Recommendation for Adding Lighting to Brighten Roads?

[DarthLincoln]

Also I forgot to mention, since you have the Capable bumper with factory fog lights, there are less options for mounting aux lights. But a few companies like iAG make some bolt-on brackets and brush bars for that bumper.

I also saw this Diode Dynamics fog & driving light combo for the capable bumper that is similar to the pocket mounting solutions for the modular bumper. These pocket solutions are much less likely to draw any “legality” attention that a light bar might:
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-...brackets-for-2021-ford-bronco-capable-bumper/

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[ThunderFlash]

Here is a decent comparison of some higher end lights and the Amazon Auxbeam which are more budget oriented. I've seen some decent things about Harbor Frieghts line of auxiliary lights, too. I don't often completely "cheap out" on things, but I don't generally go tippy top of the line either. I splurged on the BD lights for our 4-door since it's my wife's (aka My Princess) vehicle. I have a mix of Hella, Philips, Rigid, and Morimoto on mine. I have to admit, the BD lights are very nice, and the 4X4TruckLEDs Mod Bumper bracket and wiring harness were a joy to work with considering my disdain for wires. I'd bet they have a nice mount and double ended pig tail connector that would make replacing your stock capable bumper lights a snap. I'd be surprised if Adam doesn't weigh in on your post.

 

[Brian_B]

Some good advice here

Two legal options:

Fog lights can run with low beams in most states. A good set of fog lights will be brighter than the low beams over much wider area. My DD “Pro” fogs are street legal and illuminate better than stock high beams - if you can believe it

Replace the headlight assemblies with an aftermarket. Most all aftermarkets are brighter than OEM. Many have had quality issues though so be careful here.

 

[23BDBigSean]

Find you a set of Auxbeam lights for the A pillar on Amazon for under $100 and call it a day!

 

[Bronco Toad]

Being in Texas you probably do not see much adverse snow/ice weather. There are a lot of good lights out there and each have points to consider.

I have been considering some KC DayLighters the halogen version so that here when the freezing stuff falls from the sky the heat of the halogen bulbs will keep them clear and no build up that happens on the LED headlights.

 

[Dirtrider]

I have read lots of specific posts on lighting written by folks who go off-road. I've just purchased a 2023 Black Diamond Sasquatch for my wife. She probably won't drive off the blacktop. I may, on the rare occasions when I get to drive the Bronco. What do y'all suggest if I want to add a set of auxiliary lights to brighten the road ahead, in addition to the standard headlights?

Thanks in advance!

I have the modular bumper and installed Diode Dynamics driving lights and amber fog lights (SAE conforming fogs). The only ones 'legal' on the road are the SAE fog lights. The amber fog lights really help the visibility to the sides and fill in the gaps below the OEM headlights and I can run them without blinding oncoming traffic. In addition, the 'warm' amber light complements the blue biased LED headlights which in my opinion enhances total visibility. I seldom use the driving lights in part because they are controlled by the upfitter switches only and where I live, not much opportunity to even use the high beams.

 

[Denny Crane]

My thanks to the many people who have responded to my original message. Y'all have provided a lot to take in. Before responding further, I wanted to take some pictures of my vehicle, which are now attached.

After considering your responses, I think pillar lights are a good idea. They range in wattage from 20W on up. Since I am not racing or going off-road, the utility of these lights, depending on how they are focused, is to brighten the road ahead. It appears there are lenses that direct the light to the front and the side. How many watts do you think are sufficient?

Secondly, please have a look at the front bumper of my Bronco. The vehicle has OEM fog lights. Some are saying it's a good idea to add on a more efficient set of fog lights. With the bumper you see, is this possible? If so, what do you suggest?

 

[Brian_B]

My thanks to the many people who have responded to my original message. Y'all have provided a lot to take in. Before responding further, I wanted to take some pictures of my vehicle, which are now attached.

After considering your responses, I think pillar lights are a good idea. They range in wattage from 20W on up. Since I am not racing or going off-road, the utility of these lights, depending on how they are focused, is to brighten the road ahead. It appears there are lenses that direct the light to the front and the side. How many watts do you think are sufficient?

Secondly, please have a look at the front bumper of my Bronco. The vehicle has OEM fog lights. Some are saying it's a good idea to add on a more efficient set of fog lights. With the bumper you see, is this possible? If so, what do you suggest?

