I'm interested in seeing more about that Garmin Switch and maybe wiring considerations and pod placement. I was looking at the Wireless 6 Shooter but the programming behavior for high beams and the carplay/AA integration looks amazing.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
I would be very interested in the Garmin Power Switch wiring/functionality. You truly do make the best van videos > content, video quality, instruction and wiring info, ect. ect. blaa blaa. Thank you.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
Fyi, just having those lights aren't illegal in California to use off-roading, during fog or in the woods against deer. It's when one uses them to blind me on the freeway/highway is when it's illegal. 😜 Red headlights or flashing red or cop lights are illegal here, however.😉
@@EXPLORISTlife I've had KC lights and light bars (non-flashing) for years, covered and uncovered and never been cited for them by Sheriff or CHP... speeding, yes. 😁 For any ticket resolution, call Canyon Vans in Chatsworth and ask for Jason. 😜
Ha Firstly excellent dancing 😂. The fog lights really seem brilliant, going to upgrade my truck with a set before winter time. Also got the garmin power switch they really are a great bit of switching tech and now works with the CarPlay brilliant. Nice one go steady
Damn you Nate! Just when I thought I was finished with van spending... I'm just back from a fishing trip in the ID boonies that included a lot of night gravel driving with stock lights, and they were definitely not cutting it.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
Hi Nate, Nice video! There are two common issues with LED lights: 1) Some use drivers (current regulators) that cause the light to flicker, especially for video-photography with a cell phone; 2) Some LEDs, again to to current regulator issues, put out a lot of radio interference and can backfeed noise into the electrical system. Maybe, do a some of test with a cell phone and portable shortwave receiver. Regards!
Comment above is saying that you have it on the factory screen… yes would love to know how you hooked all those lights up and how did you get it to interface with the factory screen…. Side note would love to make the back up camera work while I am driving… do you know anything about changing that?
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
That is an impressive amount of light. I really like how you have it programmed so that while you do have all the granular control via the screen, you have things paired easily with the standard driver controls and won’t be fumbling with the screen when driving during less than safe conditions (hence the need for the lights). Also, I’m interested in learning more about the light controller. Is that a dedicated screen for it? Or is that somehow part of the infotainment screen?
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
In the same market as switchpros and auxbeam, I like Garmin and would know just about how you took to wiring and programming it all up. Does it work with Garmin gps, or do I need to always have another screen? Things like that would be good to throw in a video. Keep it up, Nate!
You can use the phone to control it, the carplay screen to control it or the garmin device itself. You can also use input signals like high beams, running lights etc to trigger different things. For instance i have my high beam signal from the headlights triggering the overhead lights on my van, and the DRL on the van triggering my SS5 backlights
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
Hello! Thank you for posting all of your great videos, they have been extremely helpful! I am currently wiring my lights and also want them to turn off with my high beams in my 2020 Ford Transit. Unfortunately, my high beams appear to be controlled by the BCM and there isn't a high beam fuse to pull from like I have had on older vehicles. Would you mind sharing where you pulled the high beam signal/power from? Thanks!
Awesome work! Just received a Transit after waiting four years (!), and your website and videos have been immensely helpful with the daunting task of just getting started. A few questions... 1. Where are you getting the power for all those lights? 2. Did you receive any financial incentives to use any of these products (Garmin, Diode Dynamics, Van Compass, FreedomVanGo)? 3. Why did you choose the Garmin PowerSwitch over other offerings, such as the sPod? Thanks!
