups... program in tongue height, etc... and when you need to back up/hook up, get it in the camera view, hit the button, twist it for speed and take hands off the wheel and accelerator. Tried it once just to prove that it worked, and never used it again. THAT made it "easy", but it still didn't make me feel comfortable using it.

 

It’s true, what @Too Stroked said. I put high powered LEDs in my reverse lights and although they are brighter and whiter, the optics just diffuse the light and they still suck.

The best options are adding reverse lights, under the bumper or cut into the bumper. Powered from the trailer connector. There are several DIY threads in this and the other 4R forum. Other options are the Tail as Turn product and license plate frame lights.

 

Here is an option….



https://mesocustoms.com/collections...s/products/hitchpod-baja-s1-light-hitch-mount

 

I’m considering this. Probably with the S1 Wide/Scene light.
https://mesocustoms.com/collections/exterior-lights/products/hitchpod-combos?variant=32307172900977

 

The article linked in post #5 seems to have a good solution. It also notes that the OEM backup lights are designed to illuminate things for the backup camera, and in my experience it works pretty well at that. I find this camera to work better than most I’ve seen. It’s certainly better than the one in my wife’s top of the line 2021 Passport.

I agree the backup lights are poor if you’re using your mirrors or looking out the back windows instead — especially because the windows are tinted and the mirrors are auto dimming. Sure I’d like better backup lights too, but part of the benefit of the camera is that it’s not looking through tinted windows or via auto dimming mirrors, which are things most people want to have.

 

The 4R backup camera at night is awful.

 

I do both - backup camera and look behind me / use the mirrors. I'll also wipe the camera off with a finger at night if it's raining.

I added these 720 Lumen LED reverse lights to my 4Runner. They are crazy bright and are helpful for closing farm gates at night. They are so bright they distort the camera a little.

https://www.diodedynamics.com/backup-leds-for-2001-2021-toyota-4runner-pair.html

Note you have bend the prongs out on the bulb so it will lock into the socket. 1st time putting them in they just fell out into housing, requiring me to take the whole light housing off.

 

In fairness, it sucks during the daylight, as well. It’s like a portal to 1999. Love my 4Runner. Hate the lack of modern amenities.

 

I have a 2022 and they added the 360 camera and its awful. I sure wish Toyota would have spent a few dollars to upgrade the quality.

 

I have the tails as turns and quad reverse lights now. It's fantastic and bright as hell.

 

These are the brightest reverse lights i've tried. Not sure if that would help you.
https://youtu.be/6LWHsPflRV4

 

$15 LASFIT 921 LED Bulb Reverse Light, 912 T15 LED 6000K White Canbus Error Free W16W 906 904 LED Backup Replacement Cargo Lights For Car/Trunk, 300% Super Bright, Pack of 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081YL2Q2W?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details