K-Slo's '15 Sierra SLE - FF POV

[Kyle Soldani]

Hopefully this will be one of the last build updates before I can give the final, getting a bit peeved with how long this Havis console is taking to arrive as it's holding up everything else.

 

Since last round I've installed a tri-fold bed cover, headache rack, used Whelen Liberty lightbar (interior lights were getting in the way), continued on more wiring and finalized the install of license plate/bumper LED's.

 

Tonneau Cover - Correction from video, this is $279: http://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/60A4819A0A0.aspx

Headache Rack - $169: http://www.autoanything.com/truck-racks/77A7426A3857035.aspx

Overview of lighting modes to update from original ideas, this always changes throughout an upfitting as lights are tested and visibility needs to be changed. The modes below stack upon each other, so everything in MODE 1 will be on in MODEs 2 and 3; if that makes sense - just saves from having a massive list of everything for each mode. I've really tried to keep a balanced lighting package which will be effective yet not blinding. YouTube and my previous experience upfitting gave me quite a few ideas for the theory behind these uses, intersections and side warning being a critical area I wanted to address without overdoing it as some. Another additional difficulty with the Sierra Crew is the length of the cab. As I explain in the video and you can clearly see the lightbar is blocked from the front at a reasonably high height, rendering it useless. In stepping away a bit you can clearly see it though this issue simply necessitated some form of lighting in the front windshield on top of the grill LED's. More on that later once it's installed..

 

MODE 1 - Used for on scene, rear only warning.

• License Plate R/R LED's
• Bumper B/B LED's
• Rear lightbar corners
• Rear center lightbar LED's

MODE 2 - Used for on scene, front and rear warning

• Rear lightbar outer LED's
• Front grille and intersection LED's
• Front lightbar corners
• Front center lightbar LED's

MODE 3 - Used for emergent response (lights and sirens), in motion only

• Flashing lightbar white takedowns and alleys
• Front lightbar outer LED's
• Off-road LED's wig-wag (headlight sense, disabled when headlights are on for night response)

Additional features of the bar -

• Integrated traffic advisor - left, right and center out
• Cruise mode - dimly illuminates all corner LED's in a steady burn. This functionality is used by some large municipal police departments and/or fire to quickly identify emergency vehicles at night. In my case this allows me to stage a call, away from the scene, while law-enforcement clears for us to enter without blowing our cover. Regularly in response to suicidal subjects, incidents involving violence, unknown medicals, etc. fire and EMS will stage away from the actual scene until it is clear - since we don't really have a way to defend ourselves. This function will allow me to let other responders know I'm a 'good guy' without lighting up the entire neighborhood.

As with the broken record the console remains to be one of the largest items remaining. All I have left to install are the antennas which will mount to the sides of the headache rack using 90 degree NMO L-brackets. I'm having to mount them low so I can still pull into my garage, that's a feature I don't want to lose

 

Here's a quick video overview of the lights and essentially everything above:

 

[kstruckcountry]

Maybe I missed it, but what antennas are you using? I'm assuming one for each band?

[Kyle Soldani]

Maybe I missed it, but what antennas are you using? I'm assuming one for each band?

 

Nope you're good, didn't miss anything - hadn't posted much on that yet as I was waiting to see how the headache rack turned out. I'll be using a generic high-gain Maxrad 800MHz antenna for my county provided P25 mobile and a Laird CB144/440C 144-148/440-450MHz for my FT-7800. These are used antennas I had laying around and will foot the bill just dandy. Second picture of the Laird is a bit shaky..

 

[Habs]

You run red and blues with a fire POV....?

[Kyle Soldani]

You run red and blues with a fire POV....?

 

I wouldn't be a very good Sheriff's employee and deputy if I broke the law . Sarcasm aside, you are correct. Laws differ from state to state, county to county and even between departments. Some places you can only run green, some places you can only run red, some places you can only run blue, some places you can run lights and no siren, if you can imagine a combination it exists somewhere. Our POV's are considered and registered as county emergency vehicles, we must apply for an emergency vehicle permit through our respective department and it requires the Fire Chief' Signature, Sheriff, Police Chief if applicable, Highway Patrol Superintendent, County Commission Chair and Emergency Management; they must be renewed every two years. It's about the only way we can provide emergency service to some rural areas.

