I installed my White Night (http://www.whitenight.com/) backup lights yesterday (about $120 shipped). They are pretty much plug and play but I used heat shrink tubing on the connector from the 7-Pin harness to the light and then wrapped it with convoluted tubing, then wrapped that in electrical tape.

These are the "Fixed Mount" type so you can still hook up a hitch by popping out the center piece. They look good on the bumper with the exception of the dorky logo. I will either paint it, get a sticker, or put a decorative hitch in there (like one of those propellers :) )

They are wired to turn on with the reverse lights (via the optional 7-pin harness) but I also will be doing a switch inside so I can turn them on for tailgaters / high beamers. The device also has a manual switch on the unit so you can turn them on from outside as long as the ignition key is turned on.

I don't have any pics on a dark road yet, but they give a nice wide area of light.

And now the pics!

On the hitch
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_144_full.jpg

In reverse
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_145_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_146_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_147_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_148_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_149_full.jpg

Those are cool, I need to get some of those too:)

They are wired to turn on with the reverse lights (via the optional 7-pin harness) but I also will be doing a switch inside so I can turn them on for tailgaters / high beamers.

I was wondering, are these DOT legal? The local LEOs have been dinging a lot of people for non-DOT tail lights, mainly the euro type/clear ones, but if they are looking that close they will most likely notice these also. FYI, I know for sure the act of turning them while going down the road is illegal and if caught you will collect a ticket and if it can be proved that these contributed to causing a wreck/bodily injury you could be held liable.

I was wondering, are these DOT legal? The local LEOs have been dinging a lot of people for non-DOT tail lights, mainly the euro type/clear ones, but if they are looking that close they will most likely notice these also. FYI, I know for sure the act of turning them while going down the road is illegal and if caught you will collect a ticket.

I don't think they are - DOT certification is a PITA from what I understand. We'll see how the cops like it. My GF's mini has a rear "fog" light which I don't think there are any laws against. Many cars in Europe have the rear fogs as an option (although not as bright and usually a brighter bulb in the stock tail light housing)

As far as turning them on while driving there are only three situations when I would do that:

1) Someone is riding my *** and will not pass (this happens in traffic where I have almost been rear ended because they are not paying attention to the stop and go. I quick flash of the lights should get their attention).
2) Someone is behind me with high-beams (again - a quick flash should do it)
3) Extreme fog - for safety

Added this to my tow hitch mod list!

Sweet install and great information!

2) Someone is behind me with high-beams (again - a quick flash should do it)


Oh man that'll be fun :D

One other thing since our hitch tube is open at the rear (the end near the spare tire) you are supposed to block it off so water / salt /etc. doesn't get into the light fixture. The instructions said you can plug it with silicone but a 2" hole at 1 AM did not sound like fun.

What I did instead is used a small strip of Peal and Seal. This is a roofing material with a mastic on one end, and a reflective foil on the other. I used it in the place of Dynomat (in my Maxima) because it works just as well and is cheap.

I just cleaned the back of the hitch with alcohol, stuck it on, then hit it with the heat gun to smooth it out. I'm sure it will hold.

Awesome looking mod, the difference is amazing, bet that will help a ton with a back up camera

If you are changing out the hitch cap, could you use the one that came with the light to plug the hole in the back?

If you are changing out the hitch cap, could you use the one that came with the light to plug the hole in the back?

It would not be a direct fit since the back part of the hitch is not flanged like the front (I was hoping to use my Nissan rubber hitch plug). Also, the cap you see in the picture fits onto the light housing - not the hitch so it has plastic tabs.

If you wanted, you can put it on the back and use some RTV silicone around the edges but you would have to lower the spare tire to have better access. It was late and I was tired so I went the easy route.

Awesome looking mod, the difference is amazing, bet that will help a ton with a back up camera

Now I've gotta get a backup camera ;)

I'm thinking spring time for a nav / dvd / camera - I opted not to spring for the tech package.

Nice...I like that.

Good Job and Great Info...

I installed my White Night (http://www.whitenight.com/) backup lights yesterday (about $120 shipped). They are pretty much plug and play but I used heat shrink tubing on the connector from the 7-Pin harness to the light and then wrapped it with convoluted tubing, then wrapped that in electrical tape.

