Magnetic lights?

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 8, 2002

Probably a crazy idea, but... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

What if one installed cigarette lighter sockets in each of the tail lights of a 4300? Then any magnetic-attaching light could be stuck to the top of the ROPS and simply plugged in to the cig sockets? Think these sockets would fit?

I could put a rotating amber strobe up there for highway work, a couple of front (or any direction) pointing floods for night work, and so on. All of those cigarette-plug lights you can buy would be plug-and-play, and instantly changeable depending on the current lighting needs.

How to make it waterproof would be one problem.

Is this a crazy idea, or is it perhaps worth pursuing?

Yes, John, you created a monster. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

HR_Mutt · Jan 9, 2002

Bob
I can't say if it's crazy or not, but I installed a cigarette lighter socket at the SMV bracket for the amber rotary light. It casts a lot of light on some of the hilly roads I end up on after dark.
regards
Mutt

Thomas · Jan 9, 2002

Bob,
There really no reason why it couldn't work,but like you wrote..water proof.
Maybe a twist lock plug type set up might be better..quick dissconnect and good weather proof.

I guess the only thing you haven't thought of so far would be a backing up warning device ./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 9, 2002

...Maybe a twist lock plug type set up might be better..quick dissconnect and good weather proof.

Yeah, I'll have to go to an electric supply place and see what they have available. Never tried this sort of thing before, so don't know what my choices are.

I guess the only thing you haven't thought of so far would be a backing up warning device ./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I did think of it, I'm just not sure what I think of it. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Might get annoying after a short while, no?

Thanks,
Bob

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 9, 2002

...I installed a cigarette lighter socket at the SMV bracket for the amber rotary light.

Hmm.. the SMV bracket.. I'll have to go out and take a look at that. Fortunately I'm in no rush whatsoever.. can afford to take my time and come up with what I really want. Thanks for the idea!

Bob

Egon · Jan 9, 2002

Bob:
Yes it will work. Very good idea.
You could also use standard exterior electrical boxes and tubing for the wires and also be able to fit in a small fuze box. Even add an inverter and run 110 volt lights or small power tools. Then rig up a small workbench on the rear three point hitch for those field jobs. Probably have to get a larger alternator and battery to support the power demand. It would also give you a source of backup power if the local utility goes off line. To go one step further maybe hook a generator up to one of the pto's so there would be a large enough power supply to run a welder.
And the list could go on!
The extra batteries and generator would eliminate the need for added ballast either in the tires or as wheel weights.

Egon

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 9, 2002

...The extra batteries and generator would eliminate the need for added ballast either in the tires or as wheel weights.

Okay, point taken. I'll stop talking about lights now. Sorry.

Bob

snowman · Jan 9, 2002

Could also attach a small rubber tricycle wheel to the rear PTO; then hook up one of those old 1970's bicycle lights that work by generating power by tilting it against the turning wheel!

JerryG · Jan 9, 2002

Bob,
I put an accessories / cigarette lighter plug on my tractor about a year and half ago. It is an all-weather plug. The body and electric are sealed and it has a sealed flap down door on the front. I have had it in rain, snow and even hail. It has never leaked or been wet in side and I use it pretty often. I bought mine at Wal-Mart in the auto dept. They run about $4.

Egon · Jan 9, 2002

Bob:
You had an excellent idea.
The exterior 110 volt boxes, switches and plug ins will work.
Also note that many RV's have inverters for the microwave and TV etc.

Egon