What warning lights are you using? [Archive] - Snowplowing-Contractors.com

apgarconstruction

10-15-2005, 01:19 PM

I have the sho-me low profile LED one on the roof. that's all I use. and when i'm in a empty lot with no traffic around at 2 am, i shut it off anyways.
sometimes too many lights is just a distraction to other drivers. between my plow lights, tail lights, driving lights and the LED flashing on the roof, if people still can't see me, they shouldn't even be driving.

EZSnow

10-15-2005, 07:14 PM

... between my plow lights, tail lights, driving lights and the LED flashing on the roof, if people still can't see me, they shouldn't even be driving.

With this statement I wholly agree... however, you have to realize how important it is to get that first sip of mocha soy latte- FAR more important than paying attention to your surroundings while driving in adverse conditions!!

-Derek (who somehow managed to eat an order of General Tso's Chicken and pork fried rice on the freeway today) :beatsme :D

Snowboy

10-16-2005, 05:21 PM

Whelen 2 Tir3's Blue on plow soon to install.
Whelen 2 amber Tir3's Front Grill (Cant be seen with plow on mainly for summer)
Whelen Tir3's 2 Blue on Backrack (maybe on side pillar soon to do)
Whelen Tir 6's 4" round (soon to go in middle of back rack and off my trailer for the season)
Whelen Tir3's under Tailgate between bumper.
Star blue strobe on roof. Mag mount

I still have 2 blue 4" round LED's 4 4" clear LED's and 4 4" amber LED's. Doubt i will put that on the truck thou.

People still dont see you even with a diffrent setup last year.

Dave.

Wizard

10-16-2005, 09:11 PM

-Derek (who somehow managed to eat an order of General Tso's Chicken and pork fried rice on the freeway today) :beatsme :D
LOL, I'm sure you were using chop stiks too! :grinz

Warning: Light addiction below...
6 Whelen Tir 3's (dang those things are bright!)
2 Whelen 500 LED's
1 Code 3 420 Dual Rotator
8 Tomar Neobe Strobes
1 Dual Federal Signal DeckStrobe
- can you say christmas tree?

Lights don't guarantee you anything, but they can sure increase our odds...

jt5019

10-21-2005, 05:58 PM

Im running 2 Nova Led(wic3) mounted on my tool box facing the rear. Been thinking about replacing my quad flash beacon on my roof with the Code 3 Quantum Flash LED Beacon. It has (six ultra-bright Gen III amber LEDs) inside the beacon.

wpd519

10-24-2005, 10:52 AM

I just have a Whelen amber dome quad flash strobe with a magnet mount on the roof of my truck. Bright a hell..........lol. Not sure if I am going to put anymore on yet because at its been said to many lights are a distraction alot of the time.

Josh

98 Dodge Ram 2500HD, 7.5 Western Ultramount w/backdrag

dan portanova

10-27-2005, 12:30 PM

sho me led roof light
nova 6 light hide a tubes
led arrow light sho me ( awsome light)

other truck

6 nova strobes tubes
amber hologen double beacon
double strobe n rear window :shadess

EIB

10-27-2005, 01:48 PM

One twin rotator, on the Back Rack, soon to be switched to the Trac Rac.

moose__72

10-28-2005, 09:02 PM

I like a nice mix of lights. On the truck I plow with I run 4 TIR3 amber Whelens on the rear, Whelen amber hideaway strobes in the front signal lights, single whelen amber strobes on the dump body brow, and a Code 3 amber rotator on the roof under the brow.
Usually if the area is empty, I just leave the rear TIR3's on, but in crowded lots or backing out of alleys, I spank it.

4evergreenlawns

11-06-2005, 06:05 AM

How about some pics from all of ya.
Whelen LFL Liberty All Linear LEDS on the corner and TIR6 in the front.
If you think the TIR3 are bright get your hand on some TIR6's.

Snowboy

11-14-2005, 06:14 PM

Ron,

Sell that and go for the linear 8 super led. Those are crazzy. I have the one for my front window and WOW it packs a punch and its only 2.

Tir 6 looks good to. :D

Dave

4evergreenlawns

11-14-2005, 07:44 PM

The new lightbar on the 06 F-350 is A Liberty with all Linear LEDs and yes it is very loud....The corner are Linear 12 with a Linear 8 in the alley window. All three of the LFL frames I am running are set up that way.

The dump only had two front facing LEDs and then four Take downs. That truck does all the the large lots that have no lights on at night. The P/U are doing the 24/7 operations and they are lite up well but also have traffic all the time. Those lightbars o get some attention.

cat320

11-15-2005, 04:52 AM

I have the linear 8's and I think that they are very bright I waited to have them put on my bar I think I might add 2 more to the front

Snowboy

11-15-2005, 05:48 PM

Ron,
Can you guys use blue color there or is that for the cops? Blue is used here for snow removal and Red is Cops and Fire. Anyone can use Amber and blue here. Amber covers you for both Green and white season?

