Decent backup lights

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While I'm sitting here waiting for the Formula 1 race to start #ad
I thought I'd share my latest experiences with decent backup lights.

I decided to augment the nativity candles that DC gives us for backup lights with something a little more serious. So today, I picked up a set of "Navigator Backup Lights" which are designed to be mounted on any "typical" trailer hitch. They're made by Pilot, and I picked them up at Pep Boys for about $30. The kit includes two 55 watt rectangular halogen lights, wiring harness, mounting hardware and directions.

It took 15-20 minutes to do the basic installation, hooking into the violet/black wire for the backup lights that goes to the trailer electrical mount. The lights mount to the trailer hitch with super-hefty tie-down straps, so there's no drilling involved. The wiring harness is double-insulated for weather, and there is a separate 30 amp fuse in-line to the lights.

So far, these seem great. You can aim the lights in 2 axies, and they seem to put out plenty of lumins in a useable arc.

I'll try to post a long-term update as I use these to find my way backwards down my winding driveway during the dark winter months.

Don

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1999 Sport 2500 QC LB, 4x4, SLT, 5 Spd, 3. 54, Camper Package, Trailer Package, Linex liner, SmittyBilt nurfs, K&N filters, 245/70R19. 5 Toyo M680Z, 19. 5" rims, SilBlade wipers, NO silencer ring

 

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Don,
I also have purchase the Navigator Back-up Lights. I haven't gotten them installed yet. I want to put them on a seperate switch that lights up in the cab when they are on, that way I don't go driving down the road with them on. I'm trying to find a switch now. Alot of times pulling trailers of any kind, I have found a need to have these lights on for hookups and repairs, while the truck is running. Of course with the truck still running you can't leave it in reverse (with a stick) for light. This is why I want a seperate switch.

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WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's LSD, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, Power Edge, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), 285/75R16 Cooper A/T's.

My 99 Dodge Cummins

Things to come;
Pyro, Boost and Fuel Pressure gauges, PE timing module and injectors.

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)

 

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Bob,not sure on the '99 but on a '95 if you twist the headlamp switch it will turn on the dome lights,one more click for the bed lights. why don't you wire into this circuit?You may need to use a relay,but will eliminate an extra switch.

 

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illflem, excellent idea! #ad
With my canopy installed I had forgotten all about the rear facing (exterior) cab light (and its position on the headlight switch). I was just about to add a switch myself... thanks for the tip. #ad


[This message has been edited by John (edited 10-22-2000). ]

 

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Originally posted by dnelson:
While I'm sitting here waiting for the Formula 1 race to start

Another F1 junkie? I dont feel alone anymore!!

 

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My Quadratec catalog shows a backup light kit from KC HiLites, 2"x6". 55 watt bulbs, priced at $69. 95. Kinda pricey, but it IS the KC name, I've never had a problem with their quality on other lights I've owned...

 

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I'm ready to try these: http://catalog.com/susq/hella/wklt.htm

I haven't decided between the 90600 or 90601.

At 110 watts per lamp housing it shouldn't take but two to give you all the light you need. If you use Illflem's idea plus two relays you could have lamps that would come on with the dash switch OR the backup light switch.

[This message has been edited by Thomas (edited 10-22-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by Thomas (edited 10-22-2000). ]

 

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an "all alone" F1 junkie? N E V E R ! !

F1 is the worlds most popular sport next to footbal (soccer). and now that the 2000 season has completed it looks like video tapes until March '01.

the prancing horse "Ferrari" won it all this year, Driver and Manufacturers titles.

800+ horsepower from 3. 0 litres is awesome, especially normally asperated.

think our Cummins' have power, how 'bout zero to 100 mph to zero in 7 seconds?

'nuf rambling, SWITCA and DNELSON, you're not alone in the F1 world!

 

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Illflem,

I have to agree with John! That is a great idea! I will check it out. I got a hunch that you are right!

Thanks for the insight!

Bob

 

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Originally posted by lizzyhermit:

the prancing horse "Ferrari" won it all this year, Driver and Manufacturers titles.
...
'nuf rambling, SWITCA and DNELSON, you're not alone in the F1 world!

Yeah, so I watched about half the race (until 2am), and fell asleep! Arrrghhh! Woe is me, I had to watch it again on Speed Vision this morning - so much for putting that cold weather cover on the Ram... #ad


Don



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1999 Sport 2500 QC LB, 4x4, SLT, 5 Spd, 3. 54, Camper Package, Trailer Package, Linex liner, SmittyBilt nurfs, K&N filters, 245/70R19. 5 Toyo M680Z, 19. 5" rims, SilBlade wipers, NO silencer ring

 

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Thomas, I would go with the Hella 90601 lights (given the choice between the two) as they have a flood beam pattern which would provide better area coverage. However, if you are trying to upgrade your tailgater abatement program, the Hella 90600 driving lights would be the better choice. #ad


110 watts each... . can you say suntan? #ad
#ad

 

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I think they are both work lights - the lens on the 90601 looks as though it would splatter the light around more and attract less attention, two good features for me.

Tailgaters??? I usually ignore them here in So. Cal. - road-rage and such.

My current add-on backup lamps are controlled by the backup light switch. Illflem's great idea will let me light up the rear with the engine off or idling in neutral

 

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You better add a relay with those lights. The only thing between you and a meltdown is the transmission switch. They cost a lot more then those lights do.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

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I have a 50 amp circuit to the back of the bed. I'm currently using the factory backup lights to trigger the relay that runs my add-on backup lights. Overkill all the way.

 

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I've mounted two Hella "Ultra Beam" #90656 Work Lamps to the underside of my receiver hitch with heavy, black Warn mounting brackets. The lamps are small and inconspicuous with heavy, anodized steel (black) cases and thick, glass lenses. Hella makes excellent products. These lights have 55w bulbs and two of them are more than ample to both illuminate the area behind the truck and also "send a message" to somebody who's riding your tail with his high beams on. The virtue of the twin 55s is that they are NOT going to blind anyone, yet they're bright enough to get the message across. They are great at deer camp, for setting up tree stands, pitching a tent, whatever...

I bought an "IPF" back-up lamp wiring system for $29. 95. It comes with all the necessary fusing, wire harness (plus loom, etc. ), and an illuminated toggle switch which mounts in the dash. The switch has a green light which illuminates when the light circuit is energized. If you flip the toggle to the right position, your lights come on whenever you shift into reverse. If you flip to the left, the switch energizes the circuit instantly -- even if the engine is off. This is my "tailgater message mode. " #ad
The center position deactivates the light circuit, altogether.



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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake, Optima, "Red-top" batteries. Northwest Custom mudflaps, front/rear, and stainless rocker panels.

 

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GO Shumey, GO!!! Congratulations to both Michael and Ferarri... it's been a long time since Scheckter... .

 

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I talked to a guy in customer service at Hella yesterday. He said that I could safely exchange the 55w bulbs in the 90656 "Ultra Beams" for brighter H3 85w Halogen bulbs. The next bulb size is 110w, but he said that'd be "pushing the envelope" (20 amp. circuit) in terms of maybe cracking the lamp lenses from excess heat... Twin 85s put out a LOT OF LIGHT! #ad

 

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I remember someone here mentioned some mounts that slip in the 2" square ends of the factory hitch... ... anyone remember where he bought those? Was it Chad from the Catapillar shop?

PS I watched EVERY F-1 race this year. Sure Glad Shumy won it, both for him AND Ferrari! So, you Junkies are NOT alone. #ad
#ad


Mick2500
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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad



[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 10-25-2000). ]