Drilling the Receiver
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Drilling the Receiver
Hey All,
Dumb question for ya. I wanted to mount some "utility" lights on the *** end of my truck. I want to mount them to the receiver towards each end in order to get the best light spread.
Question is, if I drill 2 small holes for each light does that weaken the receiver?
Opinions?
Dumb question for ya. I wanted to mount some "utility" lights on the *** end of my truck. I want to mount them to the receiver towards each end in order to get the best light spread.
Question is, if I drill 2 small holes for each light does that weaken the receiver?
Opinions?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I'd just put some paint in the holes after you drill them to help prevent rust. The tube will twist and bend somewhere else first more than likely. Or drill and tap the hitch and screw in bolts to attach the lights. Holes on only one side of the tube and the bolt will prevent the hole from collapsing.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Thanks dfk!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
Generally on each beam it is safe to drill pretty big hole in the center away from ends. When you drill close to the end, that will weaken the beam drastically.
Typical sample are TJI floor joints. You can cut 5" hole in the center of the beam in the middle of the floor, but 2" hole close to the wall can be a problem.
Typical sample are TJI floor joints. You can cut 5" hole in the center of the beam in the middle of the floor, but 2" hole close to the wall can be a problem.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Thought about that, but I liked the idea of mounting them on the receiver as it tucks them up under the truck, not visible unless you're looking for them.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: K.C. MO
Are you trying to hide them for security purposes or asthetic purposes?
I red locktite'd them on and even filled the machine head screw pits with it so someone would have to physically cut them off to steal them. If I ever need to take them off, I have plenty of time and tools to do so. A common car prowler will not be prepared (unless he read this...
).
I red locktite'd them on and even filled the machine head screw pits with it so someone would have to physically cut them off to steal them. If I ever need to take them off, I have plenty of time and tools to do so. A common car prowler will not be prepared (unless he read this...
).
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
They're better protected mounted under the hitch. Out on the corners, its easier for them to get smacked by something the tires kick up or knocked off if you accidentally back into something....like a rock hard snow mound in my case.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I've done the same before and they seem to work the best in the spot versus the hitch area.
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: corpus christi tx
If you dont want to drill use these, this is what I have on my F350 they ty wrap to the hitch and they are solid and great light lights, never had any problems with em yet, and i have had them submerged under water once already
Amazon.com: Navigator Backup Lights: Automotive
Amazon.com: Navigator Backup Lights: Automotive
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