Squeaky Penguin's (Trip Reports) Build Thread

Yeah, mounting them in that location would certainly leave them subject to all sorts of crap thrown up by the tire. That being said, the back of the lights are just a bunch of cooling fins, so there can't be that much to hurt. On top of that, they're $30 shipped a pair. Not too much to loose.

I do like the idea of a pivoting light though. Would need to get some mounting tabs welded on and figure out how to make it pivot.

 

Where you at in Colorado?

Our trucks looks pretty similar... Im in Broomfield

 

Good looking truck!

Currently living in Erie, studying at CU.

 

Yep, mine are the Amazon specials. I got they after seeing TeamHypoxia's. Anyways, my OKLEDs amber pods in my bumper I leave on all the time, and there's no sign of them giving out. As long as these cheap ones really do have Cree chips, the rest doesn't really matter.

 

nice we going wheeling up at rollins pass this weekend if anyone you know is interested, there is a post on ttora colorado section

 

Don't think I'll be able to make it. Got a trip planned for sunday and got a few things I need to take care of Saturday. Anyways, I ran up Rollins pass a few weeks ago and checked out the reroute on Jenny Creek. Have fun!

Nope, can't imagine anyone makes one that fits. Seems like a bit different of a size. You would have to find a source of colored polycarbonate (or whatever the lens are) and cut it yourself.



Oh, and after several minutes of extensive testing, I have discovered my orignal position for the backup lights won't work. Just can't get the output at a good angle down there. So, add a couple light tabs to the list of things I need welded. And who knows of a way I can mount a light securely enough that it won't move, but spin when I want it to?

 

I intend to mount mine the same way I mounted the fronts. loosen the bracket a bit and swivel it wherever you want.

I did hit the brackets with the same flat black as the bumper and it disappeared them pretty well.

Did you wire them into the reverse lights? I think it was Jace that said there was a writeup on here somewhere showing how to link them to the reverse lights and also to a switch so that they come on always with back up lights and also whenever you want by throwing the switch.
I haven't found the writeup yet, but I'm guessing they're low enough draw to just tie them into the backup lights and then use a diode and another switched power?

 

I've got my reverse lights set up on the swingout - it's nice until you want light where you're working. I've considered using a RAM mount for them so I can turn them around as needed. If I were you (or rather, if I had a hard shell topper) I'd mount some on the roof on some sort of adjustable mount...perhaps like the RAM mount. Or, you know, something along those lines.

Could always put a light tucked into the area behind the spare where the tube terminates, pointed inward, so when it's open you flick it on.

 

Swingout is all square tubing, so the conduit clamp is out. I just wired up a OTRATTW switch tongiht. I'll get pics in the morning. It'll have it's own circuit with relay and fuse and such. I did however wire it so I can turn it on all the time. All my other lights the key needs to be in the ACC position. The idea here was camp setup.

This is another possiblity. I guess for $30/pr I could have some pointing either way on the swingout.

 

Yep. I've found that having the larger pods about level with the reverse lights is really handy for backing up, but at that height, it's damn near useless as camp/work lighting... I'm always looking right at 'em as I'm doing stuff. My hope is to potentially build a roof rack to go over the softopper somehow, to which I would mount proper work lights, so they're above eye level.

Blackdawg had a cool idea, where he had a sort of quick-mount height adjustable pole with a light mounted to the top, he welded something onto his bed rack that the poles attach to, then is able to have the lights on while in camp - and really high up, shining down nicely.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...ild-lt-expo-trail-rig-bs-162.html#post6677918

 

Wow, twinsies!

Link for those lights? I will be adding some light to my back end as well, we can come up with something similar. I do like Monty's idea, I definitely agree about being blinded by your lights is no good. Also mounting them low doesn't really throw the light where you need it.

 

Brett

When the time comes think you might be able to help me wire up a bunch of stuff? Lights, CB, etc?

I'll feed you ribs and beer again.

 

$15 Nilight Led Pods 2Pcs 18W 1260LM Spot Led Off Road Lights Super Bright Driving Fog Boat Lights Led Work Light Bar for Trucks Pickup Golf Cart SUV ATV UTV 4x4 Van Camper,2 Years Warranty

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G620ZVU/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_dD.pub170YSX5

just ordered two more for backup lights myself

they work awesome as ditch lights. trying out a 20" light bar that looks identical as well

 

Nice. What if you put some bushing type washers in so they would stay tight, but you could still move them around?

 

For now, I think I just stick with these being on the swingout. The other problem I see with these cheapies is the beam angle was not really made that clear. These are clearly a spot, and won't be quite as effective as my 90* floods on the front. Gott some scap metal we can make a few little mounting tabs out of?

Yeah of course! For some reason I quite enjoy wiring.

Curious to see how that works out.

The first thing that crossed my mind was to use a hitch pin in stead of a bolt to mount the light. Then below the mounting tab, compress a spring with a washer and put the clip in. Should pivot easy, and would also be easily removeable if want to point the light somewhere competely different.

 

OK, here's the new switch panel. Need to do some monkeying to get it to sit in there right. Also, I was a little impatient a got some finger prints on the paint, oh well...



I moved the winch switch up from the slots just below here. Much nicer location. One thing I'm a little stumped on though is the wiring for the winch switch lights. For all my other lights, the lower light comes on and dims with the dash light, and the upper comes on when the switch is turned on. For the winch switch wired in what I think is the same way, both lights turn on with the dash lights, and only the lower one dims. Who knows, it's a carling switch but it came with the winch and was never wired to use the lights:



Winch master on is still down here, although it may need to be moved when a thrid switch is added:




Oh, and, this happened:

 

Fuck yeah!

 

They screwed up my half Duratrac half LTX order so I settled for these

295/75/16 Dynapro MT. Not quite skinny enough, but they should do.

Holy shit! The ride is so much smoother and quiter. Can't wait to break them in proper this weekend.


KM2s, never again...

 

Think of it like this, still narrower than a 315, and almost as tall.