Dave.

Pelican

11-15-2005, 07:48 PM

Hazardous vehicles such as plows are only permitted to use amber. Other colors vary from state to state. In NY, red and white are for emergency services, blue is for volunteer firemen and green is for volunteer EMS.

4evergreenlawns

11-16-2005, 03:10 PM

Here in IL Red and Blue are for Authorized Emergency Vehicles ONLY. There is a section that even limits the use of all BLUE depending on population like in the City of Chicago they run all BLUE on the PD cars and RED and WHITE on the FD with Green indicating Incident Command stations.

You can slide by with some Flashing RED and/or WHITE to the rear but every now and then a new cop wants to impress you with his knowledge at 3AM during a 3" per hour snow fall, while he standing inside at the counter sipping his hot coco. So I just run ALL AMBER everywhere. That prevents any and all mistakes as to what type of vehicle I am, like as it with the red flashing tail lights and a Plow mounted I would be trying to efffect a traffic stop running in reverse???? It is just stupid the things people come up with.

During the five years I worked as a Traffic Cop in fully marked, roof mounted lightbar, sirens and all squad cars I could hardly get some people to even act as if they saw or heard me. Now the plow truck in the middle of a blizzard might be considered a emergency vehicle if I have red flashing tail lights...

Anyrate ALL AMBER ALL THE TIME for me.

MCrossley

12-07-2005, 03:12 PM

Here is my LED setup... :smokin1

MCrossley

12-07-2005, 03:17 PM

and the rear...

Ole JIM

12-07-2005, 03:55 PM

Ole JIM here I use Both a Rotator & Strobe but ONE at a Time depending On where I am Plowing? while I*M doing my Yard in a rual Area the Rotator & when Traveling when its Not Snowing I run just the Strobe just so other drivers will know? theres a Plow in the Area but in plowing the Taxi Stand in Town w/ High Traffic I Run the Rotator & my 4 ways Cheapies after market specials $17.95 for the Rotator & $29.95 for the Strobe as Both work Pretty Good! but the Rotator is BEST? as Its Flashes bounch Off of every thing Around Buildings Windows ECT & both being Cheapies w/ Magnetic Bases that plug into the Cig Lighter YOU don*t have the Worry of them getting Stolen or Broken by Branches as when they are Hit? they just Fall OFF! & looking them Over? their Pretty Good Quailty for the Price Ole JIM

SNO

12-07-2005, 05:10 PM

I never had or used LED's.

Are they pretty bright in a white out or fog?

Do they cut through better?

Ole JIM

12-07-2005, 05:28 PM

SNO I prefer the ROTATORS as I have installed many differant Makes of Both Rotators & Strobes on Plow trucks Wreckers & Ramp trucks the Expensive Strobes are Brighter than the Cheapies & some Rotators have 4 Bulbs & others only Tow & I prefer the Tow bulb type as the 4 bulb flash too fast & confuse more than WARN in my Opionion & Here most Contractors have ME install a 2 bulb Rotator in the Center & Two Strobes ONE on each Outer Side of their Mirrors on Their Tractors that Haul Dozers & Excavators in preferance to the Expensive Light Bars! & to answer Your Question? in Heavy Snow fall a white Out! the ROTATORS are Better! again My Opionin Ole JIM

MCrossley

12-07-2005, 05:40 PM

for all round visibility the rotators would be better if you want high impact directional lighting the LED's pack a heck of a punch, in heavy fog you see the semi trucks with the LED clearance lights long before you see the trucks with regular bulbs. Plus they draw so little you can as many as you want and still not consume the power a single halogen light would. Just an opinion...

2_DJinn

12-15-2005, 03:50 PM

Right now all I have is Whelen 90watt hideaways. I have 1 in each of my front running lights. And in the rear theres one in the tail light and one in my reverse light.

The hideaways were in the truck with I bought it. Im going to get some Amber colored lights here real soon. The front and the rear lights each have a different switch. I usally just run the rear lights. Once the snow gets packed on the back side of the plow it will drive ya nuts with that strobe light reflecting at ya.

In real heavy snowfall the strobes seem to kinda bounce off of the snowflakes and does not really seem to cut thru very well. Im going to add a Federal Signal Highlighter here in a few weeks. I made sure to get the 80watt model with the faster rotors also. And just for kicks ive thought about getting some Amber LEDS in the back window.....well see ...lol Once I get the Highlighter i will probaly only run the strobes when im working a high traffic area and or working an entrance.

