I'm thinking outloud here, but wanted to know if anyone has done something like this.

I'm thinking of using the Amber 1-ton individual clearance light (the one mounted in the leading edge of a dually bed fender) as a blinker and mount it on the doors (one on each side) of my Ram right under the RAM 2500 plate. Then, hook it up in-line with my signal flashers so it blinks when I turn on the blinkers, but stays dark when not. The wiring, I'm not concerned with.

My main reason for doing this is for vehicles driving beside me cannot see my blinkers when i want to change lanes. This could be a safety issue. Having this light, like so many newer cars and trucks have today, would help alert other drivers to my intentions. Additionally, I like to BOMB. 'nuff said. ;-)

Since I have a 2500, I have not seen a 3500 clearance light off a rear fender up close. The question mainly is would this additional "load" on the signal circuit create any problems? If so, could I convert the stock bulbs to LEDs, to lessen the load? And, can I fasten the clearance light w/ the mounting plate to the truck in this location with only one or two small holes?

Anyone done this or can show me a picture of the clearance light without the lens cap and/or one that is not attached so I can see the back of it?

I would probably just buy the pieces from the dealer since I can't seem to find them individually anywhere else. If anyone has any suggestions on this issue as well, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks much,
Steve

 

My brother has been thinking of doing something similar to his '96 suburban. He was thinking on the front fender a couple of inches forward of the door. He has been looking at the LED lights at some semi dealerships. They may have light assemblies cheaper, unless you are in love with the Dodge units.

 

I have thought of other solutions as well, unfortunately, of the ones that really are quality, they require a hole about an inch in diameter behind the light, in addition, usually to another small screw hole. That is OUCH!!

I was hoping for a less invasive solution. Additionally, using the stock lights makes it look "factory" instead of "rice-burner". ;-)

If the 1-ton lights don't present a mounting / drilling advantage, I will continue to consider other solutions. But I have looked on a lot of LED websites, eBay, etc. I've found some clear lense amber LEDs that look great, however, they just require too big an investment in the side of my door. I've also found some that are waaay too big for what I want to do. Those made for tractor trailers, etc.... just too big.

Steve

 

The LED's they use on the Wells Cargo trailers are real small. Maybe you could find out where they get theirs. They are clear amber.

I know what you mean about the rice burner stuff.

Good Luck!!

 

check out www.waytekwire.com for your electrical/lighting needs. Best thing you can do is order their catalog, they are great people to deal with. I plan on doing something similar, except I'm going to cut a hole in my mirror. I just have to figure out how to get the glass off without breaking it

Wal-Mart has LED's that are very bright, I've got 7 on each side and 5 across under the tailgate, they really light up the truck at night. Between those and the stacks the truck earned the nickname "semi" They are called Pirhana LED's, I think they are made by Peterson Manufacturing? They look pretty dang close to the fender lights on duallies and they cost like 7 bucks. They don't need any holes, only 1 to get the wire through and 2 screw holes, but I bet you could use a strong 3m tape to secure it. They are about 3/4" by 2 1/2" long.

 

I don't really understand why this is needed actually since to change lanes you must be able see the car you are cutting in front of in your rear view mirror before you attempt to make the move. Not a flame or slam but informing someone you are making a lane change that is beside you is not even close to being a safe driver. Either slow down or speed up to make the move. Just my .02.

 

I am pretty sure in Europe,part of their light specifications include having a signal on the front fender close to the door where fender badges usually are.Since they probably use them for the heavy traffic they have over there it would probably be a good Idea here to.The leds dont take much power so they probably wont overload anything

 

Rob, not to take your comments as a flame, but let me tell you what happened recently. I was in the far left lane of a 3-lane road and had about 1/2 mile to get all the way over to the far right lane, then into the turn lane to turn right. Traffic was busy and I had a vehicle in front, behind, and to the right.