1: Positive from under the jump starter stud in the engine bay and negative from a factory ground position. I don't think either of these are the 'ford approved' locations (which is why we didn't show it in the video), but that's what we used anyway. 2: We at least attempt to receive various financial incentives, to some degree, weather that is an affiliate partnership, a product exchange, and/or paid sponsorship from pretty much everything you see on this channel. It's the only way we can afford to make all of these educational videos available to you for free. Did you have a more specific question? Usually these types of questions come from a negative mindset of questioning our ethics. So, just know this... we could get some kind of 'financial incentive' from pretty much any company out there, regardless of weather we recommend them or not. We choose to only show components/parts/etc on this channel that we actually recommend, regardless of the back-end business deals that have to happen to make this channel a viable carrer for us. We would make WAAAAAY more money if we just turned this channel into a portable power station review channel; but I'd rather shut this thing down before doing that. 😂 I know I didn't actually answer your question; but I'm not comfortable disclosing which companies paid/didn't pay/provided product/didn't provide product in this video as that could be used as a bargaining chip for companies we want to work with in the future (Well, you didn't make so-and-so pay, so we aren't paying). 3: To my knowledge, the sPod or other similar products don't show up on the factory Ford Touchscreen like the Garmin Powerswitch does; which is why we went with that.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks so much for the detailed responses, Nate. 1. That's what I thought. Thanks! 2. Sorry about my 2nd question. After reading your answer, I now see that my question wasn't completely appropriate. My apologies. I'm obviously new to the van thing, and you are obviously a veteran. In my Googering, it seems that there are extremely expensive lighting options (Baja Designs, Diode Dynamics, etc.) and extremely cheap options (any generic option seen on Amazon for 1/10th the price). Same goes for the control boxes like sPod and Garmin. I was just trying to get an idea if you used these very pricey items because you believe they are worth the high price (you get what you pay for) or if you used them because you got them at an extremely discounted price in return for your advertising services to the vendors involved. Again, sorry if I touched a sensitive topic here, and I completely understand and respect your response above. 3. Yeah, it seems that the Garmin is the only one with CarPlay connectivity, which is a big advantage. Thanks again for your time and incredible service to this community!!!
@@thienab #2: Thanks for the additional context. We used cheap Amazon lights in our last build and although they were super bright, after a couple of years; most of the LEDs had burned out; which meant I had to spend a days labor replacing all of them. But as far as cheap vs expensive lights... for me, it depends on what they are going on: A camper van that goes to shows to represent our business that would sell for $150,000+? I'm going to use the expensive lights. Daily driver for me here in the mountains of NW colorado? Expensive lights...but fewer of them, probably. (Note: Our current daily driver doesn't have ANY additional lighting) Last fall, I installed cheaper Amazon (not the cheapest ones, but also not Diode Dynamics prices) on our tractor for snowblowing over the winter and they worked fine, but there was a noticeable difference between lighting quality on those vs the van; but the 'lighting quality' may not matter quite as much when the tractor will never see anything over 10mph.
Hello Nate, As usual very nice video. I would like to know what you think about your ROK9 light. Are you happy with them? Are they too bright to use it as a scene light under the awning? Thanks.
Hi there! I’ve been binging all of you videos as of late because I am in the process of converting a school bus, learning so much and thank you for the knowledge! I do have a question that I can’t seem to find an answer to anywhere. Is it possible to wire a three way power input I.e. solar, shore, and generator?
My 2020 Transit has a broken fog light. The plastic that mounts the light broke. Its $200 for one Ford fog light. Thinking about fixing it with the DD Fog lights and FreedomVanGo Bracket. Why does the kit/ bracket replace one fog light with a fog light and a driving light? Just for more light?
People are just dying to spend money on things. Ooh, look at my cool light bar. I have never needed more light than the vehicle came with. Hell, high beams light up a football field.
Yeah, standard high beams will work just fine on a daily commute from the subarbs to your downtown office job just fine. That's not what we've got going on here. Glad your high beams work well for your needs, though!
Very cool video but I save all that money, and hassle of installation by simply avoiding traveling in my B-class RV at night. there’s just no good reason why a person needs to be on the road when they can simply coordinate and plan their logistics out to arrive at a site before the sun goes down so that you’re not having to worry about if I see a deer or an elk or whatever…
Adding complexity to any system is not a good idea. It also adds expense for absolutely no benefit. If you want light when you're outside buy a $10 head torch.
