Front lights combination advice

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7six2

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Looking for advice. I have zero experience with offroad lighting. I'm wanting to put some lights up front. Bumper and then A-pillar; no interest in filling the fog light holes at this time. My primary application is use out at a dusty south Texas ranch where there are some open stretches of dirt road but also quite a few trails weaving through wooded (mesquite/brush) areas; which I'm constantly missing my turns and having to turn around. Due to summer heat we go out and fill feeders at night, and my OEM lighting is lacking. Also, I do beach trips to an area that has long empty stretches of beach and it can be difficult to see there too.

So, for front bumper mount (Nfab or similar) I know I want to have four 6 inch round lights and I'm leaning towards the Baja Designs LP6s. For aesthetics I'd like to have two white lights and two amber lights; but I dont know if the amber colored lights should be Driving/Combo beam or Spot beam? I'm just not sure if I really have enough need for a set of spot lights up front. Maybe both sets should be Driving/Combo...just one set white and one set amber for dust/fog??...

I might even opt for the Rigid 360 series to save a few dollars and because their backlight option looks a little cleaner. BUT I think the BD LP6 series cast a wider angle of perifial light that could help me see off to the sides a little better. Anyone have a comment about that? Do the BD really throw some light to the sides or is it just gimmick?

Regarding the A-pillars...I had in mind to add some lights up there angled slightly outwards so that I could better see where the trail entrance are before I pass them. I see them referred to as "ditch lights" and that kinda describes my application; but it looks like the a-pillars would also be ideal for spot lights. For those who are experienced what is a better usage for the a-pillars?
 

Nex

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I would run 1 pair of LP6 combo/yellow, the other spot/white. A pillar XL80s in combo/yellow. Some S2 out back for reverse and scene lighting.

Can always add more if need be. You can also change out the Baja Design lens if you want to try a different set up. vs buying a whole other light.

 
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7six2

7six2

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I would run 1 pair of LP6 combo/yellow, the other spot/white. A pillar XL80s in combo/yellow. Some S2 out back for reverse and scene lighting.

Can always add more if need be. You can also change out the Baja Design lens if you want to try a different set up. vs buying a whole other light.

Hey thanks for including the lighting zone info. Very helpful. And yeah also planning to add some S2s out back because its hard to reverse out on the trails with all the dust and brush...even worse trying to maneuver a trailer.
So do you think there is any issue with the yellow lighting being harder to distinguish objects and animals? I know in some conditions its useful but in my mind I picture yellow light looking "dimmer".
 

Nex

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Think it might be personal preference. Location and road conditions also play a factor. $40 to buy a different lens if you don't like it.

 

WEJER

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Rigid with the amber when not turned on…. Quality. Get the mounts that right side everything Too.
 

OffroadAlliance.com

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Looking for advice. I have zero experience with offroad lighting. I'm wanting to put some lights up front. Bumper and then A-pillar; no interest in filling the fog light holes at this time. My primary application is use out at a dusty south Texas ranch where there are some open stretches of dirt road but also quite a few trails weaving through wooded (mesquite/brush) areas; which I'm constantly missing my turns and having to turn around. Due to summer heat we go out and fill feeders at night, and my OEM lighting is lacking. Also, I do beach trips to an area that has long empty stretches of beach and it can be difficult to see there too.

So, for front bumper mount (Nfab or similar) I know I want to have four 6 inch round lights and I'm leaning towards the Baja Designs LP6s. For aesthetics I'd like to have two white lights and two amber lights; but I dont know if the amber colored lights should be Driving/Combo beam or Spot beam? I'm just not sure if I really have enough need for a set of spot lights up front. Maybe both sets should be Driving/Combo...just one set white and one set amber for dust/fog??...

I might even opt for the Rigid 360 series to save a few dollars and because their backlight option looks a little cleaner. BUT I think the BD LP6 series cast a wider angle of perifial light that could help me see off to the sides a little better. Anyone have a comment about that? Do the BD really throw some light to the sides or is it just gimmick?

Regarding the A-pillars...I had in mind to add some lights up there angled slightly outwards so that I could better see where the trail entrance are before I pass them. I see them referred to as "ditch lights" and that kinda describes my application; but it looks like the a-pillars would also be ideal for spot lights. For those who are experienced what is a better usage for the a-pillars?
We've got you covered! For bumper lighting there's some good options, we do have the Nfab and Swarfworks light mounts in stock right now and a ton of lighting options in stock as well as good prices for forum members. The Swarfworks mount is perfect for LP6's or Rigid 360's. Amber should be driving/combo as the amber color would be best for the dust and fog and you won't be seeing too far in those conditions so the spot would be good for the white light. The lp6's are much brighter and do throw more light than the 360's. In lumens alone, the LP6 shines at around 10,000 lumens and has a 200 degree light shine and the 360's are at around 8,600 lumens.

For A pillars, we have mounts that allow you to turn the lights left and right as well as up and down when you need to. Usually with the A pillars people do wide/cornering so they really get the sides and the ditch areas. Spot beams are designed to throw light far forward, straight ahead but if you have them angled out and up to see trail signs that could work. I have wide/cornering for my a pillars and they really cover a lot of the sides ahead of the truck.

I'm going to PM you and we can get you squared away and go over all your options.

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Nex

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We've got you covered! For bumper lighting there's some good options, we do have the Nfab and Swarfworks light mounts in stock right now and a ton of lighting options in stock as well as good prices for forum members. The Swarfworks mount is perfect for LP6's or Rigid 360's. Amber should be driving/combo as the amber color would be best for the dust and fog and you won't be seeing too far in those conditions so the spot would be good for the white light. The lp6's are much brighter and do throw more light than the 360's. In lumens alone, the LP6 shines at around 10,000 lumens and has a 200 degree light shine and the 360's are at around 8,600 lumens.

For A pillars, we have mounts that allow you to turn the lights left and right as well as up and down when you need to. Usually with the A pillars people do wide/cornering so they really get the sides and the ditch areas. Spot beams are designed to throw light far forward, straight ahead but if you have them angled out and up to see trail signs that could work. I have wide/cornering for my a pillars and they really cover a lot of the sides ahead of the truck.

I'm going to PM you and we can get you squared away and go over all your options.

View attachment 369111
View attachment 369112

Do you have the Swarfworks Switch Pro 9100 overhead panel in stock?
 

smurfslayer

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One thing you need to watch out for, if you look at that picture above, the CAC is blocks, the radiator behind the CAC and AC compressor is also not getting clean air. Put a trailer on this and tow and temps are going to soar in Texas heat.

I have the NFAB bar, but that one looks comparable and stable.
You might get away with FMIC --OR-- big @$$ lights, but if you try both you’ll likely eventually have an issue. There have been at least 5 or 6 FRF complaining of overheating.

It depends on what you want to do, but you can do a lot with the bumper bar. I’d put the LP’s on the outboard of the bumper mount, I have LP4’s there.

IMG_5104.jpg

The LP4’s are almost comparable to the XL80s but have the added bonus of some side throw.

That said, you’ll need some low aimed, in close lighting and I know you don’t want to use the fog pockets, but they’re perfect for this. I have the pocket lights aimed lower for foggy TX mornings. currently, my middle pocket light is amber and they work great with SAE fogs, without being super offensive in case I am slow to kick off the up fitter.

I’d keep that camera clear if you are used to it like I am.
 
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