LED Pods

[CamPalmer]

Curious if any one has installed flush mount LED pods in their rear bumper and if they are worth the install?

 

[A05GSHO]

http://www.ramforum.com/f41/bed_lig..._mount_reverse_light_install_pic_heavy-66687/

 

[sbarron]

That build thread is me. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[CamPalmer]

That build thread is me. Let me know if you have any questions.

Just curious how exactly you wired the pods. Did you run a harness to an aux switch in the cab or just tap into the reverse wire on the tail lights? I read you can tap into the wires that run to your five pin trailer harness.

 

[sbarron]

You can tap into your trailer wiring. I went a different route I wanted to use mine as approach lights as well so I wired them to two different relays. One triggered by the OEM reverse circuit and the other triggered by the cargo light switch

In addition to just coming on when I put the truck in reverse, they also come on if I press the key fob (for approach lights), or if I push the cargo light switch, (comes in handy for ******* lights)

 

[CamPalmer]

You can tap into your trailer wiring. I went a different route I wanted to use mine as approach lights as well so I wired them to two different relays. One triggered by the OEM reverse circuit and the other triggered by the cargo light switch

In addition to just coming on when I put the truck in reverse, they also come on if I press the key fob (for approach lights), or if I push the cargo light switch, (comes in handy for ******* lights)

I just plan on using them as reverse lights. Do you think the whip on the pods will be long enough to reach the trailer harness or will i have to add a section of wire to make the connection?

 

[brandonjansen]

Just curious how exactly you wired the pods. Did you run a harness to an aux switch in the cab or just tap into the reverse wire on the tail lights? I read you can tap into the wires that run to your five pin trailer harness.

I wouldn't suggest hooking them up straight to your reverse lights. LED pods are far too bright to be running in crowded parking lots at night. You want the option of turning them off when needed. I have mine hooked up to a simply SPST (on/off) switch so I can run them whenever I want (reverse, hooking up a trailer, unloading cargo, etc.) Some guys will also hook them up to SPDT (on/off/on) switches so that they can be on with the reverse lights, off, or on whenever needed.

I also went a bit of a different route with mounting my lights. Rather than cutting holes in my bumper for flush mounts I decided to build some brackets and install them back under the truck a ways. Keeps them a little more hidden for a cleaner install IMO. Doesn't effect the light output at all having them back that minor amount.




Top picture is standard LED reverse lights, bottom is with the 3" LED flood pattern pods.