I have been wanting one of those long LED tailgate light bars for the longest time. I started doing some research and there are tons of reviews and how unreliable they are. After a little while they get moisture in them and the LEDs start to fail. I have finally decided to get this one.
http://www.customdynamics.com/truck_led_light_bar.htm
It is a little more expensive than others and even has fewer features than some (no sequential turns or white reverse lights) but it seems to have more LEDs than others so it should be brighter. It is in a rigid aluminum casing and has a lifetime warranty for LED failure. I have used these guys in the past for LED strips for my Harley and they have really been great. I have emailed them over the past couple of weeks and they have always been very responsive. I also ordered this so I would not have to tap into the factory wiring, can hide the connection and leave the 4-pin on the bumper available for use.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140958989430?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Now I just have to figure out how I am going to install this thing. So we have the spare tire access hole right in the way. I know you can remove the plastic ring around the hole and mount the light bar just covering about a quarter of the top of the hole and can still access enough of the hole to get the extension in there. But if you look you really need to mount the bar right over the hole for best light output. Also this bar only uses automotive 3M tape to install. I have used this stuff before and have no problem with it and know it will hold up well. But you better make sure you have it straight and level the first time because you really only get one shot.
So I started thinking how I could cover the spare tire access hole up and figure out another way to lower the spare tire when needed. Then I thought it would be great if this light bar was just magnetic on the back and you could mount it anywhere and remove it when needed. I started researching some of that magnetic tape and all of the reviews for that stated that it is not very strong. Then I thought about just getting some magnets and using the 3M tape (that comes on the light bar) on the back to adhere the magnets. I found some of these on eBay but have not ordered them yet. The light bar is also 3/8” high is why I am looking at this size but the longest I can find is 1” so will need to use several of them, not really sure how many. That will have to be trial and error, will start with three and add more if needed. I did make sure with CD that the magnets would not affect the LEDs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271150412558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_1773wt_800
I know they are little expensive for 10 small magnets but it may be worth it if it makes the light bar easier to install and removable. The problem I am worried about with these is that with their holding power and smooth finish that they could just pull off of the 3M tape and stay on the truck…..
Please help….need any other advice or suggestions.
Thanks,
Greg
http://www.customdynamics.com/truck_led_light_bar.htm
It is a little more expensive than others and even has fewer features than some (no sequential turns or white reverse lights) but it seems to have more LEDs than others so it should be brighter. It is in a rigid aluminum casing and has a lifetime warranty for LED failure. I have used these guys in the past for LED strips for my Harley and they have really been great. I have emailed them over the past couple of weeks and they have always been very responsive. I also ordered this so I would not have to tap into the factory wiring, can hide the connection and leave the 4-pin on the bumper available for use.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140958989430?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Now I just have to figure out how I am going to install this thing. So we have the spare tire access hole right in the way. I know you can remove the plastic ring around the hole and mount the light bar just covering about a quarter of the top of the hole and can still access enough of the hole to get the extension in there. But if you look you really need to mount the bar right over the hole for best light output. Also this bar only uses automotive 3M tape to install. I have used this stuff before and have no problem with it and know it will hold up well. But you better make sure you have it straight and level the first time because you really only get one shot.
So I started thinking how I could cover the spare tire access hole up and figure out another way to lower the spare tire when needed. Then I thought it would be great if this light bar was just magnetic on the back and you could mount it anywhere and remove it when needed. I started researching some of that magnetic tape and all of the reviews for that stated that it is not very strong. Then I thought about just getting some magnets and using the 3M tape (that comes on the light bar) on the back to adhere the magnets. I found some of these on eBay but have not ordered them yet. The light bar is also 3/8” high is why I am looking at this size but the longest I can find is 1” so will need to use several of them, not really sure how many. That will have to be trial and error, will start with three and add more if needed. I did make sure with CD that the magnets would not affect the LEDs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271150412558?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_1773wt_800
I know they are little expensive for 10 small magnets but it may be worth it if it makes the light bar easier to install and removable. The problem I am worried about with these is that with their holding power and smooth finish that they could just pull off of the 3M tape and stay on the truck…..
Please help….need any other advice or suggestions.
Thanks,
Greg