| In spite of some of the design limitations of the housings for our backup (reverse) lights, I may have found some Cree LED based lamps that make a marked improvement. First, the line-up of Cree LED, Halogen, and standard bulbs that I have tried. I have a small pile of other LED designs that never seemed to match the hype. The Cree LED lamps are significantly better. 
What this pic doesn't show well are the side-firing LEDs that do add to the sideways illumination (= curb) which is really a great feature. Output is 7W. Here's a pic of the Cree LED at dusk:
 Sorta hard to get a really good photo of how it compares to standard or halogen, but I'm finally satisfied with my reverse lights w/o having to make any modifications (as I have tried to do in the past). Here is the site for ordering the 7W 1156 bulbs ($40/pair):
[ http://www.pfranleds.com/7w-cree-led-q5-high-power-reverse-bulbs-socket-1156/ ] These are primarily marketed for the Toyota SUV market, but they do fit our housings.
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Finally found some reverse lights that work. - 