Proper driving technique says you use your blinker to notify others of your intention before making an action. So I turn on my blinker. Nobody saw it. I went about 1/4 mile this way and nobody saw it. Finally, during this time, there was barely enough space in front of me to punch it and squeeze in front of the Tahoe that was sitting beside me for the last 1/4 mile. So I did. And he flipped on his red and blues. Yes, he was an unmarked police car. Needless to say, i was ******.

He said I did not yield to him. That I didn't give him ample room, etc., etc., etc. He acted all "bad" and all. I proceeded to tell him EVERYTHING that was going on during that 30 second situation. What vehicles were beside, behind, around me and that I had been signalling for the past 30 seconds or 1/4 mile+ with HIM beside me and he didn't see it. I told him I watched in my mirror, all the while my blinker was on, and made the lane change in front of him giving him at least 2 car lengths (he was doing 45 and I ended up doing 50+).

In the end, he couldn't write me a ticket since he probably could tell he didn't have a clear case. But the event encouraged me to add additional blinkers to the sides of my truck for people to see so I can notify more people of my intentions. It doesn't mean I will just change lanes when I turn on the blinker, THAT would be foolish. But I believe in using blinkers well ahead to alert people to my intention. And given the blind spot on the side of the truck that a SUPPOSEDLY more alert and learned driver a police officer (in civilian clothes BTW) couldn't see, I figured it would only help.

So that is my story and why I am looking for something nice and clean. Besides, in the event the car is REALLY small and I cannot see them, it may just save us both some serious $$$ if they see my light when I don't see them.

Steve

 

Hey Crimedog, update your Member photo gallery. Looks like you do not have any pics of the lights or the stacks!

I'll have to take a look at the Walmart ones you mentioned. And I'll probably order the catalog from Waytek. Thanks!

Steve

 

The story Steve relates is the reason many rigs now come with a blinker built into the rearview mirrors.
After market ones are availible
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/sticsidviewm.html

these are even better http://www.kwmuth.com/products/smtechnology.htm

 

The rearview mirror mounted kits, as infidel mentioned, unfortunately, wouldn't help the situation I talked about or similar situations because the lights are very direction and are aimed back. Additionally, the mirrors are inset into the housing on our trucks and the outside edge of the black plastic would hinder them being seen to the sides. Those vehicles even just a bit ahead of your rear bumper will not see them. I think they are neat looking, and do help in very specific situations, but worthless in my situation since they are best seen by vehicles well behind your rear bumper. Well, if that is their location, they can see your standard rear blinkers too. Just my opinion.

I'm specifically trying to address those vehicles that are just ahead of your rear bumper including those beside you... those that could be at greatest risk. Granted, they may not all see it either, but something mounted near the seam of the front fender / door (just like many european cars now have), would definitely be seen by more vehicles than standard blinkers alone. And as a bonus, vehicles behind my rear bumper, but one lane over, could still see them in addition to my standard rear corner blinkers.

I like the lights that are on the outside housings of side mirrors... those would probably address what I need. Like the Fords have on their towing mirrors. But given the rounded design of my current OEM mirror, it would be difficult to add a light safely and securely that does a good job while not being in harms way.

I know there is a company that makes great towing mirrors for our trucks as a complete replacement that include blinkers just like the Ford mirrors do. However, they run in excess of $400... ouch!

So you see my dilemma and why I posted this topic?

Steve

 

This set is for a volvo but might be like you want http://www.volvospeed.com/Reviews/sturn.htm

 

This set is for a volvo but might be like you want http://www.volvospeed.com/Reviews/sturn.htm

These are some others

http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/Bu...e_1_c_188.html

well that second link wont work but just go to google and type in european side signals and you will find a bunch of kits

 

I'm going to give those guys at Autotoys a call and see what they have that mounts the way I'd like. It is so hard to tell from pics and descriptions because most never show you the back and rarely, if ever, describe what is required for mounting.

Thanks Dufrain!

 

If you get them mounted put up a picture so we can see how it looks