Ive never had any problems with Law Enforcement concerning my lights yet. One night on a county road coming home on the other side of a big blind hill a lady hit a massive deer and totaled her mini van. I backed up to the top of the hill and turned on all my lights and waited for the Sheriff Dept to get there. The Deputy said to me " Why do ya got those lights on that truck?" I told him for plowing ect. He laughed and said " I was wondering who the hell beat me here"

Craig

12-16-2005, 11:58 AM

I have two Star Minute Strobes on the mirrors and Two Star LED 500 to the rear on the bumper and one each side of the dump body rear Star LED 500. The combunation does well for plowing not much light flash in the cab or windshield but very visible to the public.

slplow

12-22-2005, 04:16 AM

On my dump I run a nova micro bar with one amber lens and one clear lens. That sit on the top of the cab sheild. Its the brightest self cotained strobe I have seen and can be bought for around $150.
On mu pick I run 4 corner strobes by f/s . I hate the ones in the front at night. I also just ordered the sho-me mini led bar. I also think to many lights are a distraction, drans the charging system and look to cool. ha ha

Dwan

12-22-2005, 06:19 AM

Show-me LED mini light bar with 2 built in strobes, so far I like it.

MD POWER PLOW

01-01-2006, 05:15 PM

I just finished installing my 6 hide away strobes 90 watts not to bad to install just put in a few extra hours to get it the way I like:weld

TheJunkMan2005

01-06-2006, 11:58 AM

Hello all, really new here to snowplowing. First year actually. Trying to find a good winter business to support the family during the off season of hauling scrap cars.

I just put a small wooden rack on the back of my truck. Has a NOVA strobe light that came off an old wrecker that I hauled to the junkyard one day. Also has a set of PIAA fog lights for aux. back up lights, those came from a scrap car also. Then I put another set of round red lights on the rack for aux. turn signals/brake lights, and running lights.

Figured it couldn't hurt to have as much light as possible to keep myself safer while plowing.

I'll snap a pic of sometime today or tomorrow and put it up here for all to see. Really cheap and simple. All handmade, cost less than 35.00, since most parts were from a junk that I hauled in.

TheJunkMan2005

TheJunkMan2005

01-06-2006, 03:50 PM

Just came in from the barn. Figured I'd post a pic of my new light bar thingy. All the turn signals work as normal. Being a Jeep truck, the factory lights aren't very bright, and they get very dirty, very fast. Figured another set of lights up higher could only be safer. The strobe also looks nice and will light up my entire back yard when I click it on. This took my buddy and I about 10hrs total to put together and wire up properly..

This picture has the back up lights on. I think I'll be changing them for some normal small round lights, but I have to find a set cheap enough first(preferably free from a junk some day), but these work pretty good for now.

TheJunkMan2005

3311

01-08-2006, 04:47 PM

Stick with a respected name " Whelen " Thats what I say

slplow

01-19-2006, 05:56 PM

Nice set up junkman. Is the the jeep a j10 0r 20 ?

SIPLOWGUY

01-21-2006, 06:42 PM

I don't have anything yet but at work we are mostly Federal.

ULM2004

01-25-2006, 05:52 PM

Im curious about what brand people are using that voted other?

MCrossley

01-25-2006, 07:37 PM

I just becme a dealer for 911EP as well as access to SHO-Me, Code 3, Whelen, Nova Etc. I realy like the 911 products as I have the TD39 in my rear window it is not only bright but it has great impact for traffic, I also have been very happy with the SHO-ME products although not as facy as the others they are well priced and seem to be plenty reliable; I think most of the LED products now are pretty close in quality as the competition is getting pretty tight.

Ole JIM

01-25-2006, 08:39 PM

Does any One know? aprox what year? manufactures came out w/ the Light Bars? instead of manufacturing Rotators as I*M attempting to Restore a 72 Kenworth Wrecker & have a new Light Bar but I don*t remember? when Light Bars appeared? & I*D like the KW to be as it should be using the Proper Warning Lights & Please contact ME Direct at BADCAR@WEBTV.NET as I*M having some Cyber Problems? DUE to reading a large number of Posts as I usually receive a Notice? These Messages is too Long to Read Completly! & Am unable to read down over aprox? a dozen Thanks Ole JIM

apik1

02-12-2007, 07:54 PM

I use a amber whelen light bar, I also have 12 clear strobe lights, thanks to a friend that installs them in police cars, and fire trucks. I have 2 in each tail light, 2 in each of the front turn signal housing, 4 in the marker lights on the roof.

hlntoiz

02-18-2007, 04:32 PM

I have Whelen DOT Strobe System in my F450 but it is really annoying hearing it all night. Plus with the strobes in the headlights I am kinda mezmorized by the end of a 24hr shift. So on the new truck I made it much more simple and less expensive.