Yes, your fog lights can be updated. IMO this is most impactful and least expensive upgrade path to accomplish what you want.
One option from a popular vendor around here:
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-...plastic-capable-bumper-2021-2023-ford-ranger/

There are other options and vendors - just an example

A pillar lights are great, but keep in mind in most states they are for off-road only use: you can get ticketed running them on the street. That may not matter to you though - i run across plenty that do it anyway.

 

[Denny Crane]

Thank you, Brian. I was not aware of the restriction concerning the A Pillar lights. That said, the fog light recommendation makes sense. The Diode Dynamics lights come in three intensities. Do you suggest the 54,700 or the 66,500 candela? White or amber?

I assume these lights are replacements for the OEM fog lights, correct?

 

[Denny Crane]

I have the modular bumper and installed Diode Dynamics driving lights and amber fog lights (SAE conforming fogs). The only ones 'legal' on the road are the SAE fog lights. The amber fog lights really help the visibility to the sides and fill in the gaps below the OEM headlights and I can run them without blinding oncoming traffic. In addition, the 'warm' amber light complements the blue biased LED headlights which in my opinion enhances total visibility. I seldom use the driving lights in part because they are controlled by the upfitter switches only and where I live, not much opportunity to even use the high beams.

Thank you for your response. Brian_B just posted a few minutes ago with a recommendation for the Diode Dynamic lights you suggest. I asked him about amber vs white before scrolling up and seeing that you have the amber lights. Do you have the Sport or the Pro version?

 

[Oldhippie]

I went with DD clear pro SAE fog and driving pods and am very happy with them…

 

[Denny Crane]

Also I forgot to mention, since you have the Capable bumper with factory fog lights, there are less options for mounting aux lights. But a few companies like iAG make some bolt-on brackets and brush bars for that bumper.

I also saw this Diode Dynamics fog & driving light combo for the capable bumper that is similar to the pocket mounting solutions for the modular bumper. These pocket solutions are much less likely to draw any “legality” attention that a light bar might:
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-...brackets-for-2021-ford-bronco-capable-bumper/

A few other folks are also suggesting Diode Dynamic lights.

The Diode Dynamics Dual Fog Light Kit w/KR Off-Road Brackets for 2021+ Ford Bronco (Capable Bumper) is pricey ($849) vs. the fog lights only ($379), so another $500 to get the driving lights.

Thoughts?

 

[Denny Crane]

I went with DD clear pro SAE fog and driving pods and am very happy with them…

When you say "clear," are you referring to "white"?
Why did you choose white for the fogs instead of amber?
Why the Pro over the Sport?

 

[Brian_B]

Thank you, Brian. I was not aware of the restriction concerning the A Pillar lights. That said, the fog light recommendation makes sense. The Diode Dynamics lights come in three intensities. Do you suggest the 54,700 or the 66,500 candela? White or amber?

I assume these lights are replacements for the OEM fog lights, correct?

I have a set of 3 DD Pros — a Driving, a Combo, and a Fog lens

The Driving is like high beams and throw a lot of light down road. The Fog set a nice diffuse pattern out over a wide area — they cover the ditch very well from the fog pocket without blinding oncoming traffic, and put out light down road better than low beams. The Combo is somewhere between that.

The Fog is SAE street legal (assuming you aim them properly), and I have them wired to my factory fog harness. The other two sets I have on upfitters for off road use, they are not SAE rated.

The Max I don’t think is worth the money unless you have to have “the best”. The Pros are a decent step up though over the Sport, but I don’t think you would be disappointed with either if you wanted to manage a budget.

White vs Amber — a personal choice there. I went with Amber fogs for better use in snow/fog, and they do well in clear weather as well. Not everyone likes running Ambers though.

I cant really tell when auto high beams turn on or off with the fogs running. But I can definitely tell if I don't have the fogs on.

The kit I linked would replace the OEM fog
light

 

[EasternSierra]

I bought a pair of Baja Designs S2 Sports from BluMak3d. They include a nice mount which won't produce hood glare.

I just ordered those today! I assume they're working well for you if you're mentioning them here.

Yes, your fog lights can be updated. IMO this is most impactful and least expensive upgrade path to accomplish what you want.
One option from a popular vendor around here:
https://www.4x4truckleds.com/diode-...plastic-capable-bumper-2021-2023-ford-ranger/

So what kind of improvement could I expect from installing these lights or similar ones?

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