Is this a late April’s fools or what 😭
Posted by ipse_dixit_@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Posted by ipse_dixit_@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Agitated_Mess3117@reddit
I have this rigid light right above my fairlead.
ipse_dixit_@reddit (OP)
What if you have to winch up?
Agitated_Mess3117@reddit
I’ve had to a couple times and it was fine. It’s quite tight to the bumper and it easily rotates.
Ok_Vast_537@reddit
Is there a bull bar above that?
Agitated_Mess3117@reddit
Yes
joshuaherman@reddit
$250. https://www.factor55.com/products/lighted-fairlead
JCDU@reddit
This is why I am broke, I would not have the gall to charge someone that money with a straight face. Hot damn.
joshuaherman@reddit
It might just be cost of materials. Having a piece of solid metal that might have to be milled isn’t cheap. There is also labor to wire it up. Then cost of shipping since everyone wants “free” shipping. Running a business ain’t cheap.
JCDU@reddit
True but not $250, that's priced as high as they think they can get away with until China copy it and start selling 'em for $30 a pop.
SignificantGrade2913@reddit
Ha, price out some 1.250 6061 plate!
Also, in China labor is cheaper, the cost of living is cheaper. I used to run a tool shop in the 80s and lived the corporate raiders destruction of US manufacturing. They actually handed China the key to the manufacturing kingdom. What I notice from videos of China manufacturing is its exactly like it used to be here. No magic. Just people working mostly boring jobs. The difference is the gap between wages and the cost of living is much smaller. Like it used to be here.
To put a point on it, our enemy isnt China, its wallstreet. That and taxes on small businesses!!
We could promote US manufacturing by relieving them of excessive taxation. Like reverse tariffs. Heck, we could even help subsidize employ health care. Basically promote real manufacturing again. Instead we provide tax breaks for billion... I mean trillionaires.
Ironic, Reagan's Tickle Down sank the US and lifted China.
211logos@reddit
Next up...string lights that are integrated into snatch straps and winch lines! https://www.walmart.com/ip/Novelty-Place-12Pcs-LED-Hair-Light-Fiber-Optic-LED-Hair-Extension-Clip-Bar-Dancing-Hairpin-Flashing-Braid-Glow-Dark-Party-Accessories/808979430
The offroading and camping fascination with lights all over the place is kind of funny IMHO. Half the campsites I see these days look like a cross between Burning Man and a sleazy 24hour strip mall.
But hey, full disclosure: I own some Factor 55 gear, just not this beaut :)
JCDU@reddit
Eh, lights are fine and make the place look festive.
$250 for something that could be done for $10 is the problem.
211logos@reddit
I'm not into "festive" but yeah, my friend said a $5 magnetic puck light would work as well there :)
JCDU@reddit
As I said on another comment, a standard trailer marker light or cheap Chinese LED light wired into the sidelight circuit would do it for like $10 and give better visibility of the winch.
JCDU@reddit
The Camel Trophy Defenders mounted a $5 sidelight lamp on a little bracket just above the winch but I guess this is more hardcore because it's billet and $250...
xCaldazar@reddit
I would probably run it facing backwards. Even in shaded areas it can be hard to see the clutch lever and fully engage it on my truck
joshuaherman@reddit
You’re in luck, the think does both.
Ok-Boysenberry3948@reddit
So, it's designed to light up the actual winch area. Sounds like a good idea for safety. Oh wait, heaven forbid we concern ourselves with safety. "I've used winches since the days of chariots, and never had a need for a light there." In an authoritative tone. Meh! Only takes one crappy night pull, tired, wet, etc to lose that finger and not be able to pick your nose anymore.
Outspoken_Idiot@reddit
If my daddy didn't marry his sister I wouldn't have web feet and I could use my toes to pick my nose like my uncle/brother Cletus, he lost his fingers sharpening his pencil with a chainsaw, that's why I use crayons you don't need to sharpen them. Yellow tastes the nicest.
ipse_dixit_@reddit (OP)
I’m all for safety but between headlights, headlamp and flashing I think this is not that useful
Jmauld@reddit
Then don’t buy it, and stop getting triggered by things so easily.
TurbulentLog3488@reddit
Curious how that gets wired without interference with the winch….
According-Tax-1433@reddit
I diy'ed a bracket put a brighter 12" lasfit. But i can see the type of person that would buy that
fishEH-847@reddit
Moar lights is always the answer!!! 🤪
Naive-Connection-516@reddit
The way my fairlead is mounted on the 4 runner, it would be a nice area light right in front of winch since there is a blind spot with the other lighting there.
shadow247@reddit
I actually like this idea.
estunum@reddit
Doesn’t look serviceable if the LEDs go out. I don’t think it’s solving a real problem though, your headlights provide plenty spill light but a headlamp is far more practical. If you’re working in a way that blocks the light, you’re SOL.
Lost_Zaylin@reddit
100% legit. They have em on their website.
wordstrappedinmyhead@reddit
I can't see it as a bad idea for illuminating the drum.
But I also don't see the forward facing light producing nearly enough light to be effective, especially compared to regular headlights and/or a couple of dedicated pod LEDS in flood pattern.
Then there's the issue of when the light eventually goes tits up. Can it be removed & replaced, or are you just shit out of luck?
RedditBot90@reddit
I think it’s smittybilt that has a light built into their which; it was actually pretty nice when we were respooling during a night recovery.
ADVNTURR@reddit
Honestly not a bad idea as long as it isn't a crazy bright light 🤷