I installed Self contained ovel LED's (http://www.awdirect.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=22288). Each only uses .5 olms. 2" round LED (http://www.awdirect.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=16446) installed them in a mounting Cabinet (http://www.awdirect.com/finditem.cfm?itemid=20226) Holes didnt' come on either side so I oveled them out. I got all the stuff from AW Direct for under $400.00.

Beats having a huge bulky light on the top. Plus anything custom :weld is much better.

Anyway here are some pics.

14494
14495

david-nh

10-09-2007, 08:59 AM

I have a Whelen edge lightbar

wolcottseptic

08-31-2009, 01:58 PM

i run one cheapo rotator...dont even know who makes it lol

massbowtie

09-21-2009, 07:04 AM

just bought a new truck so everything from the old truck will be reinstalled. should be done in the next few weeks.

whelen edge 9m with 12 strobes varying in color:amber,green,red,and white
the bar also has 6 leds,4 amber inside and 2 amber tir 3`s on the bottom facing the rear. it has alleys and takedowns,the takedowns i use for rear work lights.
whelen 90 w hideaways,4 corner strobes,2 amber forward,2 white in the rev.lights.
2 under the bumper amber halogens in rubber housings for add`l backup lighting.
the amber makes it easier to see when its really bad out.
thats enough for now,lol

Pelican

09-21-2009, 07:06 AM

What are you, pace truck for the "Snowplow 500"???

OldCrow22

09-22-2009, 05:54 AM

massbowtie

09-22-2009, 06:23 AM

pacetruck for the snowplow 500.thats a good one,lol need me ill be there for it.
you will rarely catch me with all the lights on,maybe backing into traffic i will run all the rears.for the most part i just run the 4 corner strobes and the 6 leds in the bar. the strobes help the leds from being frosted.thats the only thing i dont like about leds no heat at all so they freeze.
i spent about 25 years in the towing,tow truck building industry, which is why im into lighting i guess. ive only spent a little less than $750. which isnt alot for what i have. plowing in a commercial lot with all retail stores you have to always have something and they cant say they didnt see me.lol

PUSHIN'4U

12-02-2009, 09:11 AM

DaveCN5

12-02-2009, 08:17 PM

has anyone tried those strobes from strobesnmore.com? i was going to buy some of those Whelen Tir3's but strobesnmore.com has there own version of them. about 20 bux cheaper. so i was wondering if any of you guys have tried them, or should i be the guinea pig?

The StrobesN'More brand are Whelen TIR3's sold with a shorter warranty, hence the cheaper price. It just depends on whether or not you want a 5 year or 1 year warranty. It's up to you. Any more questions, let me know. I know more about lights than I do plows. :haha

Pickering Snow

12-03-2009, 02:15 AM

The StrobesN'More brand are Whelen TIR3's sold with a shorter warranty, hence the cheaper price. It just depends on whether or not you want a 5 year or 1 year warranty. It's up to you. Any more questions, let me know. I know more about lights than I do plows. :haha

Question that begs to be asked, maybe iam just a old timer but why is it ness to light up a plow truck like a brick **** house with lights anyhow? Do you really think people slow down for Amber strobes , Led's Etc?

Just curious i have never understood have seen many members installl thoasands of dollars in lights but yet post a urgent help request because there plows broke during a storm because of a simple maint item that wasnt addressed during off season.

DaveCN5

12-03-2009, 05:35 AM

Question that begs to be asked, maybe iam just a old timer but why is it ness to light up a plow truck like a brick **** house with lights anyhow? Do you really think people slow down for Amber strobes , Led's Etc?

Just curious i have never understood have seen many members installl thoasands of dollars in lights but yet post a urgent help request because there plows broke during a storm because of a simple maint item that wasnt addressed during off season.

Good question. From what I've seen so far in the 5 years I spent on the FD and the last year I've spent at the PD it appears that the biggest reason is that people believe that lights give them power. Why? That I cannot answer, but they do.

Especially in states (like Michigan) that require plows on public roadways to have a roof mounted amber light activated while plowing, it seems like it gives the whackers a legal reason to take their lighting "to the next level".

Having too many lights may look cool to them, actually causes a major distraction to everyone else around them. The thing that really irks me is people who use a lot of flashing white to the rear. White is obviously the most blinding color and it blinds the drivers behind them easily, making them more prone to accidents. The best setup I've seen on a plow thus far has been a Whelen Responder LP mini lightbar on a back rack, 2 HAWs in the front Corners and 2 HAW's in the brake lights.

I've seen plows with beacons mounted on top of full size light bars.... You don't need to be a UFO to be effective. Sometimes the most effective setups are the simple ones.

PUSHIN'4U

12-03-2009, 05:59 PM