A head torch wouldn’t accomplish the goal of being able to see on those very primitive roads while driving. There’s tons of benefit for them, and that’s what matters. Not everyone is going to do this or even need to do this.
Are you really commenting about complexity on this channel!😂 He clearly explained the added benefit, better visibility! He didn't mention anything about while outside, but yes a headlamp would be my choice too, but he's talking about while driving in adverse conditions and being able to see obstacles (like deer and Elk) sooner.
Yes, well when one is running on a country road like u are in that avatar, a head torch would suffice. But if one is running alongside rigs like his on the road, you'll be thankful he has those extra lights handy to see and warn y he's comin. 😜
I like it ! when I'm out like you are in the mountains I need all the light I can get for these 65 year old eyes..lol
Great reviews sir.
I was on the fenced about getting the fog lights.
After this watching this video. Im definitely going to upgrade
Cool setup. Good work on actually being able to capture all of that clearly on video, must have been a challenge
Great video! Could I ask what brackets you used to mount the SS5 lights to the nudge bar? Do you have a link? Thank you - Steve
wow, Love it specially with the Garmin switch, access from your phone, perfect for boondoking :-)
This was very helpful thank I know the difference between each and altogether
Great video! Cheers from San Diego!
Thanks for watching!
I'm interested in seeing more about that Garmin Switch and maybe wiring considerations and pod placement.
I was looking at the Wireless 6 Shooter but the programming behavior for high beams and the carplay/AA integration looks amazing.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
So that is your van....can't wait to see your Christmas tree🤣🤣
I would be very interested in the Garmin Power Switch wiring/functionality. You truly do make the best van videos > content, video quality, instruction and wiring info, ect. ect. blaa blaa. Thank you.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
Fyi, just having those lights aren't illegal in California to use off-roading, during fog or in the woods against deer. It's when one uses them to blind me on the freeway/highway is when it's illegal. 😜 Red headlights or flashing red or cop lights are illegal here, however.😉
Well, if I ever get a ticket I'll be in contact with you to get your mailing address so you can pay it for me. 😂
@@EXPLORISTlife I've had KC lights and light bars (non-flashing) for years, covered and uncovered and never been cited for them by Sheriff or CHP... speeding, yes. 😁 For any ticket resolution, call Canyon Vans in Chatsworth and ask for Jason. 😜
Ha
Firstly excellent dancing 😂.
The fog lights really seem brilliant, going to upgrade my truck with a set before winter time. Also got the garmin power switch they really are a great bit of switching tech and now works with the CarPlay brilliant.
Nice one go steady
Damn you Nate! Just when I thought I was finished with van spending... I'm just back from a fishing trip in the ID boonies that included a lot of night gravel driving with stock lights, and they were definitely not cutting it.
Absolutely fantastic!
I like it. I would have your lighting system on a Ford F-150.
Cool setup! Would love to see a video showing walk through of how you installed the Garmin Power Switch and wired all the lights up.
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
holy s I'm still seeing stars, that's great.
Great vid! Looking forward to the video on improving Prius gas mileage...not.
Hi Nate, Nice video! There are two common issues with LED lights: 1) Some use drivers (current regulators) that cause the light to flicker, especially for video-photography with a cell phone; 2) Some LEDs, again to to current regulator issues, put out a lot of radio interference and can backfeed noise into the electrical system. Maybe, do a some of test with a cell phone and portable shortwave receiver. Regards!
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*Fog Light Brackets:* vanpartswarehouse.com/products/vanmade-gear-transit-fog-light-bracket-kit
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Comment above is saying that you have it on the factory screen… yes would love to know how you hooked all those lights up and how did you get it to interface with the factory screen…. Side note would love to make the back up camera work while I am driving… do you know anything about changing that?
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
Awesome, did u see the sasquatch at the far end when you turned on all the light ?
