New England Mod & Meetup Thread: May 17 at Jared’s!!

Does look like it leveled out, if there is a rake it would be one of those things you notice because you own it but otherwise nobody would notice with a passing glance. Looks good!

 

I am sure you do know that place. Hit the subway for dinner.

Yeah, it has settled a little. I could deal with a little more but at least the Carolina squatting seems to be gone.

 

I am trying to plan my electrical/light set up. I am thinking, cheaper lights for now, but good wiring set up with the ability to upgrade the lights later if needed. maybe some sort of quick connect/disconnect set up.

I was looking at these lights last night,

$13 4-LED Sync Feature Ultra Slim Surface Mount Flashing Green Strobe Lights for Truck Car Vehicle LED Mini Grille Light Head Emergency Beacon Hazard Warning Lights

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGPPWK1H/?coliid=I5FZLCFFZ76VS&colid=OUNVWEF79CGH&th=1

Is there some way I could switch modes via a rocker switch in the truck? Or wire in some sort of switch near the lights to change their mode?

 

I think you could do in cab by using 3 switches. 1 latching switch for light power then 2 momentary for swapping modes on to yellow wire one to white wire. Youd need to get one and mess around with it.

 

My lights strobe from the switch panel, not the lights. I have regular LED pods.

Here's the one I have now:

Nibright 8 Gang Switch Panel Circuit Control System Box [Momentary + Strobe + Standard Modes] Universal On-Off LED Car Touch Switch Panel for Truck UTV SUV Pickup Marine Boat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GFHNN9Z

If I had to do it again, I'd probably go for this (or similar, this is just the one that I found):

$96 MICTUNING 6 Gang RGB Switch Panel P1s-R, Universal Circuit Control Relay System Box with Adjustable Brightness On-Off Toggle Switch Momentary Pod Touch for Car Truck SUV ATV Boat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTDY2C9...=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

For reasons:

• RGB, not that I care, mine's blue, I have it turned all the way down, but stil, could be nice and cool
• Brightness controller on the panel itself, I have to have a button that triggers it. I just dedicated one of my switches to momentary to do such a thing, but would be nice to not have that issue. I see some have auto dim, that might solve the same critique.
• I would PROBABLY go down to 6, instead of 8 - but the extra 2 buttons doesn't take up so much space that it's an issue. Still, would probably go down to 6.

That said - I highly recommend the one I have now.

 

not a fan of 3 switches, however, I have thought about putting a switch in the back. Goal is have strobe for chase lights, and then switch to flood for rear light when parked. I had been thinking about getting chase and then floods, but I want to try to just use on set of lights versus multiple.

 

Idk what other people think but I think strobes for chase lights dont help at all and I find them annoying. Could do a momentary 2 in 1 switch like a window switch.

 

I already have a Aux fuse panel that I will use, money spent along time ago.

 

Use red or amber. Red is a BIG BIIIIIIIIG nono on the roads, but for camp lights - red doesn't attract the skeeters. Also, in the cab, red doesn't kill your night vision. My map and dome lights are red because of that. Time to time I wish I had switchbacks, so I am looking at maybe doing that instead.

I only have them just because. I didn't know the panel could do that when I got it

makes sense.

$28 FXC Waterproof Marine Boat Rocker Switch Aluminum Panel 5 Gang with Dual USB Slot Socket 3.1A + Volt Meter Blue LED Light for Car Rv Vehicles Truck (KG0149-5B Blue)

https://www.amazon.com/FXC-Waterpro...42&sprefix=switch+panel+,aps,233&sr=8-10&th=1

Can look at switch panels like these too. Don't know where the heck it would go.

 

this came up as a highlight on my google page today.

 

I have red and green inside, both are good for night and don't attract the flying friends. And for some reason I like the green, probably because not as popular currently.

And that switch panel looks cool, so there for it should be a must.


I am hoping for a few rocker panels in the dash and be done.

 

Quick google says


Yes, "chase lights" often, and effectively, utilize strobe or flashing features to increase visibility and warn those behind, especially in challenging conditions like dust or darkness.
Here's why and some considerations:

• Increased Visibility:
  Flashing lights, including strobes, are designed to stand out and attract attention, making it easier for drivers behind you to see your vehicle, especially when visibility is reduced due to dust, fog, or darkness.
• Safety:
  Strobe lights can help prevent collisions by alerting other drivers to your presence and movements, allowing them to react accordingly.
• Dust/Fog Penetration:
  The flashing nature of strobes can help cut through dust and fog, making them more visible than solid lights.
• Tactical Environments:
  In off-roading or tactical environments, strobes can be used to cover movement or disorient an aggressor.
• Legal Considerations:
  While strobes can be helpful, be aware of local laws regarding the use of flashing lights on civilian vehicles.
• Types of Chase Lights:
  • LED Light Cubes: Small, compact LED lights can be easily mounted and used as strobes.
  • Wiring Harnesses: Some companies offer wiring harnesses that allow you to use your existing turn signals or reverse lights as strobes.
  • External Switch Panels: External switch panels can control the strobe function of chase lights.
  • Built-in Strobing Technology: Some chase lights come with built-in technology that allows them to strobe automatically.

 

Just my preference but I think this is my issue with it. Makes it harder to tell whats goin on. Strobes make alot of sense for onroad driving where people are distracted on their phones

 

This is it for me. The strobe is more noticeable through the fog, so you can see the contrast more than just a light that's on.

Boo yeah, time to use my tacoma as a weapon in reverse!

Nah makes sense. Mine are also brighter than most dedicated chase lights so strobe probably isn't needed. I think last year was the first time I wasn't in the rear, so it wasn't a big deal other than then. I'll leave 'em solid and see what happens.

 

I agree, I can see both sides, if I don't strobe, makes the switch part easier. And if you approach a dust cloud in NMWs, I would hope you realize that something is causing the dust and you need to aware.

However, we might piss of a local and may need to disorient someone chasing us.

 

The capability could be useful. Sean might try and find you and your blue balls.

 

I played basketball once

 

Old smaller 20W panel on my roof. Using it as a device charger. Routed the cable down into the glove box and shoved all the stuff down into the body panel. Panel > pass through 10,000mAh battery bank > charging devices.

Used to be scattered about the cab. Cleaned it up tonight, summers will charge a Bluetooth speaker and bike headlights for riding. Winter charges light up belts and dog collars for walking.

I don't drive enough for the USB port in the center console to keep it charged, this will charge all day long now

 

CLEAN

 

Just got this message.