Community Forums

The Wandering Winos · 10-06-2014, 08:40 PM

We will be towing a 2009 Saturn Outlook behind our motorhome and we've decided on the Blue Ox setup. I called Blue Ox to verify the parts I planned to order and the rep told me the wire/bulb setup is recommended over the wire/diode setup that uses the existing lights. They said normally that's recommended when there isn't a good place or space to mount the diodes, but said to verify that with an experienced installer.

How do those of you towing the Outlook/Acadia/Traverse have your lights setup? What are the pros/cons of the different setups - additional bulbs vs diodes/existing bulbs?

Thanks!!

Easyrider · 10-07-2014, 05:33 AM

Find a new rep, the bulb socket setup will take a lot more space than the diodes. Diodes are very tiny, like smaller than an eraser on the end of a pencil with a wire coming out each end.

The Wandering Winos · 10-12-2014, 05:25 PM

I ordered and received the Blue Ox BX8848 wiring kit for the 2009 Outlook. The diodes are actually quite large, much larger than a pencil eraser.

Has anyone installed this kit on an Outlook\Acadia\Enclave? I plan to install the base plate and wiring kit this week before it gets too cold in the garage.

Thanks!

Tom

Easyrider · 10-13-2014, 05:45 AM

I purchased my diodes from a car electronics business for a couple bucks, they're small, very easy to install, work great. I've noticed the diodes that come in kits are housed inside some plastic that makes them appear much larger than they really are. I suppose it helps support the excessive pricing they charge for them that way.

The Wandering Winos · 10-13-2014, 07:13 AM

Thanks, Easyrider. Ha! Makes sense....they are not inexpensive for what they are, that's for sure. Make them look big and charge more!

johnzuki · 10-13-2014, 08:30 AM

I tow a 2009 Outlook, love it. I installed diodes at the rear lights, had no problem. Great toad vehicle.

The Wandering Winos · 10-13-2014, 09:25 AM

Thanks Johnzuki. I plan to start the install of the baseplate and lights tomorrow. If you did the install and have any suggestions I'm all ears! It looks pretty straightforward and I expect it will take a few hours to complete.

Thanks!

Tom

Healeyman · 10-13-2014, 01:40 PM

While not a "professional installer" (I don't charge people) I have used 8-10 sets of THESE diodes from Radio Shack to wire tail lights in a variety of vehicles.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062591

4 diodes for $3 ain't bad.

I can give you a schematic of how to install/connect them.

PM an Email address if you want it.

Tim

BeltoneMagoo · 10-14-2014, 06:19 AM

I have a different make of car but did find a diode mounting location. Look carefully under the rear seat for a protected location. I was able to splice mine into the tail light wiring and stuff the diodes under a seat mounting bracket. This has been severely tested by now and it is and has been working fine. The diodes are also easy to get to if there are problems.
Good luck and safe travels!

spritz · 10-15-2014, 07:39 AM

I also have a different type car, but we did the diode hooked them up to the tail lights on the caddie in the truck ran under rear seat under door ways up too firewall thru firewall up too front grill and mounted the plug there so we just hook them together and off we go all the lights work on the caddie except the headlights. all marker lights and tail lights work just like you had the car lights on.
Tim