running lights on 2012 3500

[bgddydg]

I am considering placing running lights on the cab of my 2012 3500...truck did not come with them , wondering if any others out there have done this or had it done, and are they happy with results or wish they had gone without, also , if you do have them, are they mostly for looks or functional? thanks

 

[Dieselnerd]

It would be just for looks since they are not required by law on a SRW. My previous truck, a 2005 SRW 3500 came with them but I wouldn't have bothered to add them. If you really want the look, go ahead, but in my opinion it's just another place to create water leaks.

 

[bgddydg]

Thanks .. I believe that is great advice!

 

[MJWenrich]

Since you bought a 3500 I assume you will be towing. The cab lights give you a little more profile or visibility at night to alert drivers that something large is coming at them in MHO. And if you lost your trailer lights for some reason, they provide some clearance lights at least up front. Weak argument I know and I also did not care much about them on my 2004 truck. But with the shark fin on the front of my 2014 cab, the clearance lights offset that a little.

Having said all that there are a couple threads on this site for installing your own lights. It's not for the faint of heart. I had to drop my headliner which required taking apart the side panels from front and rear and removing the rear seat. Then had to drill some large holes in the roof through very thin metal which can twist into a knot pretty easily. I used a progressive drill bit which worked well. A template comes with the kit from RAM to mark placement. Of course it's measured in metrics. The lens gaskets are pretty thin so I used a lot of caulk to ensure no leaks. Then you have to find the wire connection in the fuse box to make them come on with the lights. One heck of a lot of work for little gain. If I ever wanted them again I would order them from RAM on the truck. And if I need to change a bulb at some point, the lens captures the bulb so you have to break your seal to do it.

 

[SnoKing]

It would be just for looks since they are not required by law on a SRW. My previous truck, a 2005 SRW 3500 came with them but I wouldn't have bothered to add them. If you really want the look, go ahead, but in my opinion it's just another place to create water leaks.

^^^ What he said! ^^^ Snoking

 

[bgddydg]

Thanks MJWenrich for the advice... it does sound like a lot of work for not a lot of benefit... I appreciate the info!

 

[firefighter_2000]

I did my own lights on all three of my trucks. Never a problem. Here's a thread to help make it a bit easier.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-windshield-is-out?highlight=Firefighter_2000