 

I copied one of the primary Kansas state statues pertaining to emergency vehicles below, but here's more if you're interested in reading: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAAahUKEwiLydyCzvLGAhVDnYgKHQfVDG8&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iafc.org%2Ffiles%2Fdownloads%2FVEHICLE_SAFETY%2FSTATEemergVEHcodes%2FKansas.pdf&ei=_JOxVYvbHMO6ogSHqrP4Bg&usg=AFQjCNHLadqL-4EjY-Zd9NwznGBEjmMWPA&sig2=7uDMWO0ZnKW4ZK2TWtsQmQ

 

8-1720. Lamps and lights on authorized emergency vehicles; alternately or simultaneously flashing head lamps. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), every authorized emergency vehicle, in addition to any other equipment required by this act, shall be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level and to the rear two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, or in lieu thereof, any such authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with at least one rotating or oscillating light, which shall be mounted as high as practicable on such vehicle and which shall display to the front and rear of such vehicle a flashing red light or alternate flashes of red and white lights or red and blue lights in combination. All lights required or authorized by this subsection shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. Every authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not, be equipped with head lamps which alternately flash or simultaneously flash.

(b) A police vehicle when used as an authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not, be equipped with:

(1) Head lamps which alternately flash or simultaneously flash;

(2) flashing lights specified in subsection (a), but any flashing lights, used on a police vehicle, other than the flashing lights specified in K.S.A. 8-1722, and amendments thereto, rotating or oscillating lights or alternately flashing head lamps or simultaneously flashing head lamps, shall be red in color; or

(3) rotating or oscillating lights, which may display a flashing red light or alternate flashes of red and blue lights in combination.

[Kyle Soldani]

The console has FINALLY arrived!

 

Here's a really quick update video of the console installed and the mess of wiring as I work to get everything going. Hope to have this closer to being buttoned up this weekend.

 

 

[Kyle Soldani]

Big progress made over the last couple weeks. The truck is now 'in service' and able to respond to calls with finishing touches going on when time allows. Take a look!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4slPo99W3uA

[kstruckcountry]

Glad to see it mostly complete!

[Habs]

 

I wouldn't be a very good Sheriff's employee and deputy if I broke the law . Sarcasm aside, you are correct. Laws differ from state to state, county to county and even between departments. Some places you can only run green, some places you can only run red, some places you can only run blue, some places you can run lights and no siren, if you can imagine a combination it exists somewhere. Our POV's are considered and registered as county emergency vehicles, we must apply for an emergency vehicle permit through our respective department and it requires the Fire Chief' Signature, Sheriff, Police Chief if applicable, Highway Patrol Superintendent, County Commission Chair and Emergency Management; they must be renewed every two years. It's about the only way we can provide emergency service to some rural areas.

 

I copied one of the primary Kansas state statues pertaining to emergency vehicles below, but here's more if you're interested in reading: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAAahUKEwiLydyCzvLGAhVDnYgKHQfVDG8&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iafc.org%2Ffiles%2Fdownloads%2FVEHICLE_SAFETY%2FSTATEemergVEHcodes%2FKansas.pdf&ei=_JOxVYvbHMO6ogSHqrP4Bg&usg=AFQjCNHLadqL-4EjY-Zd9NwznGBEjmMWPA&sig2=7uDMWO0ZnKW4ZK2TWtsQmQ

 

8-1720. Lamps and lights on authorized emergency vehicles; alternately or simultaneously flashing head lamps. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), every authorized emergency vehicle, in addition to any other equipment required by this act, shall be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level and to the rear two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, or in lieu thereof, any such authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with at least one rotating or oscillating light, which shall be mounted as high as practicable on such vehicle and which shall display to the front and rear of such vehicle a flashing red light or alternate flashes of red and white lights or red and blue lights in combination. All lights required or authorized by this subsection shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. Every authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not, be equipped with head lamps which alternately flash or simultaneously flash.

(b) A police vehicle when used as an authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not, be equipped with:

(1) Head lamps which alternately flash or simultaneously flash;

(2) flashing lights specified in subsection (a), but any flashing lights, used on a police vehicle, other than the flashing lights specified in K.S.A. 8-1722, and amendments thereto, rotating or oscillating lights or alternately flashing head lamps or simultaneously flashing head lamps, shall be red in color; or

(3) rotating or oscillating lights, which may display a flashing red light or alternate flashes of red and blue lights in combination.

 

Haha I wasn't doubting you, I was just surprised. Never heard of anyone allowed using blue lights unless they are a Law Enforcement Officer. I'm a Highway Safety Officer and where I live, only LEOs use red & blues (so pretty much us, police, and any wildlife enforcement guys). Fire POVs use red only, and emergency fire vehicles use red & whites, ambulances use red & whites also.

 

I always thought blue was strictly reserved for law enforcement, but it's interesting to see how it differs.

