True fog light replacement options (2 Viewers)

[bloc]

I’m finally getting around to upgrading the fogs in my stock 2013 cruiser bumper. I already have a Rigid light bar in the grille which is more than enough light for driving on dark roads, but want a true fog light pattern I can put into the stock position for use in those conditions. Meaning sharp beam cutoff kept low, deep yellow color, plenty of throw.

Thing is when I check what is available from the big players.. diode dynamics, Baja designs, rigid, most of their “fog” offerings are “DOT/SAE” which by law limit total output dramatically compared to other LED light pods.

The numbers I’m seeing there are typically only double the stock halogen numbers, not the crazy output of driving light pods.

Are there options I’m not thinking about?

Is there a practical limit to how bright we want a true fog light to be and remain effective? A primary goal here is reducing glare.. maybe when there is too much total output limiting beam height and dialing in color won’t prevent glare?

And before someone says stick LED bulbs into the stock housings, I don’t like LED replacement bulbs for poor build quality, thermal, and beam pattern reasons.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[FxFormat]

Not sure what your standards are, but stick a pair of diode dynamics ss3 Pro in there and you can’t even see your headlights. The fogs are stupid bright

 

[bloc]

Not sure what your standards are, but stick a pair of diode dynamics ss3 Pro in there and you can’t even see your headlights. The fogs are stupid bright

That’s not at all what I want. My 30” Rigid light bar makes more than enough raw light. I want a yellow light that stays low on the road, meaning a sharp upper beam cutoff so it doesn’t illuminate rain/fog/snow in front of the vehicle. Again, all of which is to reduce glare..

 

[grinchy]

So you want something that fits in the OEM bumper pockets?

 

[hankinid]

50 watt PIAA deep yellow bulbs do it for me. Iirc, they also sell a 90 watt version.

 

[lx200inAR]

These are the DD SS3 Pros SAE Fog. Seems to have all the features you mentioned. I can’t imagine wanting them any brighter. And they have low flat cutoffs, as well as plenty of light to the left and right. Edit: I have Hikari LEDs in my OEM projectors For headlights.

this pic is just the headlights, it shows how much wider the SS3 beam is. Notice the brick wall behind the target wall isn’t lit up by the headlights at all, but the fogs do light it up.

 

[bloc]

So you want something that fits in the OEM bumper pockets?

I’ll adapt whatever I end up running to the OE pockets, yes.

These are the DD SS3 Pros SAE Fog. Seems to have all the features you mentioned. I can’t imagine wanting them any brighter. And they have low flat cutoffs, as well as plenty of light to the left and right. Edit: I have Hikari LEDs in my OEM projectors For headlights.

View attachment 3360736

this pic is just the headlights, it shows how much wider the SS3 beam is. Notice the brick wall behind the target wall isn’t lit up by the headlights at all, but the fogs do light it up.

View attachment 3360741

Good stuff, this is along the lines of what I’m looking for. And nice to know SAE doesn’t mean totally neutered light output.

 

[wingnutted]

Following this one...looking to see what the options are for fog light upgrades to 2013 LC w/ stock front bumper

 

[daneo]

You might email Daniel Stern and see if he has recommendations. He responds, but sometimes slowly. Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply - https://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/fog_lamps/fog_lamps.html

 

[Tex68w]

You can always run the lowest output version of the lights that aren't DOT/SAE, i.e. Baja Designs Squadron Sport in the lens pattern and color of your choice.

 

[bloc]

You can always run the lowest output version of the lights that aren't DOT/SAE, i.e. Baja Designs Squadron Sport in the lens pattern and color of your choice.

I haven’t seen a lens pattern that has the sharp upper cutoff though, which is very important. One might be out there I just haven’t found it.

To me it says a lot that pretty much all of the major brands only do “fog” pattern in SAE/DOT. It suggests a ton of light output may be counterproductive when we’re trying to avoid illuminating moisture in the air in front of the vehicle.

 

[FxFormat]

That’s not at all what I want. My 30” Rigid light bar makes more than enough raw light. I want a yellow light that stays low on the road, meaning a sharp upper beam cutoff so it doesn’t illuminate rain/fog/snow in front of the vehicle. Again, all of which is to reduce glare..

If you truly want to reduce glare and isolate the cutoff beam you’ll need to retrofit projectors to your fogs. Anything else is gonna have some kind of light bleed and cause glare.

 

[bloc]

If you truly want to reduce glare and isolate the cutoff beam you’ll need to retrofit projectors to your fogs. Anything else is gonna have some kind of light bleed and cause glare.

Is there a way to do that with a yellow color though?

The elite series from DD seems to be some kind of projector in front of LED.. or at least have the thick glass lens and per pictures a great cutoff.

 

[FxFormat]

Is there a way to do that with a yellow color though?

The elite series from DD seems to be some kind of projector in front of LED.. or at least have the thick glass lens and per pictures a great cutoff.

I think so, just use 3000K HID bulbs. I retrofitted Morimoto Mini H1's onto my 100 series, they sell smaller projectors "matchbox" series that might be what you're looking for. It's a lot of work though, but if you're OCD and want that true cutoff that isolates, then that's the way to go.

 

[lx200inAR]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are writing, but are you sure that the lights that are "SAE" are neutered? Diode Dynamics doesn't mention using lower output of light anywhere that i can see in their literature for the "SAE" patterns. The pattern itself (as defined by SAE in his case) is what is causing the lower light ratings.

Looking at their docs, i think the only reason there is "less light" is because it's more dispersed (more like a flood light vs a spot light).


SS3 3" Pods

 

[DesmoPilot]

I ran Morimotos on my last vehicle. Was a great improvement over the stock halogens.

I currently have DD SAE in the cruiser. I may swap to the Morimotos.

 

[Reckless]

I bought these for $10.49:
fogs

They have been as good as the $100 name brand japanese fog lights I used to have.

 

[bloc]

The diode dynamics Elite series is checking the right boxes of ease of fitment, output, and especially right now.. cost.

DD is doing a 4th of July sale at 20% off.

I’ll have some work to do to get them to fit but will keep the board posted as I figure that out.

 

[Killacaviar]

My brothers run these in their trucks and swear by them for the exact qualifying criteria your mentioning.

Stedi makes a fantastic product all around and they are priced incredibly well.

Universal Type B LED Fog Light Conversion Kit

Offroad Animal Universal Type B LED Fog Light Conversion Kit suitable for all 4x4 vehicles. â Afterpay â Zip | Rated 4.8 âââââ

offroadanimal.com.au

 

[bloc]

My brothers run these in their trucks and swear by them for the exact qualifying criteria your mentioning.

Stedi makes a fantastic product all around and they are priced incredibly well.

Universal Type B LED Fog Light Conversion Kit

Offroad Animal Universal Type B LED Fog Light Conversion Kit suitable for all 4x4 vehicles. â Afterpay â Zip | Rated 4.8 âââââ

offroadanimal.com.au

Interesting.. they claim the type B fits my year Landcruiser, but the dimensions I got from mine don’t agree with what I’ve seen fit type B on other lights. Might have to double check that before it’s too late to cancel the DD order.

I don’t think the Australian bumper is different..

Edit: the Stedi website says type B fit 16+, so it appears that site has the wrong fitment chart.