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2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900

Backup/Clearance/Cargo Lights

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Old Sep 27, 2011 | 11:22 AM
  #1  
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Default Backup/Clearance/Cargo Lights

On the Luggage/Cargo Rack on my 03 Burb, there are some circular depressions on each side of the rear of the main rails facing to the rear. They sure look like some sort of Light or Reflector was intended to be placed there.
Does anyone know if there are OEM Lights which are available to be used in those places for area or backups, and is there any installed wiring already inside those rails ? Some general "flood" type lights in those places, could really be handy when loading or handling a Trailer connection !

Arrow shows circular depression...

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Old Sep 27, 2011 | 2:37 PM
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1. there are no wires run here
2. you'd have to drill through roof or go out rear gate
3. that space may not be hollow
4. attach some fogs upside down below bumper for some backup lights
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Old Sep 28, 2011 | 7:40 PM
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I like that idea, have you popped the insert out? that would make a great location for reverse lights or for hooking up a trailer, fishing....
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Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:23 PM
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YES, I agree on all those, bit I'd probably get the best use from working with a Trailer or Camping. I just visualized some very power conservative Flood type LED's back there, where longer use for general area illumination could be had without draining the battery....too much.

Alas, there is no "pop out". Those depressions are molded into the rear end pieces of the Rack Rails. One would have to cut/trim the center piece out for the Lamp Housings. It would have been SO nice if I could see inside them easier.

I think the easiest route would be two wires each, down through the D-Pillars, and possibly put a 3 position rocker switch somewhere inside. Like "center off", toggle to add to "Backup Lights", then toggle the other way to grab a hot wire for, "on all the time".

But, at this point, I'm just in the wishful thinking stage
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Old Sep 29, 2011 | 8:23 AM
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Yeah an articulated light socket so you could aim the lights... another idea probably not bright enough is the round press to activate LED lights
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Old Sep 29, 2011 | 11:52 PM
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in2pro,
Is your reference to "articulation" a result of creative imagination
or
do you actually have/know of a link to such

S.W.
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 7:10 AM
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a little of both...I was thinking of something along the lines of the aim-able lights like the overhead lamps in an airplane or even the lamps that were in the overhead consoles of my 97 Tahoe...these are both interior lamps but it give you the idea...
Attached Thumbnails Backup/Clearance/Cargo Lights-capture.jpg  
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 11:25 AM
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Well, it's a definite YES on the idea of articulation !
I've never been able to position the vehicle in the right place, where I got the best lighting from it. Always had to use Coleman for Camp area lighting, and it would be SO nice, not to have to pack all that Fuel and trouble of refills.

Speaking of articulation as a side note...
I always liked those (through the A-Pillar) manually adjustable Spot Lights, that were used way back. I only had one, on one vehicle, and only used it once. But, I sure liked the idea of having that type control if I needed it.

Last edited by SWHouston; Sep 30, 2011 at 11:36 AM.
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 1:25 AM
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Do a search on the Z71 forum. There have been a lot of people that have put lights in there and have posted info on how to do it.
Welcome to Z71Tahoe-Suburban.com!

I just ordered a couple of lights to do it on mine.
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