[Kyle Soldani]

 

Haha I wasn't doubting you, I was just surprised. Never heard of anyone allowed using blue lights unless they are a Law Enforcement Officer. I'm a Highway Safety Officer and where I live, only LEOs use red & blues (so pretty much us, police, and any wildlife enforcement guys). Fire POVs use red only, and emergency fire vehicles use red & whites, ambulances use red & whites also.

 

I always thought blue was strictly reserved for law enforcement, but it's interesting to see how it differs.

 

No worries! Hopefully that wasn't read with attitude, wasn't written with it. I've just found folks actually get mad sometimes that I have them when it's 100% legal here, just like to explain it all for anybody else reading

[Kyle Soldani]

Better late than never I suppose, sorry for the hiatus - busy busy lately! Here's an overview video of the truck with demonstration of the lighting modes. I'll make another video detailing more on the wiring and such later. Also below is a response video so you can see/hear it in action.

 

 

 

 

 

Truck is pretty well done for now but I do have some long-term projects on my radar..

• Replace current brush guard with full front bumper replacement.
• Upgrade front suspension to support bumper and level the truck.
• Upgrade the smaller 5" off-road LED lights to 7". This size looked great on my condensed Durango grille but pretty small on the truck, they'll go good on the wife's CRV .
• Upgrade the fogs to LED's in the replacement bumper.
• Upgrade standard headlights to HID or LED bulbs.
• Begin upgrading factory stereo for some more bump!
• Upgrade interior finishes a bit using wood trim kits.

[Strykers_Inc]

 

Better late than never I suppose, sorry for the hiatus - busy busy lately! Here's an overview video of the truck with demonstration of the lighting modes. I'll make another video detailing more on the wiring and such later. Also below is a response video so you can see/hear it in action.

 

 

 

 

 

Truck is pretty well done for now but I do have some long-term projects on my radar..

• Replace current brush guard with full front bumper replacement.
• Upgrade front suspension to support bumper and level the truck.
• Upgrade the smaller 5" off-road LED lights to 7". This size looked great on my condensed Durango grille but pretty small on the truck, they'll go good on the wife's CRV .
• Upgrade the fogs to LED's in the replacement bumper.
• Upgrade standard headlights to HID or LED bulbs.
• Begin upgrading factory stereo for some more bump!
• Upgrade interior finishes a bit using wood trim kits.

 

 

 

Looks really good! Has come a long way with a lot of work! Thanks for sharing K-SLO.

[kstruckcountry]

Better late than never I suppose, sorry for the hiatus - busy busy lately! Here's an overview video of the truck with demonstration of the lighting modes. I'll make another video detailing more on the wiring and such later. Also below is a response video so you can see/hear it in action.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4m_Y7Bkn2M

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxeFVxf4vv4

 

Truck is pretty well done for now but I do have some long-term projects on my radar..

• Replace current brush guard with full front bumper replacement.
• Upgrade front suspension to support bumper and level the truck.
• Upgrade the smaller 5" off-road LED lights to 7". This size looked great on my condensed Durango grille but pretty small on the truck, they'll go good on the wife's CRV .
• Upgrade the fogs to LED's in the replacement bumper.
• Upgrade standard headlights to HID or LED bulbs.
• Begin upgrading factory stereo for some more bump!
• Upgrade interior finishes a bit using wood trim kits.

Which 7" lights? I still haven't pulled the trigger on the 5".

 

Lights are something to take into consideration buying a bumper, most manufacturers will leave you cutouts in the bumper or grille mesh for them if you ask. I wish I had thought of it when I got mine.

[Amiodynski]

Man, you did a great job !!

[Kyle Soldani]

 

 

Looks really good! Has come a long way with a lot of work! Thanks for sharing K-SLO.

 

Thanks! Definitely a lot of changes..

 

Which 7" lights? I still haven't pulled the trigger on the 5".

 

Lights are something to take into consideration buying a bumper, most manufacturers will leave you cutouts in the bumper or grille mesh for them if you ask. I wish I had thought of it when I got mine.

 

Well I'm looking at a couple options, just depends how much I 'may' want to spend down the road. These are the lights I'll probably go with..

 

Auxbeam $105/ea: http://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Driving-Bumper-Offroad-lighting/dp/B00WJPGSD2/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1446230847&sr=8-19&keywords=7%22+led+off+road

 

Yea I usually take that into consideration. In the case of this build I had already sank enough into this truck and another $200 just for lights didn't seem too wise at the time. For now the 5" definitely do the trick, they are crazy bright - I just think they look a bit odd with that huge grille. My brush guard did come with the pre-drilled holes so that was handy.

 

Man, you did a great job !!

 

Thank you! I started to reply to the questions on your thread and then my internet quit working when I hit 'reply' so I have to re-type everything. Will get you some answers later today!