What's your take on drilling an "L" bracket directly into the hitch would that be something I shouldn't do? Will it decrease strength of the hitch?

It would be just two small bolts per light so 4 holes total 2 on each end of the backside of the hitch.

Thanks

 

Nobody??

 

There are much easier places to put lights back there

 

What is your goal for the lighting, just increased light while backing in the dark? Look into better bulbs in the stock taillight housings.

 

There was a company out there that had a light kit that fit over the hitch that put out some damn good light. I think it was called white lightning or something like that. Basically a plug n play operation.

 

They are PIAA 1500 back up lights ........ friend got them for me for my B-Day. Just using them for reverse lighting and work lights but I have dark tints so upgrading the stock reverse lights would not make it any better (I would think).

Where would you suggest mounting them also have rear exit exhaust pipes so cant be too far back or the side shooting lights would get cut off.

 

Funny thing the GF got me that but I don't like the way it looks same wattage as the PIAA's too and a hell of a lot easier than these are becoming

 

I like the white night lighting systems kit.

 

Where on the hitch bracket are you thinking of drilling and how big .... 1/4" or 5/16"? I doubt that you'll weaken it any, but holes stay there later if you change your mind. You might consider using some square U-blts around the square tube to secure a bracket in place and mount the lights to the bracket. The bracket might be a piece of 1" or 1-1/2" X 3/16" steel about 4" long with two holes towards one end to match the U-bolts and a third or 3rd and 4th hole for the lights.

Do check into state inspection laws reguarding rearward facing white lights and see if there is a special way they have to be wired to pass. Also consider how far down they hang, being under the truck, it'll be easier to knock them off or crush them.

Also, you mention dark tints? Do you have dark tinted tails with a chrome grille and bumpers? Just curious, usually guys go bright or all dark? I like the bright on your front, looks different.

 

Would be on each end of the hitch on the back side (towards front side) and small holes prob 5/16". I thought about the square U-Bracket and just haven't had the time to check them out lol. Think the square bracket would be a best idea for me.

Inspection shouldn't be a problem for reverse lights never heard of that in NY

Oops by tints I meant my window tints not tail tints (I would never hinder my rear warning lights in any way) All chrome for me but not like door handles and mirror tips no cheesy chrome just factory spots and aftermarket roush exhaust

Thanks

 

I think you'ld be OK either way, that crossbar is pretty thick, but the square u-bolt idea is adjustable. I had thougt of adding some and couldn't make up my mind and then when reading your post and thinking on it, the u-bolt idea popped up.

01-4 on the tinted glass, I thought tinted tails would look strange on your truck .... I like chrome as well, looks good!

 

Since you've got lights this may not interest you but for others considering something similar these look pretty simply - plug and play... scroll down to see the non-step version that just slips over the receiver...
http://www.back-upbuddy.com/products.asp

 

Now you went and done it! I have a set of unused 5" diameter rubber tractor lights that look like these from the link, just need to make the other part that goes on the drawbar, etc.



Plug and play or remove when not needed. So simple!