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Trailer Hitch LED Pod Insert

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Annolino122, Mar 10, 2015.

  1. Mar 10, 2015 at 1:35 PM
    #1
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I have been doing research and thinking of ways to get a switch controlled reverse light on the back of the truck that isn't intrusive of the truck design. All the reverse lights I see are mounted in places that will either get knocked around when wheeling, or just stick out like a sore thumb.

    Has anyone done this mod? or know a company that does this? or even someone on here who has a write up? c

    I saw 1 picture of a LED pod in the hitch and liked it, so I wanna know how to make this happen
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2015
  2. Mar 10, 2015 at 1:37 PM
    #2
    geekhouse23

    geekhouse23 The "Liftman" - @DrFunker

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  3. Mar 10, 2015 at 2:22 PM
    #3
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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  4. Mar 10, 2015 at 2:53 PM
    #4
    JL911

    JL911 Psshh

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    That is an awesome idea. I never thought of doing something like that.

    Best bet is to get measurements of the hitch then just look around for an off-road light that would fit the space. Wiring would be simple using a relay with a trigger run from the reverse lights.
     
  5. Mar 10, 2015 at 2:57 PM
    #5
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thats what I'm thinking, measuring it out, and seeing the total cost of fabricating it. But I wanted to see if anyone had done it before or knew a company that made one thats flush mounted

    Fabrication should be easy, square tubing with holes to line the hitch pin to secure the light, then finding something to fit inside the tube and how to mount that.
     
  6. Mar 11, 2015 at 7:05 AM
    #6
    JL911

    JL911 Psshh

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    If you find a light that fits properly, post a link! I've looked around a little without much success.
     
  7. Mar 12, 2015 at 8:06 AM
    #7
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I found a couple, but actual dimensions i haven't had time to check and see if they could work for fabrication.

    http://www.larsonelectronics.com/p-...-lumens-2-inch-square-stud-mount-9-48vdc.aspx

    http://www.roughcountry.com/2-inch-led-square-lights-70903.html

    If neither of these can work.... than there is a reason why rigid made the flush mounts, and also why people just wait to put a light bar on their roof rack. Anything smaller wouldn't put out enough light to be useful
     
  8. Mar 12, 2015 at 8:26 AM
    #8
    OCNutty

    OCNutty Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    What you show may be custom? The above I have on my truck for extra stop/running light.
    However if you pop the lens and install a high intensity led bulb (mine is 1157 bulb) and build your own clear lens....a little work but doable.
    Also from trailering diagram, I believe one of the 7 pins on the harness is backup light power.
     
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  9. Mar 12, 2015 at 10:15 AM
    #9
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That'd be a bit of wiring too... Cause you'd have to install a relay and switch to the cab (unless you want it to work with reverse light). But that definitely is a good starting point for a custom made one
     
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  10. Mar 24, 2015 at 10:13 AM
    #10
    OCNutty

    OCNutty Well-Known Member

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    Ok: so if switch controlled, wich is advisable cause you dont need this at every backup: Check to determine the fuse setup for the tow package. The backup light connection on the 7 pin may have it's own fuse up front, providing access to interrupt that voltage, w/o affecting the regular backup lights; could install the relay next to the underhood fuse panel, to allow interrupt of voltage on this pin with a switch on the dash.
     
  11. Mar 24, 2015 at 10:18 AM
    #11
    adriancast

    adriancast Well-Known Member

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  12. Mar 24, 2015 at 3:35 PM
    #12
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I like how low profile your lights are, that's def better. Do you have a write up?
     
  13. Mar 24, 2015 at 8:29 PM
    #13
    adriancast

    adriancast Well-Known Member

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    No i do not. Just a in-line fuse by the battery and ground both the lights in the rear. I'll try and get pics of the brackets holding the lights tomorrow.
     
  14. Mar 24, 2015 at 9:19 PM
    #14
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Perfect thanks!
     
  15. Mar 25, 2015 at 8:24 AM
    #15
    adriancast

    adriancast Well-Known Member

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  16. Mar 26, 2015 at 9:04 AM
    #16
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Awesome!!

    I found some 1.5" spot lights from vision x with 530 lumens I think, but they're expensive, and can find a higher lumen on a row like yours. So probably gonna do your way
     
  17. Mar 26, 2015 at 11:21 AM
    #17
    adriancast

    adriancast Well-Known Member

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  18. Mar 28, 2015 at 12:26 AM
    #18
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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  19. Mar 28, 2015 at 7:54 AM
    #19
    Annolino122

    Annolino122 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah this looks starting to grow on me! Definitely the route im going. Do you have a dual light wiring harness?
     
  20. Mar 28, 2015 at 1:30 PM
    #20
    adriancast

    adriancast Well-Known Member

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    Just tap into the power going to the battery with the other light. I wouldn't use the reverse light. Then the light will only go on in reverse. I use my aux light more than just reverse. Throw a switch in the cab.

    [​IMG]
     

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