Truck Strobe lights

[zach103]

So ive been thinking about installing some hideaway strobes.. im going to order 8 Amber and 4 White.. my plan is to have the two white ones in the 3 brake light and the other 2 in the reverse lights. than the amber will go to the front two signals.. and 5 in the cab lights. I know its different and i dont know of anyone whos done it before so i wanna try it.. now if im correct for the four signal lights i cut a small hole into them and just mount the lights..

Now is there room to put the bulbs into the top third brake light?

Also How can i wire up the cab lights to stay on like usually than switch to the strobes when i want?

And i looked and cant find any good info so if anyone can tel me if its illegal to have those 4 white ones in the rear in ct that would be great.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

I would call your local state patrol office they should be able to offer guidance on putting flashing lights on your vehicle, I know here in Montana, there are only certain types of uses of flashing lights that are legal and only certain people that can use them, they also regulate how bright they can be, how often the can flash and what color they can be..

 

[jimr]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

most hide away strobes you need a 3/4 to 1" hole to install. I set up police vehicles for work and you also need to take into account spacing away form lenses and heat dispersion so you do not melt the lens.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Also don't get strobes get hideaway LED's in another year they wont sell hideaway strobes anymore, the LED's are lightyears better, better at night and much better in the day. Also like others have said check with your state patrol regarding the law most states will allow yellow flashing 360*and red rear only, no white 360* or red front, thats the law in Colorado

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Check out ebay for cheap led strobes

 

[DJ]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Check you local laws (state). Rear facing "white" lights are illegal in many.

White (rear facing) lights indicate a vehicle backing up.

 

[Splat]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

I outfitted all my plow trucks with HAW's. They are pretty easy to install. As stated the whelens I used required a 1" hole. The clearance from strobe tube to light bulb is the.most critical.

Personally I would look into using TIR3 or TIR6 led modules over drilling into my headlights again, but either way is very effective. And using any led over a xeon strobe tube. There may even be newer technoligy available than than TIR modules, I haven't looked in quite sometime.

Shoot on over to WWW.elightbars.org and check out the POV'S and installs sections. There's plenty of help and ideas over there.

On a final note, white should not really be used after dark. It's very hard for oncoming drivers to see past it, red, or better yet amber is a much better option. Also remember to use a "x" pattern when setting up your lights. This eliminated being spots and coverage during the various stages of the flash pattern.

Hope this helps a bit.

Bill

 

[DJ]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Be aware, "more lights" does not always mean that you are seen, or understood.

There is a real effect called: "the moth effect". Impaired drivers will always gravitate toward the lights.

 

[Splat]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Be aware, "more lights" does not always mean that you are seen, or understood.

There is a real effect called: "the moth effect". Impaired drivers will always gravitate toward the lights.

Totally agree.

What are you using lights for? I had originally figured for plowing or some other work use, however be forewarned if your planning to use them to stop at accident scenes, read up about proper blocking techniques, and use them. Using your vehicle to provide some.safety is a good idea, however keeping the moth effect in mind should your vehicle be struck it can become a deadly missle entering the accident scene pinning you and anyone you are trying to help, but also its placement and angles direct where the vehicle striking it will go, either careening into oncoming traffic, into the working accident scene, over a bridge embankment, or safely into a crash barrier, or other safer alternative. Just something to think about.

Best leave this type of stuff to the pros, but do what you gotta do.

Bill

 

[campaignin]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

I have a 2006 F-250

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

One thing I miss about the new format, the report post feature is gone!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

+1 mt

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

One thing I miss about the new format, the report post feature is gone!

Little Black triangle icon located on the bottom, in the same box as your user name

 

[joed]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

One thing I miss about the new format, the report post feature is gone!

No it's not. There is a little tiny triangle below your user info that is 'report post'. It's the very bottom left of each post.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

+1 on the LED recommendation. I also install emergency equipment part-time and strobes are becoming obsolete.

Advantages of LED's
1) no separate power supply needed - simplifies wiring. Some LED's do require a "control box" however.

2) significantly less power draw than strobes and halogen lights.
3) Longer light life...10,000 to 50,000 hrs of use

Possible disadvantage
1) brightness / viewing angle - first couple generations of LED's were only bright at a very narrow angle. This has been addressed in current generations and there are now LED's that rival strobes in both brightness and effective viewing angle.

I recommend WHELEN brand based on durability and quality, but I'll warn you now, they are not cheap. Majority of first responder vehicles in this area get WHELEN lights and sirens.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Once again Bob is THE man!! Thank you Bob

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Truck Strobe lights

Thanks, for some reason I didn't notice that little triangle, but of course my eyesight is not what it used to be!