These are the "Fixed Mount" type so you can still hook up a hitch by popping out the center piece. They look good on the bumper with the exception of the dorky logo. I will either paint it, get a sticker, or put a decorative hitch in there (like one of those propellers :) )

They are wired to turn on with the reverse lights (via the optional 7-pin harness) but I also will be doing a switch inside so I can turn them on for tailgaters / high beamers. The device also has a manual switch on the unit so you can turn them on from outside as long as the ignition key is turned on.

I don't have any pics on a dark road yet, but they give a nice wide area of light.

And now the pics!

On the hitch
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_144_full.jpg

In reverse
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_145_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_146_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_147_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_148_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_149_full.jpg
For my nissan armada which one do I order, I when to that web page, but I found noting for the Armada. Please give me the item stock number for this item.
Thanks
Trinidad

I was wondering, are these DOT legal? The local LEOs have been dinging a lot of people for non-DOT tail lights, mainly the euro type/clear ones, but if they are looking that close they will most likely notice these also. FYI, I know for sure the act of turning them while going down the road is illegal and if caught you will collect a ticket and if it can be proved that these contributed to causing a wreck/bodily injury you could be held liable.
I would say no, but at the same time, I don't think it is an issue. DOT legal applies to standard lights. These don't replace DOT lights you have such as turn signals. These are extra lights like off road lights on a light bar. If you removed the stock backup lights, then it would replace those and need to be DOT approved. I wouldn't worry about the law on these. BTW, this is one I'm going to look at really closely also.

For my nissan armada which one do I order, I when to that web page, but I found noting for the Armada. Please give me the item stock number for this item.
Thanks
Trinidad

Its not from Nissan, here is the wevsite he posted.
http://www.whitenight.com/

Found this on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330073410910&rd=1&rd=1

those are sweet. do you have to have a hitch to put it on or can it go on also without a hitch ?

For my nissan armada which one do I order, I when to that web page, but I found noting for the Armada. Please give me the item stock number for this item.
Thanks
Trinidad

Mine is the fixed mount model 0004199:

http://www.whitenight.com/0004199.htm

those are sweet. do you have to have a hitch to put it on or can it go on also without a hitch ?

The nice thing about the fixed mount is it has a pass though for the hitch. However, the hitch insert must have 4 1/2" between the center line of the pin hole and the front.

The lights extend the hitch out a little so the hole is farther away. It explaines it in the instructions and says that if you have a decorative mount you can have a longer piece of metal welded on.

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that the hitch pin is now pretty well covered so it takes some tricky hand work to get it in and out. This works out well for me because I just got a hitch to protect it from being stolen so the harder to remove the pin the better. Mine is also a locking hitch pin so you would pretty much have to destroy the lights to get them off.

Also, you need the hitch mount, not the hitch insert to use this light. You could just mount it to the bumper if you wanted though. If you went that route, I would use silicone to stick it up there - it will hold and then when you are ready to take it off you just peel it away.

Its not from Nissan, here is the wevsite he posted.
http://www.whitenight.com/

Found this on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330073410910&rd=1&rd=1

That eBay link is the one I got. The company charged me $120 shipped ($16 shipping) for both the light and the 7-pin harness adapter.

those are sweet. do you have to have a hitch to put it on or can it go on also without a hitch ?
Just reading and doing some research at the web site, I found pics of vehicles without tow hitches that had them installed.
http://www.whitenight.com/viewinstalls.htm

That eBay link is the one I got. The company charged me $120 shipped ($16 shipping) for both the light and the 7-pin harness adapter.

www.sears.com they carry it too.


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&keyword=white+night&vertical=AUTO&cat=Automotive+Accessories

www.sears.com they carry it too.


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&keyword=white+night&vertical=AUTO&cat=Automotive+Accessories
Great find ggeorgie!! Hello Sears Card!:D

Great find ggeorgie!! Hello Sears Card!:D

hey Razz......

Only $79 at Sears! Wow!

hey Razz......
hey ggeorgie...?

hey ggeorgie...?