That is an impressive amount of light. I really like how you have it programmed so that while you do have all the granular control via the screen, you have things paired easily with the standard driver controls and won’t be fumbling with the screen when driving during less than safe conditions (hence the need for the lights).
Also, I’m interested in learning more about the light controller. Is that a dedicated screen for it? Or is that somehow part of the infotainment screen?
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
In the same market as switchpros and auxbeam, I like Garmin and would know just about how you took to wiring and programming it all up. Does it work with Garmin gps, or do I need to always have another screen? Things like that would be good to throw in a video. Keep it up, Nate!
You can use the phone to control it, the carplay screen to control it or the garmin device itself. You can also use input signals like high beams, running lights etc to trigger different things. For instance i have my high beam signal from the headlights triggering the overhead lights on my van, and the DRL on the van triggering my SS5 backlights
Hey! Just following up here. We just released the video about the Garming PowerSwitch lighting controller & how all of that is wired and such in this video: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
great video .. can you share the link on how to install the fog lights and the bar lights? thank you
Do they come with light covers? Where do I learn how to get better fuel milage in my prius in california? LOL
Hello! Thank you for posting all of your great videos, they have been extremely helpful! I am currently wiring my lights and also want them to turn off with my high beams in my 2020 Ford Transit. Unfortunately, my high beams appear to be controlled by the BCM and there isn't a high beam fuse to pull from like I have had on older vehicles. Would you mind sharing where you pulled the high beam signal/power from? Thanks!
I just spliced directly into our high beam wire right behind the headlight.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks! You have been a huge help on our build.
Good job ❤
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Awesome work! Just received a Transit after waiting four years (!), and your website and videos have been immensely helpful with the daunting task of just getting started. A few questions...
1. Where are you getting the power for all those lights?
2. Did you receive any financial incentives to use any of these products (Garmin, Diode Dynamics, Van Compass, FreedomVanGo)?
3. Why did you choose the Garmin PowerSwitch over other offerings, such as the sPod?
Thanks!
1: Positive from under the jump starter stud in the engine bay and negative from a factory ground position. I don't think either of these are the 'ford approved' locations (which is why we didn't show it in the video), but that's what we used anyway.
2: We at least attempt to receive various financial incentives, to some degree, weather that is an affiliate partnership, a product exchange, and/or paid sponsorship from pretty much everything you see on this channel. It's the only way we can afford to make all of these educational videos available to you for free. Did you have a more specific question? Usually these types of questions come from a negative mindset of questioning our ethics. So, just know this... we could get some kind of 'financial incentive' from pretty much any company out there, regardless of weather we recommend them or not. We choose to only show components/parts/etc on this channel that we actually recommend, regardless of the back-end business deals that have to happen to make this channel a viable carrer for us.
We would make WAAAAAY more money if we just turned this channel into a portable power station review channel; but I'd rather shut this thing down before doing that. 😂
I know I didn't actually answer your question; but I'm not comfortable disclosing which companies paid/didn't pay/provided product/didn't provide product in this video as that could be used as a bargaining chip for companies we want to work with in the future (Well, you didn't make so-and-so pay, so we aren't paying).
3: To my knowledge, the sPod or other similar products don't show up on the factory Ford Touchscreen like the Garmin Powerswitch does; which is why we went with that.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks so much for the detailed responses, Nate.
1. That's what I thought. Thanks!
2. Sorry about my 2nd question. After reading your answer, I now see that my question wasn't completely appropriate. My apologies. I'm obviously new to the van thing, and you are obviously a veteran. In my Googering, it seems that there are extremely expensive lighting options (Baja Designs, Diode Dynamics, etc.) and extremely cheap options (any generic option seen on Amazon for 1/10th the price). Same goes for the control boxes like sPod and Garmin. I was just trying to get an idea if you used these very pricey items because you believe they are worth the high price (you get what you pay for) or if you used them because you got them at an extremely discounted price in return for your advertising services to the vendors involved. Again, sorry if I touched a sensitive topic here, and I completely understand and respect your response above.
