Reverse Lights
Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Been lurking too long, time to put in my two cents...
I too was dissatisfied with the quality of backup illumination. I found a great solution at Pep Boys, box labeled as aux. back-up lights. Lights can either be bolted to the bumper or attached to the tow-hitch arm with a couple brackets and zip ties. I was a little skeptical at first, but the installation is very clean and provide excellent illumination. At 55w and mounted as low as they are, they give you perfect lighting for any situation. I'll attempt to post a couple of quick pic's here...
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...c=ph%26.view=t
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I too was dissatisfied with the quality of backup illumination. I found a great solution at Pep Boys, box labeled as aux. back-up lights. Lights can either be bolted to the bumper or attached to the tow-hitch arm with a couple brackets and zip ties. I was a little skeptical at first, but the installation is very clean and provide excellent illumination. At 55w and mounted as low as they are, they give you perfect lighting for any situation. I'll attempt to post a couple of quick pic's here...
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...c=ph%26.view=t
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Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Sorry...Doing something wrong in linking the pictures, try one more time or you can just cut and past the link.
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...hts-1.JPG%26.s rc=ph
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http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...hts-1.JPG%26.s rc=ph
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Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Takes some practice, think I've got it down now. Here is the three photo link...by the way, cost was $30.
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...src=ph&.view=t
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http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...src=ph&.view=t
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: New Hudson, MI, USA
Hey....that looks like my truck. I got mine a Autoworks. They were made by Pilot. $25.
-jeff b.
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2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
-jeff b.
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2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 0
From: Buford, GA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by SCrewzin:
Takes some practice, think I've got it down now. Here is the three photo link...by the way, cost was $30.
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...src=ph&.view=t
</font>
Takes some practice, think I've got it down now. Here is the three photo link...by the way, cost was $30.
http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/gabat...src=ph&.view=t
</font>
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2001 Supercrew Loaded
Oxford White
Lightning Front End and Wheels
Supercharger to come!!
Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Hey LightningCrew...yeah, your about 10-minutes away. I live in Lawrenceville. Crazy that it takes the internet to introduce yourself to folks that practically live next door. This seems like a great forum, really enjoy all the truck info and general banter that goes on.
Take it easy...
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Take it easy...
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Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Twentynine Palms,CA
Screwzin, and others,
How exactly did you do the wiring? Plug into hitch, splice? etc. Can you write specifics on this? I'd really appreaciate it.
Thanks
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2001 F150 SuperCrew XLT
White 4x4 5.4L V8 3.55LS
Class III Tow Pkg
Slid Plates
Sliding rear window
Bed Extender
Mods:::::::::::::::::::::
Huskey Liners
Westin Steps-Black
BFG AT KO's 285/75/16
AirForce 1 FIPK
BedRug
ARE Z series cap
How exactly did you do the wiring? Plug into hitch, splice? etc. Can you write specifics on this? I'd really appreaciate it.
Thanks
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2001 F150 SuperCrew XLT
White 4x4 5.4L V8 3.55LS
Class III Tow Pkg
Slid Plates
Sliding rear window
Bed Extender
Mods:::::::::::::::::::::
Huskey Liners
Westin Steps-Black
BFG AT KO's 285/75/16
AirForce 1 FIPK
BedRug
ARE Z series cap
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: the woodlands, tx, USA
Screwzer-
There are a couple of different ways to do it.
First, you can wire the lights direct to the reverse lights of the truck. All you have to do is get a couple wire splicers and connect the lights to the wire going to the reverse light (on either side) in the tail lights. Then ground the lights to the bumper or frame. Simple, clean, and easy.
Second, you would have to run a wire from your fuse box or battery to the dash, to mount a switch. Then you have to go from the switch to the lights. Connect the positive for the lights and then connect the ground to the truck. This takes a lot more time and effort than just connecting to the reverse lights. By doing it this way with the switch, you have the ability to turn the lights off and on when ever you want. Like I said earlier, with bright enough lights, you can seriously stop tailgaters!