Nothing, just wanted to get you off the 666 post:D

Nothing, just wanted to get you off the 666 post:D
Yeah, I noticed that too:) I kind of liked it. It's part of my new bad-boy image:mad:
But, I knew it wouldn't last...I just can't stop posting!!!:D

Sweet, its under the $100.00 ask the wife for permission limit.:D

Good find ggeorgie.

Don't forget the harness - it greatly simplifies installation:

7-Pin Harness (http://www.whitenight.com/0004149.htm)

Great find, which one should I buy? The fixed or step bumper mount. I have an '06 model by the way. Thanks

Great find, which one should I buy? The fixed or step bumper mount. I have an '06 model by the way. Thanks

If you have a receiver hitch get the fixed mount. This will allow you to have a pass through for towing.

FYI, this is copied and pasted directlly out of Ca. State DMV lighting regulations:

Rear-facing Auxiliary Lamps

24616. (a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with one or two rear-facing auxiliary lamps. For the purposes of this section, a rear-facing auxiliary lamp is a lamp that is mounted on the vehicle facing rearward. That lamp shall meet the photometric and performance requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1424 for cargo lamps.

(b) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may project only a white light, with the main cone of light projecting both rearward and downward. The main cone of light shall illuminate the road surface or ground immediately rearward of a line parallel to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not greater than 50 feet. The main cone of light may not project to the front or sides of the vehicle.

(c) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may be activated only when the vehicle is stopped. A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp shall also be equipped with a system that allows activation of the lamp only when the vehicle is in the “park” setting, if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, or in the “neutral” setting with the parking brake engaged, if the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission.

(d) A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp may have an activation switch accessible to the operator from the rear of the vehicle.

Added Sec. 20, Ch. 739, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002

FYI, this is copied and pasted directlly out of Ca. State DMV lighting regulations:

Rear-facing Auxiliary Lamps

24616. (a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with one or two rear-facing auxiliary lamps. For the purposes of this section, a rear-facing auxiliary lamp is a lamp that is mounted on the vehicle facing rearward. That lamp shall meet the photometric and performance requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1424 for cargo lamps.

(b) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may project only a white light, with the main cone of light projecting both rearward and downward. The main cone of light shall illuminate the road surface or ground immediately rearward of a line parallel to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not greater than 50 feet. The main cone of light may not project to the front or sides of the vehicle.

(c) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may be activated only when the vehicle is stopped. A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp shall also be equipped with a system that allows activation of the lamp only when the vehicle is in the “park” setting, if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, or in the “neutral” setting with the parking brake engaged, if the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission.

(d) A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp may have an activation switch accessible to the operator from the rear of the vehicle.

Added Sec. 20, Ch. 739, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002

Between the backup lights and my tinted windows I should be hauled right off to jail!

Yeah and California has more restrictive vehicle laws then most states also!

Yeah and California has more restrictive vehicle laws then most states also!

We roll a little lighter in NY :D

FYI, this is copied and pasted directlly out of Ca. State DMV lighting regulations:

Rear-facing Auxiliary Lamps

24616. (a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with one or two rear-facing auxiliary lamps. For the purposes of this section, a rear-facing auxiliary lamp is a lamp that is mounted on the vehicle facing rearward. That lamp shall meet the photometric and performance requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1424 for cargo lamps.

(b) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may project only a white light, with the main cone of light projecting both rearward and downward. The main cone of light shall illuminate the road surface or ground immediately rearward of a line parallel to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not greater than 50 feet. The main cone of light may not project to the front or sides of the vehicle.

(c) A rear-facing auxiliary lamp may be activated only when the vehicle is stopped. A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp shall also be equipped with a system that allows activation of the lamp only when the vehicle is in the “park” setting, if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, or in the “neutral” setting with the parking brake engaged, if the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission.

(d) A vehicle equipped with a rear-facing auxiliary lamp may have an activation switch accessible to the operator from the rear of the vehicle.

Added Sec. 20, Ch. 739, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002

What about the cargo lamp on a pickup truck? I see guys driving down the highway with those things on all the time. I don't think you need to be in park to turn them on.:confused:

Keith

The nice thing about the fixed mount is it has a pass though for the hitch. However, the hitch insert must have 4 1/2" between the center line of the pin hole and the front.

The lights extend the hitch out a little so the hole is farther away. It explaines it in the instructions and says that if you have a decorative mount you can have a longer piece of metal welded on.

Edit: One thing I forgot to mention is that the hitch pin is now pretty well covered so it takes some tricky hand work to get it in and out. This works out well for me because I just got a hitch to protect it from being stolen so the harder to remove the pin the better. Mine is also a locking hitch pin so you would pretty much have to destroy the lights to get them off.

Also, you need the hitch mount, not the hitch insert to use this light. You could just mount it to the bumper if you wanted though. If you went that route, I would use silicone to stick it up there - it will hold and then when you are ready to take it off you just peel it away.

Is there still room to hook up safety chains? It looks as though these lights go right where the chain hooks in.

Keith

Is there still room to hook up safety chains? It looks as though these lights go right where the chain hooks in.

Keith


You can still reach them, but they are behind the light. Do safety chains have to be taught or just hooked up?

What about the cargo lamp on a pickup truck? I see guys driving down the highway with those things on all the time. I don't think you need to be in park to turn them on.:confused:

Keith


Good question and I have no idea. I just copied that from CA DMV website. I think there is a federal limit on reverse lamp candlepower but I can't find it. Personally I don't care to give LEOs ANY kind of reason to turn on their lights on me if I don't have to. My riding style on my motorcycle is reason enough to preserve my licence.

In the last few months I have Ebayed 2 sets of OEM tail light assemblies for co-workers; their kids cars (both Hondas) that had "Euro" non-DOT lights when they bought them used and have since got a "fix it" ticket from local LEOs. Got lucky once though and snagged a nice set for $0.25(seller was PO'd!), the other was $47 though.

I installed my White Night (http://www.whitenight.com/) backup lights yesterday (about $120 shipped). They are pretty much plug and play but I used heat shrink tubing on the connector from the 7-Pin harness to the light and then wrapped it with convoluted tubing, then wrapped that in electrical tape.

These are the "Fixed Mount" type so you can still hook up a hitch by popping out the center piece. They look good on the bumper with the exception of the dorky logo. I will either paint it, get a sticker, or put a decorative hitch in there (like one of those propellers :) )

They are wired to turn on with the reverse lights (via the optional 7-pin harness) but I also will be doing a switch inside so I can turn them on for tailgaters / high beamers. The device also has a manual switch on the unit so you can turn them on from outside as long as the ignition key is turned on.

I don't have any pics on a dark road yet, but they give a nice wide area of light.

And now the pics!

On the hitch
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_144_full.jpg

In reverse
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_145_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_146_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_147_full.jpg

Stock lights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_148_full.jpg

White Nights
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/260000-260999/260322_149_full.jpg
I got my lights this passed Saturday, I want to do the installation myself, however, I don't know how to do the ELECTRICAL connection. This unit has 3 wires, one red, one black and one yellow. Can you on or any one who can tell me how to do the connection with these 3 cables. I want a connection in which I can turn them on and off with a switch from inside the car. I need to know how to run the cables, like where to connect the red wire, where to connect the black wire and were to connect the yellow wire. Please help and tell me how to do it. Thanks
Trinidad

Red - Connect to Hot
Black - Connect to Ground
Yellow - Connect to Reverse light wire

Red - Connect to Hot
Black - Connect to Ground
Yellow - Connect to Reverse light wire
Thank you kindly, I will try it tomorrow.

Thank you kindly, I will try it tomorrow.

You can also get the harness that plugs into the existing 7-pin harness on your hitch. That way it's just one plug and you're done :D

I had a guy admiring these when picking up a microwave at PC Richards and have been very happy with the performance.

I think I am going to get replacement super-white bulbs for them. They look a little yellow for my tastes.

You can also get the harness that plugs into the existing 7-pin harness on your hitch. That way it's just one plug and you're done :D

I had a guy admiring these when picking up a microwave at PC Richards and have been very happy with the performance.

I think I am going to get replacement super-white bulbs for them. They look a little yellow for my tastes.
Finally, I got it done myself with the help of everybody here. Thank you all. Also, I add a switch inside the cabin, i placed down on left bottom wall of between the door poll and the darsh. It looks aweson.