Chase Vehicle Accessories

[jcooper]

I am looking to add some new accessories to my chase vehicle soon and am wondering where everyone has purchased theirs.I am looking at getting a couple lightbars,brush gaurd,KC lights,antennas,and other things.I'm sure there are other threads on here that cover these things but I couldnt find them.So if you guys would either give me some advice here or direct me to the appropriate thread I would appriciate it!

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Some thoughts...

Some guys do run with 4x4's and light bars and what not. But it's not as though you will be doing a lot of bush bashing and hill climbing when chasing. Really, a vehicle that does great distances comfortably and gets great mileage aren't the kind of vehicles that have KC lights on them. Even if you live in KS, TX, or OK - you will probably still have to travel a few thousand miles during chase season. Light bars are the SKYWARN thingie - sorta kinda. Using red reflective tape on the rear deck or bumper and your emergency flashers might not be chasing "sexy"; but it is all one really needs to get the job done...

Here's the rub. 4x4's are fairly handy IF you go off the paved roads and drive on muddy farm access roads. Those who don't use 4x4's and get stuck in the mud or ditch need the chasers that have the 4x4's to help them out once in a while. But the cost of using one (gas & upkeep) are a bit much for some.

The most useful accessories that I have found are:
~400W power inverter
Professionally-wired 12V source from the battery to the inside of the vehicle - fused of course.
Stronger than stock car battery to support the added gear
Cellular amp & antenna for the air card/cell phone
Laptop stand & laptop (still don't have a stand yet!)
2 meter Ham radio
CB radio
Cool tunes and player for the miles of travel

If you are planning to wire your vehicle yourself and have never done it before - I wouldn't. You risk fire in the vehicle if not done correctly. I carry a chemical fire extinguisher in my car for myself - or if someone else might need it.

Some guys have police/fire scanners. But there may be a rub with that too - unless you are a licensed Ham.

Maybe I have got the ball rolling here; surely others have their own views on needed accessories.

Well; that's my perspective anyway...
Dos centavos - amigo...

 

[Dylan Morgan]

ditch the light bars man, i would keep it as "under the radar" as possible. and check you local laws, you never know what may or may not be considered illegal until youve checked it out. i just found out my 100w off-road lights are illegal to have on while driving, but 55w (in the same spots) would be legal. if you just bought the vehicle and its new to you (but not NEW) go through the drivetrain, especially if its a 4x4. check your fluids and (if its older) drain and replace your gear lube in your diffs.

if it is a 4x4 keep a tow rope with you, along with a set of jumper cables.

i second the motion to get your lighting and such professionally done, i've watched a couple whole setups burn due to improper and "quick" wiring.

 

[jcooper]

Thanks for the input.I have talked to local law enforcment on the whole lighting thing.Amber light bars are fine as well as KC lights.In fact a couple poice officers recommended me have amber lights for the simple fact it alerts people that they need to use caution while driving around me.My dad has years of experience with electrical wiring and one of our closest friends does it professionally.So the wiring wouldnt be a problem.I have already found my stuff that I am going to purchase though.Thanks for the input!

 

[Bryce Stone]

In fact a couple poice officers recommended me have amber lights for the simple fact it alerts people that they need to use caution while driving around me.

Were these officers making unusual noises in the back of their throats whilst they told you this? The kind of noises that could be interpreted as the attempted stifle of chuckling?

Seriously, I'm going to go with what others have already said: less lightbars, more looking up at the sky.

 

[Joe Dorn]

Some thoughts...

***snip***
Light bars are the SKYWARN thingie - sorta kinda. Using red reflective tape on the rear deck or bumper and your emergency flashers might not be chasing "sexy"; but it is all one really needs to get the job done...
***end snip***

We have some young spotters that think it is cool to have light bars on their vehicles. I advise them that I will ban them from the net and not take reports from then if I find out that they are running with the lights on.

I have no problem if they run them while stationary and in a low visibility situation; I have been there and carry a mag mount light if I am caught in the situation that warrants it. I also have reflective items on my spotter vehicle.

Only two of our spotters have the permanent mounts so I find that it is not a 'SKYWARN' thingie; we have about twenty regular mobile spotters that range over ten counties in our group...

 

[Graham Butler]

We really need the search function back:

 

[Darren Addy]

I'm sure there are other threads on here that cover these things but I couldnt find them.

For you and your team's sake, I sincerely hope that your Storm-Finding-fu is significantly better than your Google-fu.