Many xB owners will think I'm crazy putting 18-wheeler truck reflectors on my xB. Instead of "debadging" I'm putting on more 2-sided foam sticky reflective strips.

But, have you noticed the newest model mini vans and SUVs on the freeway at night? They all have red reflectors built into their bumpers and it really helps see their position on a dark, wet, fast highway. Same with 18-wheelers and horse trailers. DOT requires the red and white "Conspicuity" reflective strips and they must meet a high standard for brightness.



This is what I used on my xB. They're called:

Sate-Lite UltraFlector Conspicuity Reflex Reflectors
1 inch x 12 inches, red or white (clear), about $4.00 each
http://www.sate-lite.com/Reflex_Reflect.html

I purchased my reflectors at Central Trailer Supply, on Central Ave. NE, in Albuquerque, NM. I was not able to locate them for sale on the web or at any other truck accessories store in town.



I like the way they match the red and clear white sidemarkers on the xB. On the rear I needed to use four stainless steel screws on each strip because of the curvature of the bumper. On the sides I used two screws each strip because the surface was relatively flat.

RPM

 

the minivans and suv's have them buit into the bumper because they don't have a reflector in the taillight so by law they put it in the bumper but the extra lights on your scion do yell safe!!!

 

hey, nothing wrong w/ being safe. but, I think our boxes sit pretty low, and many have been dropped (mine included), so placing reflectors on the bottom portions of the ride kinda defeat the purpose. I mean, they could get lost if someone is close behind you - hense the third brake light being up high.

but, hey - to each his own, if I get hit, at night, and person tells me they couldn't see me, I'll think, "damn, I shoulda had some reflectors".

now tell us about your roof rack...

 

overkill

 

By my own observations, I think placing the reflectors on the bottom portions is right. The headlights behind you when you drive on a dark highway are aimed somewhat low so they do not shine in the forward vehicle's mirrors and the driver's eyes. By placing reflectors low, they pick up these low beams of light and reflect them back at the following vehicle. That's my analysis. RPM

I've explained the roof rack many times on ScionLife, but here goes again:

PerryCraft DynaSport 75" roof rails

Cross Rails can be added to make it a "Rack."



See the following web pages:

http://www.a1-autoracks.com/
http://www.a1-autoracks.com/perrycra...oof-racks.html

http://www.a1-autoracks.com/perrycra...oof-rails.html

http://www.a1-autoracks.com/mont-blanc-crossbars.html

Also see the following threads:

roof rack pics
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...ck%2A++rail%2A

Roof Rails for xB
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...ck%2A++rail%2A

RPM

 

The reflectors' extra light does yell safe!!!
I'm OK with that.

I'm OK with overkill; I know most xB owner's don't want it.

Thanks for the feedback. RPM

 

if you like it....it's all good and it is unique

 

i like the back, just not the sides. i think its a cool mod, and probably the safest ones ive seen. i dont know how many people can say the 1200 they dropped on 19" rims helps keep them safe. its smart this way


and offnote, good job on posting this RPMxB. usually every post i see from you is the new release
anyway, good mod!!

 

Makes it look kind of stodgy, but i can't fault you for wanting to make your car safer.

 

To each their own, not my flavor though.

 

it's looking a little busy back there, have you considered debadging?

 

Thanks for your feedback and kind words.

RPM

 

I've considered debadging and decided against it. Thanks for your feedback.

RPM

 

the added weight and drag will now drop your 0-60 time by 0.0028 seconds, top speed has been limited by 0.035 miles

I kinda like it...looks neat.

 

Yep, now I can't beat your tC on the drag strip.

Thanks. RPM

 

I think it you are happy, then great. And, I can see doing that if I lived in more of a country area, where it geats so dark at night.

 

I think I would consider putting reflectors on my lisence plate frame, not directly on the car.
but im not gonna.
Proper respect for an interesting mod though.

 

That might be an aesthetically pleasing solution for people with aftermarket taillights that don't include a rear reflector. I might just ditch the ugly stick-ons that came with the Gen 1 TYCs, if I can mount them high enough to satisfy CA law.

 

I considered mounting the rear reflectors on the liftgate, exactly equal to the height of the stock rear red sidemarkers. I decided that I preferred the low mounting in the plastic bumper.

RPM

 

Just for reference ... at least by my reading of federal standards (the notorious FMVSS 10, the primary rear reflex reflectors should be mounted between 15 inches and 60 inches above ground level and meet SAE J594F. If these are your only rear reflectors and if you're as ****-retentive about these things as I am you might want to measure.

How uptight am I? I made a special trip to Orvac Electronics and ripped apart my dash in part to redo my gauge wiring ... I used a yellow wire where I should have used an orange one and I wanted to stick to standard color codes. Pretty bad, huh?