Install recommendations for a Honda CRV.

[phantomspook]

I'm outfitting a local casino security force, they want to replace halogen lightbars on the Honda CRVs and Toyota Tundra Trucks. They have asked for hide-away lighting and low profile amber flashers.

Anyone know if my following specs are good? bad? compeltely stupid?
What are your opinions of the Federal Signal SS2000 Smart System?
Is it difficult or possible to install a stock crown vic Unity Police Searchlight into a Honda CRV or Toyota Truck?

Federal Signal SS2000 Smart System w/100 watt speakers (2x)
Amber TIR3 LEDs: on front and rear fenders of both sides of vehicle.
Amber TIR3 LEDs: two in front grille.
Amber Dash Talon: in dash
Amber Whelen arrowstick lightbar - flashers for rear deck.
Whelen Clear Hide-A-Way Strobe Kit (90 Watt Kit)
Unity Police Searchlight on both driver and passenger side.

[tvsjr]

The SS2000 is nice, but really pricey. What do security guards need sirens for, anyway?

Are they running the lights when driving the parking lights all night? Internal lights (Talon, rear flashers) are going to get irritating, quick.

Generally, I see security using the lights as "marker" lights so people can find them in the parking lot. Your lighting, while good, doesn't give you much high, 360-degree coverage.

Considering what they're looking at spending, I'd look into:
Whelen Liberty *mini*-bar (all amber, permanent mount on the roof)
Pair of LED flashers in the grille
Pair of LED flashers bolted to the tailgate or liftgate
Maybe an LED Arrowstik up high in the rear window, on a separate control box (so they can kill it if they want vision out the rear window, etc.)

If I did strobes, I would recommend them being on another switch as well... running strobe tubes 24/7 will kill them pretty quick.

Just a few thoughts...

[apco25]

I doubt unity makes a specific mount and shaft length for the CRV, but the Tundra is probably in the parts list.

Speaking from experience with CRV's they just are not meant for security or public safety use, especially the electrical draw. Getting away from a hi current draw light bar is a good idea though.

Other than maybe adding a mini bar for 360 vis I think its fine.

As for siren use, who knows what their specific use is in their state is. If its their property and they choose to run sirens and have a need (i.e first responders) then have it. If anything they probably need the PA function.

[phantomspook]

They have sho-me stuff, some previous installer took them on a ride. They have a siren for airhorn, pa, and etc. The sho-me stuff isn't bright enough.

They're guards, from what I'm told they're hired off duty officers so they run lights too for traffic control and they can be seen at night.

They have absolutely said no lightbars because they are sho-me terrified.

[apco25]

I think you're on the right track then. Other than maybe the expense of the FS smartsiren looks good to me. There really isn't much out there for intergrated remote siren/light units that isn't expensive.

Whelen B-Link, CenCOM
FS Smartsiren
Code 3 RLS

All at least $600 or more.

If the SS2000 is what they have money for that's what I'd install.

Just be conscious of the amp draw on the CRV's. Very tiny alternators and small batteries are stock. LED's will help here.

The newer body style are a lot better than the old though.

[phantomspook]

Thanks for the insight. I will spec a battery upgrade + auxilary battery to power lights, sirens.

I pulled all the sho-me stuff out today and gave them some LED dash lights, Dual Talons for rear window, left and right side rear windows.

[apco25]

A larger main battery and alternator should be fine since you're getting away from hi amp draw halogen bars to LED.

[gtl7001]

I agree that you should go with the LEDS, the Honda CRV has a small battery and alternator. The battery tray may not hold a larger battery, you might want to go with an OPTIMA yellow top battery. For better visability you might want to consider mounting the front Talon underneath the rearview mirror instead of the dash. You will not be able to use the suction cups there because of the sun block tinting pattern. But I think some heavy grade clear velco strips might do the trick. I would not try permanent headliner mounting on the CRV since the headliner is a hollow piece of foam cardboard. As for the rear I think you have enough room to mount the dual Talons on the rear hatch door frame. Just make sure you have enough clearance for the glass hatch. You might need to use short screws in order to hard mount them, there is not much room before you start to tap metal. The grill on the 02 to 04 CRVs does not have room to effectively mount the TIR's. I am not sure about the 05's they do have a different grill. As for the FS SS2000 it is an expensive system for security duty but if they are willing to spend then go for it.