Back-up light solution

[Kodiak]

I just ordered this device. Looks easier than a custom solution. Mounts over existing hitch and provides two 55-watt lamps with 130,000 candlepower. Manufacturer says it lights an 80-foot area at the rear and contains all relays and connections. One neat feature is a toggle switch on the unit that allows its use when vehicle is off. Less than a C-note with all the install goodies.

I'll post an after-install report and let you know how it went. Their website ain't all there yet, but if you want to call 'em, their number is 888-884-7637.

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'95 2500 CC, SLT, LB 2WD, auto 3. 54, 71,000--Westech gauges in Autometer pod, Prime-loc, Brite box, Back-off Box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler, Borgeson steering shaft, Geno's Crankcase Breather/Vent Tube Catch-All

 

[Shovelhead]

MAN, DATS SCHWEEEEEET!
I want one. Gotta have one. When can I get one? Am I being too enthusiastic?

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Ed Anderson
99 3500,6x4,QC,Auto,4. 10,Everthing 'cept leather,stock until warranty runs out.
'76 H-D FLH, '98 FLHTCUI

 

[Kodiak]

Oops. Forgot. The name of the company is Cruiser Stainless Accessories. They're in Hendersonville, NC.

 

[BigBadDodge]

That is SWEET, do they have a web page ?

 

[Kodiak]

Their web address is:
http://www.cruiserstainless.com/

However, as you will see, it's not yet fully functional. I called them at the above number, spoke to Rob, and got very thorough help and explanations.

 

[Justbeamn]

Wow, that's better looking than what I have. I like the way that the lights are angled outboard. Gimmmmmeeeeeee #ad
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Edit: what material is the light housing made from and whats the finish. Steel? Powdercoated?
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98. 5 3500 SLT Quad 6X6 * 3:54 Auto * Waterfall black/red * Custom dually flaps * Rhino lining * All acc's w/leather * Muth signal mirrors * Catz MSC's * 55watt back up lights * Optima Red Tops * 80/100 Head Lights * BD exhaust brake * Banks EGT/Boost/Temp gauges * Mag-Hytec DC&TP * SS bug screen and fender trim * SS Stull diamond line running boards * SS 4" turn down * grill inserts
My Dually

[This message has been edited by Justbeamn (edited 04-11-2001). ]

 

[Kodiak]

Justbeamn,

I found this light in the "Great Stuff" section of this month's Popular Mechanics, pg. 53. The blurb says that it's a high-impact case. Guess that means plastic. The picture in the mag is better than the one I posted, and it appears to be a heavy, flat-black plastic case.

[This message has been edited by Kodiak (edited 04-11-2001). ]

 

[Walker]

Kodiak,
Looks great, but a few questions if you can help.

- how do you get to the receiver pen to take your hitch in and out?
- how is it mounted to the receiver?
- how is it wired? (to the backups, and the hot off the 7-way?)

Looks like this product could go on the "gotta have" list. Thanks

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2001 2500 SLT QC 4x4 ETC 5spd LWB 3. 54 Black/Agate leather. DD2's w/boost module, DD4" exhaust, ISSpro boost/pyro gauges. Custom full bumper/brush guard and headache rack, Seal-Tite tool box, B&W turnover ball.

 

[Shovelhead]

I just got off the phone ordering the back-up lights (Hours are 8-5 EST). The housing is ABS plastic, the lights are 55w halogens, the power is through a provided relay, the power wire is supposed to be long enough to reach the battery under the hood, there is a 3-way weatherproof switch under the housing to allow for lights without putting the truck in reverse. The housing is open underneath to allow for removal of the hitch pin. You need to move the wiring plug with their additional adapter($9. 50) seen in the photo. Also ordered their door sill protectors (stainless steel w/ rubber inserts) 4 pieces for the Q-cab.
Good people, asked about group discount, got a "maybe" answer.

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Ed Anderson
99 3500,6x4,QC,Auto,4. 10,Everthing 'cept leather,stock until warranty runs out.
'76 H-D FLH, '98 FLHTCUI
"Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly"

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I definatley want it, but you mentioned you have to relocate the trailer plug, do you have to cut and splice any wires?. I will happily remove my Hellas and put that contraption in place of it if he lighting is good.

 

[Kodiak]

Got it in today. Looks pretty good, well-made, and well thought-out. Install seems straightforward-- after-action report to come!

 

[groundpounder]

Looks awesome however I hope you guys back up better then I as thats how I ended up with a few minor dings in the bumper. Can't imagine missing the hitch ball and smashing those awesome lights!!! Just a thought.

 

[ramman]

Whatwas the price,I can"t find it on there web page.

 

[Bob Wagner]

no price on the page as stated its unde $100. 00 or aka c note #ad

 

[Kodiak]

I think I read somewhere on here that we're not supposed to post prices--that's why I just mentioned the $100 ball park. Let's just say that you could half fill your tank with the change! #ad


[This message has been edited by Kodiak (edited 04-14-2001). ]

 

[Bob Wagner]

<font color =red> PRICE POSTING BY MEMBERS IS ALLOWED, PRICE POSTING BY DEALERS IS A NO NO </FONT>

 

[Papa Joe]

OK, Kodiak !!! You got everyone's attention.
Please give us the performance report.
There's not a Ram owner alive who is not disappointed with the factory backup candles, especially those of us with tinted glass.
I'm not a promoter-type person, but I think a group purchase would send sales figures through the roof.
Thanks for the heads-up post. Joe #ad


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White 2001 QuadCab 2500 Laramie SLT, HO 6-speed, 3. 54 limited slip, Mopar exhaust brake, towing/camper options, Rhino liner, Grover Air Horns (not yet installed), Un BOMBed (so far), DUAL AIR BAGS !!

[This message has been edited by Papa Joe (edited 04-14-2001). ]

 

[Kodiak]

Thanks, Bob, for the guidance.

The unit is $79. 95, and the plug displacement adaptor that is necessary for our hitches is $9. 50.

Big family invasion underway this weekend. I will not be able to install till next week some time; however, I did put everything in place on the vehicle, and it looks like less than 30-minute install. Seems well thought-out.

Maybe somebody else who ordered one will get theirs on sooner and can give us some feedback? Ed, you got yours yet?

[This message has been edited by Kodiak (edited 04-14-2001). ]

 

[Silver Ratler]

Light kit looks real nice!

I went another route and saved some change to apply toward other "goodies" for the truck.

Materials list:
2 55watt halogen lamps $12. 00
1 Plastic single gang box $2. 50
1 Weather proof switch $2. 00
1 Relay $2. 00
1 2" X 36" Aluminum (Mounts) $6. 00
Misc connectors & wire $1. 50
Total Cost $26. 00
Install time: 30 minutes

All items can be found at your local home supply and auto store, or in the spare parts boxes in the garage. ( Except for the Lights!)

Lights are on each side of the receiver bar and can be turned on by the remote switch from the back of the truck, without the truck being in reverse. Switch is not visible, but easily reached. Lights are also triggered by the factory backup light switch.

This installation meets all my requirements:
1) Function
2) Cheep
3) Appearance
4) Ease of installation
5) Most important: Approval of wife!

Good Luck! #ad

 

[Shovelhead]

I'm still waiting for delivery. Was told probably Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll post results ASAP (They'll be on same night if wifey lets me go out to play) #ad


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Ed Anderson
99 3500,6x4,QC,Auto,4. 10,Everthing 'cept leather,stock until warranty runs out.
'76 H-D FLH, '98 FLHTCUI
"Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly"