Just how much does behind the grill light mount reduce light output?

[chris51080]

Im looking at forward lighting, and very much leaning towards the ONX6+ mounted behind the grill. Im wondering just how much the light output is reduced by the grill. Obviously there is still plenty of light being thrown forward, but are we talking a 10% reduction, or closer to 50% reduction? It ends up changing my thinking, as I am willing to sacrifice some output for being behind the grill, but at some point, Ill just go for an exposed bumper mount.

 

[CleverGirl_]

Im looking at forward lighting, and very much leaning towards the ONX6+ mounted behind the grill. Im wondering just how much the light output is reduced by the grill. Obviously there is still plenty of light being thrown forward, but are we talking a 10% reduction, or closer to 50% reduction? It ends up changing my thinking, as I am willing to sacrifice some output for being behind the grill, but at some point, Ill just go for an exposed bumper mount.

I’d be more concerned with airflow. But there’s a few lighting threads where people have dove into this type of thing.

FWIR it’s negligible unless you are in the dunes flying about.

 

[smurfslayer]

I’d be more concerned with airflow. But there’s a few lighting threads where people have dove into this type of thing.

FWIR it’s negligible unless you are in the dunes flying about.

We have had a number of FRF over the years opening up 'running hot' or 'overheating' threads on their... <cough> "bone stock trucks" while towing. Subsequent pictures showed all manner of lighting obstructions. IIRC, a few were running the FMIC as well and of course, that can't have anything to do with the overheating if it was the last mod. Ditto the lighting that blocks airflow. If it was the last mod, it POSITIVELY was not responsible for the overheating.

I also don't recall ever hearing back on the resolution of these threads :-/
Heavy towing or high rpm, low speed + airflow restriction ~= running higher than usual operating temps.

But, for most use cases, you probably won't notice.

 

[New recaros]

You’re adding heat also.
I saw a nice install where the guy had the light bar flush with the grill. He cut out the grill and moved the lights forward.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

theres a thread here somewhere from back in 2014 or 15. we did light comparisons with a lux meter with different lights and at different distances and widths. you lose about 30%

 

[4x4TruckLEDs.com]

Im looking at forward lighting, and very much leaning towards the ONX6+ mounted behind the grill. Im wondering just how much the light output is reduced by the grill. Obviously there is still plenty of light being thrown forward, but are we talking a 10% reduction, or closer to 50% reduction? It ends up changing my thinking, as I am willing to sacrifice some output for being behind the grill, but at some point, Ill just go for an exposed bumper mount.

I mean, yeah some of the light gets blocked but the light is so bright you won't really notice. I'd say maybe 15% gets blocked if I had to guess.

We've got a few kits for behind the grill btw

Lower Grill Kit
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/lower-...021-ford-f-150-raptor-w-kr-off-road-brackets/



Upper Grill (Dual Light Bar) Kit
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/baja-d...t-w-kr-off-road-brackets-for-2015-ford-f-150/

 

[New recaros]

Someone should make some good mirror cap lights. Considering the light output from those three inch cube lights, you could get the equivalent of 6 per side. 18-20k lumens each. Plant would grow along the trail. Put all the driver/electronics in the cab or under the hood, just run power. Just like in your kithen

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Lighting Shootout Results - TRR 2014

I have wanted to do a lighting comparison for quite some time. TRR presented the perfect opportunity by providing a good location as well as access to a wide variety of lights. Test Method When it comes to measuring lighting, lux (lumens, or light output, per square meter) is by far the...

www.fordraptorforum.com

 

[chris51080]

Thanks. It looks like 50% loss in that test.

 

[SurfRaptor]

We have had a number of FRF over the years opening up 'running hot' or 'overheating' threads on their... <cough> "bone stock trucks" while towing. Subsequent pictures showed all manner of lighting obstructions. IIRC, a few were running the FMIC as well and of course, that can't have anything to do with the overheating if it was the last mod. Ditto the lighting that blocks airflow. If it was the last mod, it POSITIVELY was not responsible for the overheating.

I also don't recall ever hearing back on the resolution of these threads :-/
Heavy towing or high rpm, low speed + airflow restriction ~= running higher than usual operating temps.

But, for most use cases, you probably won't notice.

I wonder if adding the COBB radiator shroud helps eliminate this overheating issue?