Strobe Light Supplemental Hazards?

[CDN_Cruiser]

Has anyone installed strobe lights on their 80 as 'supplemental hazzards?'. I've found a few times when I'm off to the side of the road and the regular hazards seem to be very minimal (e.g., at night , in the rain/snow).

I've been thinking about wiring in some of the strobes (amber) like you see in pace cars, tow trucks/highway repair trucks, cop cars, etc. They seem to be ~$100 for a pair and you would likely need at least 2 pair (or 4 if you want the cool offsetting strobe effect). I would wire these into a different switch than the hazards.

Not sure which lights to wire them into,....still pondering.

Cheers, Hugh

 

[ginericLC]

Check with your state to see if they are legal. For normal street vehicles in Idaho they are illegal. Even the Amber ones.

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Good point. I had a quick look at The Act and they seem to be ok (no flashing red, flashing green, flashing headlights or flashing blue)...then again, I would check in more detail before I buy...

Cheers, Hugh

 

[helocat]

Check with your state to see if they are legal. For normal street vehicles in Idaho they are illegal. Even the Amber ones.

Eric,

Is that why you went with the neon lights under the 80 that pulse to your stereo?

Hugh,

I have thought about doing the same on one of my trucks and also my trailer. The towing supply and security supply companies (like www.galls.com) sell the ones I have been looking at. I planed to just set it up on its own circuit so I can chose to turn them on when I feel I needed them. As for slaving them to the OEM flasher circuit, I would use a small relay and pull the switched “on” signal off the OEM switch. I don’t know if it’s + or – that closes the circuit for the OEM flashers but by using a relay to turn on your strobes it will not matter since you can use either one for the relay. (You still need to figure out if it’s a + or – signal) The relay will of course help isolate aftermarket electronics from your OEM electronics.

Good luck,

Mark

 

[IdahoDoug]

I have a Hella rear fog lamp, which I illuminate if I'm in a bad spot to augment the 4 way flashers. If I'm REALLY in a bad spot I also turn on my rear roof mounted twin beam Hella work lamp, but would only do this in certain conditions. For instance, it would be a bad idea in poor visibility as a following driver might misinterpret it as headlamps and try to put it on his left.

I also carry a pair of serious flares, which may be the very best warning.

DougM

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

I plan to bring out the dremmel soon an cut a hole in the rear bumper to mount my Hella fog light (have the OEM switch now, etc) (and my side marker lights that I got AGES ago ). I also have a detachable rear (or side, front) work light on my roof rack.

I also agree with the road flares being 'best in class', but I wanted something that's easier to use for the 'I have to stop for a minute by the side of the road in this awful rain' vs. 'some guy is in the ditch - let me light the flare'

Quite frankly, I'm a bit surprised that they do seem to be legal, but then again I have to reread the Highway Traffic Act as it's hardly a simple read (no mention of strobes, flashers, etc). Then again, lots of non-gov't trucks seem to use them (ie private commercial), so I don't see why others can't used them as well.

Cheers, Hugh

 

[ginericLC]

Eric,

Is that why you went with the neon lights under the 80 that pulse to your stereo?



Mark

Did Uglibus tell you about his Alien experience Sat. night? I turned on my rock lights and he told me that my 80 looked like an Alien cruising through the sage covered desert. OK, so I like a little BLING! Also, my subwoofers were unplugged, Gabe was back their dinking around again and unplugged them. I think folks have gone nuts, I don't think 20" steel wheels are Bling. They should be just about right on my 80
After my rig is painted I've considered having diamond plate aluminum guards made to cover the entire rig. Hmm! Now I bet you all would consider that major BLING! I've been accused of going against the grain to rile folks up. I cannot help it that I have an infection for shiny things (and yes I understand the meaning of infection).

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

Thot this thread needed some flare...

Found these awhile back; measure about 4" W x 1" H. Just put some suction cups on the bottom, and you have instant LED flares that you can put anywhere. Powerful bright at night...

Made by PDK Technologies (CA).

Cheers, R -

 

[ginericLC]

So where do you get those and how much are they?

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Cool - only problem is if they are red you would likely be in really big trouble if you used them. In my case, at the very least they would fine you for improper lights re the Highway Traffic Act...and at worst, impersonating a police officer!

I remember seeing some interesting magnet-based very small ones - some military application.

Cheers, Hugh

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

E -

Since my last post, I was able to locate the mfr site... here

There is a list of dealers and a bunch of other info. Apparently the units can be purchased individually, or in packs of 2, 3, etc. IIRC, the $$$ was less than $15 each, depending upon how many you get.

No affiliation, etc., etc... Just a good idea & decent product.

H -

I don't get it. Your hazards are red !? Anyway, check these out... they have 'em in amber as well.

Cheers, R -

 

[IdahoDoug]

I think the best strategy may really be your 4 way flashers under most circumstances. Barring poor visibility approaching you, I'd guess the most likely reason you'd be rear ended while stopped off the roadway is from a drunk driver. Apparently, they're drawn by extravagent flashing light displays in their stupor, which law enforcement research has shown. Turns out drunks hit police cars at a higher rate then the general population of vehicles beside the road. A lot of better funded police agencies have gone with those "in synch/out of synch" displays as well as the ones with the sequential flash directing you (and presumably the drunks) to move LEFT. So, just having a bunch of randomly flashing lights may put you in harm's way.

And a flare a quarter mile back is likely the very best as it provides advance warning when it's practical to do so and the situation warrants a longer stop.

DougM

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Interesting point....I've seen that on the Teee Veeee (...me watch COPS?). Was it you (or someone) that replaced their flashers with higher output lights?

Cheers, Hugh

 

[IdahoDoug]

Years ago I put high powered halogen bulbs in all my rear lights - reverse, brake and signal. I believe they're all Hella bulbs and they just plug right in with the supplied adapter.

DougM