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

Egon · Jan 9, 2002

Now would you suggest a halogen bulb or just an ordinary one and should it be 3 watt or 10 watt or ? ??
And would you use the the one that runs off the side of the tire or on the face of the tire. I have both types on different bikes but actually prefer the 6 volt dual beam BLT system with a petzel head lamp on my helmet.

Egon

Bird · Jan 9, 2002

Bob, if you put a cigarette lighter in a taillight socket, you'd probably want heavier wire and fuses. I had my dealer install a cigarette lighter on the dash of my tractor before they delivered it. They ran a heavy wire from the starter (where the battery cable hooks on) with an inline fuse.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 9, 2002

Hmmmm...good questions.

My last experience with them was back in the 70's; didn't know so many options existed nowadays. The lights back then ran by pressing against the sidewall. I guess if you rode fast enough and long enough, you could wear the sidewall out pretty easily.

The light on the helmet sounds good; could put one on each side over the ears facing straight out, so that when you turn sideways, you'll have one shining towards the back and one towards the front.

MossRoad · Jan 9, 2002

Some of those cig lighters are not cig lighters, but 12v outlets. They won't handle an actual cig lighter due to the amps, but would easily handle the lights that you are suggesting. It sounds like a good idea to me.

Egon · Jan 9, 2002

But if you put four on at right angles you'd have everything covered. Now what model petzel would you suggest?

Egon

CVHoss · Jan 9, 2002

Bob,
I'd have to agree with Bird in that you'd probably want heavier wire than what was there for the tail light. Other than that, there's no reason the magnetic lights and a power socket wouldn't work. If you can't find the one that Jerry G. is talking about at Wal-Mart, try checking out a marine supplies dealer. They usually carry the sealed type for installation in boats.

Hoss

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 9, 2002

...Some of those cig lighters are not cig lighters, but 12v outlets.

Yes, I found some that have a sealing flap, and say they are not for cigarette lighters, but accept cigarette lighter style plugs. They look small enough to fit in the tail lights with no problem. Unfortunately they only sell them in boxes of 500. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Got to find a retailer. I'll look around locally this weekend.

GlueGuy · Jan 9, 2002

Sounds like a good idea, except for hooking into the taillights. That circuit is fused for the taillights, and any additional load could pop the fuse and/or over load the wiring for the taillights. I would modify it to use an auxiliary circuit.

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 9, 2002

Bird, Hoss and Glueguy,

...I'd have to agree with Bird in that you'd probably want heavier wire than what was there for the tail light.

I see that the tail light circuit is rated at 20 amps (at least it has a 20 amp fuse, according to the manual). You don't think this would be enough for those two tiny little tail light bulbs, plus a plug in strobe light of some kind? Could these lights really draw in excess of 20 amps?

Thanks,
Bob

CVHoss · Jan 9, 2002

Bob,
It's not just your plug in lights that you have to consider, but also the current draw from the existing tail lamps. While the tail lamp circuit is fused at 20 amps, if they are already drawing 12 amps when on, that only leaves 8 amps for the magnetic light before you overload the circuit. You'd just have to add up the combined usage to determine if it was feasible. I'd still suggest bringing back a dedicated wire for the power plug.

Hoss