3. Yeah, it seems that the Garmin is the only one with CarPlay connectivity, which is a big advantage.
Thanks again for your time and incredible service to this community!!!
@@thienab #2: Thanks for the additional context. We used cheap Amazon lights in our last build and although they were super bright, after a couple of years; most of the LEDs had burned out; which meant I had to spend a days labor replacing all of them.
But as far as cheap vs expensive lights... for me, it depends on what they are going on:
A camper van that goes to shows to represent our business that would sell for $150,000+? I'm going to use the expensive lights.
Daily driver for me here in the mountains of NW colorado? Expensive lights...but fewer of them, probably. (Note: Our current daily driver doesn't have ANY additional lighting)
Last fall, I installed cheaper Amazon (not the cheapest ones, but also not Diode Dynamics prices) on our tractor for snowblowing over the winter and they worked fine, but there was a noticeable difference between lighting quality on those vs the van; but the 'lighting quality' may not matter quite as much when the tractor will never see anything over 10mph.
Hello Nate, As usual very nice video. I would like to know what you think about your ROK9 light. Are you happy with them? Are they too bright to use it as a scene light under the awning? Thanks.
Hi there! I’ve been binging all of you videos as of late because I am in the process of converting a school bus, learning so much and thank you for the knowledge! I do have a question that I can’t seem to find an answer to anywhere.
Is it possible to wire a three way power input I.e. solar, shore, and generator?
Yeah, all of our electrical systems can handle that.
My 2020 Transit has a broken fog light. The plastic that mounts the light broke. Its $200 for one Ford fog light. Thinking about fixing it with the DD Fog lights and FreedomVanGo Bracket. Why does the kit/ bracket replace one fog light with a fog light and a driving light? Just for more light?
A little off topic but can anyone tell me how many 100ah lifepo4 batteries can be connected in a 12v system.
Or a video?
😂😂😂 Mom approved. 😎
Dad approved too! 😂
How did you connect the lights to your transit monitor?
Garmin Powerswitch -> Bluetooth to Phone -> Phone connected to Transit via USB. Shows up just like any other android auto or Iphone equivalent app.
People are just dying to spend money on things. Ooh, look at my cool light bar. I have never needed more light than the vehicle came with. Hell, high beams light up a football field.
Yeah, standard high beams will work just fine on a daily commute from the subarbs to your downtown office job just fine. That's not what we've got going on here. Glad your high beams work well for your needs, though!
What bumper do you have on your transit
ua-cam.com/video/4Y59F2X_ZHc/v-deo.html
@@EXPLORISTlife thank you
@@EXPLORISTlife I assume your transit has collision avoidance? The flatline doesn't set the sensors off or anything?
Correct.
Where’s the video tutorial on how to install these lights
Here is the one over wiring: ua-cam.com/video/DBbKukid0_o/v-deo.html
We didn't make a video over mounting the actual lights.
Very cool video but I save all that money, and hassle of installation by simply avoiding traveling in my B-class RV at night. there’s just no good reason why a person needs to be on the road when they can simply coordinate and plan their logistics out to arrive at a site before the sun goes down so that you’re not having to worry about if I see a deer or an elk or whatever…
Adding complexity to any system is not a good idea. It also adds expense for absolutely no benefit. If you want light when you're outside buy a $10 head torch.
A head torch wouldn’t accomplish the goal of being able to see on those very primitive roads while driving. There’s tons of benefit for them, and that’s what matters. Not everyone is going to do this or even need to do this.
Are you really commenting about complexity on this channel!😂 He clearly explained the added benefit, better visibility! He didn't mention anything about while outside, but yes a headlamp would be my choice too, but he's talking about while driving in adverse conditions and being able to see obstacles (like deer and Elk) sooner.
Yes, well when one is running on a country road like u are in that avatar, a head torch would suffice. But if one is running alongside rigs like his on the road, you'll be thankful he has those extra lights handy to see and warn y he's comin. 😜