Rear lights mounting location debate

[captain lead foot]

Got enough lights on my truck pointed forwards it’s time to point some out back. Only problem is I can’t decide which location to go for, one day might consider which ever option I don’t go with this time around. ( before you waste your time typing I already fixed my tailpipes, realized how far off they were after I took the pics.)

Option A. Front of bed area would riv-nut to bed and would end up sticking up a 1/2” from cover.

Pros - different than anyone else, better location for blinding tailgaters driving jacked up trucks like assholes……and probably one of the bigger advantages is outa the way of salt for winter time corrosion.

Cons. Kinda in the way of cover rolling up but not really. Bed of truck would block some light. Harder to install.

Option B. hitch mount would have to drill one hole on pass side to match an existing hole on drivers side and use riv-nuts also.

Pros - easier to install. Lower light means less blinding while working around back area in the dark.

Cons - salt lots of it not sure how these night rider lights will hold up as far as corrosion older version definitely showed some age after a few winters. There also only $50 Canadian ea.

 

[808 Tremor]

Got enough lights on my truck pointed forwards it’s time to point some out back. Only problem is I can’t decide which location to go for, one day might consider which ever option I don’t go with this time around. ( before you waste your time typing I already fixed my tailpipes, realized how far off they were after I took the pics.)

Option A. Front of bed area would riv-nut to bed and would end up sticking up a 1/2” from cover.

Pros - different than anyone else, better location for blinding tailgaters driving jacked up trucks like assholes……and probably one of the bigger advantages is outa the way of salt for winter time corrosion.

Cons. Kinda in the way of cover rolling up but not really. Bed of truck would block some light. Harder to install.

Option B. hitch mount would have to drill one hole on pass side to match an existing hole on drivers side and use riv-nuts also.

Pros - easier to install. Lower light means less blinding while working around back area in the dark.

Cons - salt lots of it not sure how these night rider lights will hold up as far as corrosion older version definitely showed some age after a few winters. There also only $50 Canadian ea.

I like option B. I feel like with option A, they are kind of just sticking out which isn't a problem but seems like they would possibly get in the way of some things and there is a chance they could get hit and knocked off. Maybe get hit in a weird way one day and whack that back glass? Just speculating. Option B seems just a little cleaner looking. If your main reason is to illuminate the back then option B seems like it would be the better option too. We don't deal with salt here but I can imagine it sucks. Bright side is you'll be able change your lights to newer versions every once in awhile lol. The money part of that sucks too.

 

[High_Country]

It all depends on your intended use and frequency of use. The front of the bed option is clean and out of the way, but I would guess not very useful for convenience light at the rear with the cover on and in place, or while backing up. No light would reach the ground behind the truck.
Option 2 would give you the best light for reversing but no good light for working on the tailgate or at bed height. Depending on how aggressive you are off road, getting hit might be a consideration.
If you are wanting task level, tailgate level lighting for convenience when at the rear of the truck, could mount some lights INSIDE the bed protected from the elements. But, couldn’t use them while driving.
Decisions decisions.

 

[Cheif2Slo]

Option B for me. A just seems kinda “stuck on” IMHO.

 

[captain lead foot]

Thanks for the input fellas kinda the way I was leaning anyway. Looks like I got some work to do lol. Anyone know if there’s anyway to make a upfitter switch have constant power? I seen a vid for super duties but don’t know if ours is the same (I haven’t even looked yet‍♂)

 

[JCS]

I think it would be very discreet to place them inside the exhaust tubes. Would also light up your smoke, which would look pretty cool. Maybe even have a color option for maximum effect.

 

[BigEasy44]

I’m with the other. The lower mount is my choice

 

[Fozzy]

You didn't like option C ?

Baja Designs flush mount pods in the bumper
Pros Looks killer, super bright, limited life time warranty, Waterproof, rain proof and submersible, replaceable lens and optics

Cons. Expensive, permanent mod since you have to cut the rear bumper

 

[Cranbery]

Agreed on the lower mount. Don't forget to share picks of the final product , and night pics lit up!

 

[captain lead foot]

You didn't like option C ?

Baja Designs flush mount pods in the bumper
Pros Looks killer, super bright, limited life time warranty, Waterproof, rain proof and submersible, replaceable lens and optics

Cons. Expensive, permanent mod since you have to cut the rear bumper

I really do like the Baja designs but this night rider stuff I get at work for dirt cheap/convenient AF and these days lighting keeps getting better and better so hard for me to justify big money on it.

 

[captain lead foot]

Agreed on the lower mount. Don't forget to share picks of the final product , and night pics lit up!

Don’t worry as soon as kids go to bed I’m headed to garage!! I can’t wait to drill metal in the overhead position….

 

[Badmothertrucker]

Got enough lights on my truck pointed forwards it’s time to point some out back. Only problem is I can’t decide which location to go for, one day might consider which ever option I don’t go with this time around. ( before you waste your time typing I already fixed my tailpipes, realized how far off they were after I took the pics.)

Option A. Front of bed area would riv-nut to bed and would end up sticking up a 1/2” from cover.

Pros - different than anyone else, better location for blinding tailgaters driving jacked up trucks like assholes……and probably one of the bigger advantages is outa the way of salt for winter time corrosion.

Cons. Kinda in the way of cover rolling up but not really. Bed of truck would block some light. Harder to install.

Option B. hitch mount would have to drill one hole on pass side to match an existing hole on drivers side and use riv-nuts also.

Pros - easier to install. Lower light means less blinding while working around back area in the dark.

Cons - salt lots of it not sure how these night rider lights will hold up as far as corrosion older version definitely showed some age after a few winters. There also only $50 Canadian ea.

Option B

 

[mdax]

I cut holes in my bumper and installed lights there.

 

[Cranbery]

I cut holes in my bumper and installed lights there.
View attachment 4142

Not all of us are men like you yet

I think this is the route i will eventually go though

 

[mdax]

Not all of us are men like you yet

I think this is the route i will eventually go though

I'm not going to lie, it was scary as heck.
I was sweating bullets until it was over, must have measured and remeasured fifty times.

 

[captain lead foot]

So was at the dealer doing some bull$hit with my service truck and asked about the possibility of constant power to upfitter switches like the super duty’s but no dice they even went as far as handing me a wiring diagram.

 

[Fozzy]

So was at the dealer doing some bull$hit with my service truck and asked about the possibility of constant power to upfitter switches like the super duty’s but no dice they even went as far as handing me a wiring diagram.

Lame, my Superduty has switch 5 and 6 constant hot. I have mentioned this in other threads, but a Switch-Pro is the only way to go anyways.

 

[captain lead foot]

Lame, my Superduty has switch 5 and 6 constant hot. I have mentioned this in other threads, but a Switch-Pro is the only way to go anyways.

Ya was kinda disappointed. The service truck has something very similar to those switch pros very handy way of doing business.

 

[High_Country]

What are you guys wanting to switch with constant hot? Auxiliary work lights, margarita machine? Just curious.
I suppose if I have a need for a constant hot switch for an accessory it’ll get a separate switch somewhere.

 

[captain lead foot]

What are you guys wanting to switch with constant hot? Auxiliary work lights, margarita machine? Just curious.
I suppose if I have a need for a constant hot switch for an accessory it’ll get a separate switch somewhere.

These rear lights would be handy not a necessity but on my last truck I had them on constant hot on a 2 way switch and was handy as shit but I don’t care enough to run other switches.