There are advantages to doing it both ways. I have had both done in previous trucks, and what I liked about one, I didn't like about the other. For example: backing up to a trailer is great, you see everything. When you get out to connect to the trailer and you put the truck in park (when the lights are spliced into the reverse lights) the lights go out and you have to rely on the eyes to see what you're doing. However with the switch you turn them on, and they stay on untill you turn them off, makes seeing very easy. Some times you forget to turn them on in a parking lot or when you're out, and then you have to rely on the factory tails to help. It's all just personal opinion. They are great either way!
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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System
Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights
There are a couple of different ways to do it.
First, you can wire the lights direct to the reverse lights of the truck. All you have to do is get a couple wire splicers and connect the lights to the wire going to the reverse light (on either side) in the tail lights. Then ground the lights to the bumper or frame. Simple, clean, and easy.
Second, you would have to run a wire from your fuse box or battery to the dash, to mount a switch. Then you have to go from the switch to the lights. Connect the positive for the lights and then connect the ground to the truck. This takes a lot more time and effort than just connecting to the reverse lights. By doing it this way with the switch, you have the ability to turn the lights off and on when ever you want. Like I said earlier, with bright enough lights, you can seriously stop tailgaters!
There are advantages to doing it both ways. I have had both done in previous trucks, and what I liked about one, I didn't like about the other. For example: backing up to a trailer is great, you see everything. When you get out to connect to the trailer and you put the truck in park (when the lights are spliced into the reverse lights) the lights go out and you have to rely on the eyes to see what you're doing. However with the switch you turn them on, and they stay on untill you turn them off, makes seeing very easy. Some times you forget to turn them on in a parking lot or when you're out, and then you have to rely on the factory tails to help. It's all just personal opinion. They are great either way!
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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System
Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights
Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville, GA
Screwzer...Adamski is right, there are advantages to each method. I spliced mine directly into the reverse lights in the tail-lamps. This situation worked out best for me because it gives you just the right light in everyday driving as well as the additional light needed when backing up to a trailer. It is a clean install with this method because Ford has provided easy access into the tail-lamp housing.
Just my opinion...
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Just my opinion...
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: mckinney, Tx, Usa
if you did, wire the lights up to the battery i would suggest putting in a relay. this is how i have installed all my lights on my truck and this is how mudder the KC boy does his. its just a wise idea. could also wire in a led to the switch that lets you know when the lights are on and arnt.
and for those of yall that need lights to plug in the trailer wiring. go to walmart and buy yourself a maglite, or any type of flashlight. simple solution there.
and for those of yall that need lights to plug in the trailer wiring. go to walmart and buy yourself a maglite, or any type of flashlight. simple solution there.
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Twentynine Palms,CA
Thanks for the help guys.
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew XLT
White 4x4 5.4L V8 3.55LS
Class III Tow Pkg
Slid Plates
Sliding rear window
Bed Extender
Mods:::::::::::::::::::::
Huskey Liners
Westin Steps-Black
BFG AT KO's 285/75/16
AirForce 1 FIPK
BedRug
ARE Z series cap
------------------
2001 F150 SuperCrew XLT
White 4x4 5.4L V8 3.55LS
Class III Tow Pkg
Slid Plates
Sliding rear window
Bed Extender
Mods:::::::::::::::::::::
Huskey Liners
Westin Steps-Black
BFG AT KO's 285/75/16
AirForce 1 FIPK
BedRug
ARE Z series cap
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: the woodlands, tx, USA
Lightningcrew-
The lights you have mounted are identical to the ones I have on my 96, and are the same as the ones I want to put on this truck. My whole question is: Do they mount up straight? I looked at the drop hitch, and it looks like there is almost too much of a bend in it to get the lights straight. Are your straight, or did you have to modify the brackets to make them work?
Adam
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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System
Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights
The lights you have mounted are identical to the ones I have on my 96, and are the same as the ones I want to put on this truck. My whole question is: Do they mount up straight? I looked at the drop hitch, and it looks like there is almost too much of a bend in it to get the lights straight. Are your straight, or did you have to modify the brackets to make them work?
Adam
------------------
2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System
Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights
