Day Time Running Lights - self-install summary

[SAR Guy]

Raplon, Thanks for your input. It is just my luck that I would get the answers to my questions after I ordered the most expensive one. Hopefully there are others out there who can use the great info you provided. I know there are others up here that have bought truck from the US who are having to do the same mod as me. As for myself, I am going to wait and see what the one is like since it has been sent to me already. If I don't like it I will return it and get the 45035. Who knows I may even try to get yours.

Thanks again

Barry

[SAR Guy]

Well my install is complete with the http://www.daytime-running-lights.com . This system uses the turn indicators lights as DRL's. So it is HID light friendly for those have installed HID lights as headlights. It was actually not that bad to install the kit. The only thing that took a bit of time was removing the front portion of the front wheel wells to gain access to the front turn lights. They actually undue very easily. The instructions are very through, and I even had a question about wires while I was installing them and I called the company and the person on the phone was very helpful.
The module sits under the dash so the only thing that could be exposed to the elements in the engine compartment is the wires.
I opted for the module with the switch so that I can turn the DRL's off if I want. The switch also has a led indicator light on it to let you know if the system is working correctly or not. I also have to say that the turn signal lights really light up and are quite noticeable as DRL's.
Overall I am very happy with the system. The only detracting factor would be the price but then again with the help I got as well as the kit included everything that I need to do the job right down to the 12 volt circuit detector. You have to pay a bit more for that.
Bottom line I would install this system again if I had to do the job again.
If anyone has any question please ask as I am happy to help.
Cheers Barry

[Raplon]

The front parking lights have two filaments. The one for turn signals is 7 Watts The other one is actual front parking light and employs 21 Watt filament. Obviously, the second one is much brighter and used for DRL purpose. So, which kit did you get, LX? I am thinking about using Hamsar 45030 for the same purpose. It has 24% reduction in power so, I should get almost 16 watts of power. Not sure if it is bright enough for DRLs, though. I still like the idea of DRLs being off when parking brake is employed. This way you can use accessory power without triggering DRLs.

[SAR Guy]

I did get the LX model as I wanted the option of being able to turn the DRLs off when I wanted, for various reasons. The switch is like using the park brake and I would think that if you want it wired to the park brake you could do that instead of the switch. To be 100% sure though I would call the company to confirm. I find the manual switch gives me more options than having it wired to the park brake.

One of the rules of DRL's up here is that you must have a indicator telling you that your DRL's are on when they are on, which on the flip side to that, must indicate when they are not on. The little LED on the switch will light up red if the DRLs are not on and green when they are on so I can look down anytime and see what the status is.

The other thing that I like about the kit was the installation instructions, as well how complete the kit was. I am not an electrician by any stretch of the imagination and normally when I do wiring work if the instructions are vague, for me Murphy's law will come in to play, and I will get wires crossed. The instructions were so complete even I was able to complete the whole install with out any problems or issues. As for the completeness of the kit, instead of me listing everything that the kit contains have a look at their web site to see for yourself........everything is included right down to a roll of electrical tape.

As for the wattage issue again I will fall back on the statement I am not an electrical engineer so all I know is what I see. For this kit, you wire the turn signal lights to the module and they are much brighter that the regular park lights.

I am sure the HAMSAR modules are very good as there quite a few of people using them. For myself it boils down to a personal preference. I wanted amber running lights as well as on the rare occasion I wanted the ability to switch them off. For myself the AllQuality Custom Auto Accessories kit fit both of my needs and I just wanted to let people know that there is options when it came to DRL's.
Cheers Barry

[Raplon]

Where did you mount the switch? Could you post pictures?

[SAR Guy]

Raplon,

If you look under the dash just to the left of the steering wheel column there is a 3-4 inch wide round metal that is hollow. I tie wrapped the module in there with a small piece of rubber mat so that I would not hear any rattles and I mounted the switch just under the edge of the dash just below the steering wheel with double sided tape. I am waiting to find some parts because I want to mount the switch and LED in the fog light switch location. I do have pictures but I need to figure out how to post them.

Cheers Barry

[Raplon]

Originally Posted by SAR Guy

Raplon,

If you look under the dash just to the left of the steering wheel column there is a 3-4 inch wide round metal that is hollow. I tie wrapped the module in there with a small piece of rubber mat so that I would not hear any rattles and I mounted the switch just under the edge of the dash just below the steering wheel with double sided tape. I am waiting to find some parts because I want to mount the switch and LED in the fog light switch location. I do have pictures but I need to figure out how to post them.

Cheers Barry

Have you thought about mounting it in the empty space between the seat heater switches?

[roakey]

Anyone have a current link for Puma? Tried all sort of variations on the URL and got nothing.

Roak

[bongus]

Originally Posted by roakey

Anyone have a current link for Puma? Tried all sort of variations on the URL and got nothing.

Roak

It's been almost 2 years since I ordered my Hamsar kit. I believe you can order the kit from them. They are very easy to deal with and I'm sure they will direct you to the appropriate place to order the kit.

[bobpres]

You can contact Hamsar directly:

sales@hamsar.com
1-800-567-5483

Or, you can order through P.U.M.A.:

1-800-354-3552

Good luck!!