3G factory fogs on steroids - a cheap BOMB!

[Matt400]

Depending on conditions it may be hard to tell the difference, I found the best way to actually "see" the difference is to replace just one and then turn them on in the garage or on a wall. That is where you will see the brighter white color. As for adding more lumens they won't, just a more white color.



There is some real good reading on these bulbs here



The article starts out with the blue color bulbs but covers the Osram/Sylvania Sliver Stars also. After re-reading that article maybe the X-tra Vision bulb is a better choice in North America.

 

[Matt400]

Some more interesting info on these lamps is that the Xtra Vision bulb is rated at 30% more light while the Silver Star doesn’t give an increased number.



Also an interesting note is that the volts, watts and lumens are all the same for the standard or XtraVision or Silver Star 9007 that is used in the main headlamp on the 3rd Gens.

 

[scottmcd]

Joel,



Looking to order a Brite box w/FLC, also would like the Fogzilla upgrade. Need it to work with my 6" Hella's that are wired to my hi-beams.



Thanks,



Scott

 

[Task125]

installed bright box 2 weeks ago w/fogzilla,tonight lamp out light came on. lost driver side hi and low beam,and when you switch to hi beams fog light on driver side blinks. :{

 

[DBond]

I changed out the stock 9006 bulbs in my factory installed fog lights for a set of 9005's. What is the difference? The 9006's are low beam bulbs, while the 9005's are high beam bulbs.



Joel Toy

Baker Auto Accessories

I haven't tried this relamping, but several issues come to mind.



The big difference between the 9005 and 9006 is the low beam lamp has a built in glare shield, that opaque coating on the tip. That forces the light to the reflector, which controls the light pattern.



Without a glare shield some light comes out directly from the filament and covers a very wide vertical area. There are 2 big issues with this;

a) blinding oncoming drivers



b) there is no low cutoff to the light pattern to keep the light just on the road, and not reflecting off fog / snow directly in your view. So these aren't really fog lamps anymore, just flood lamps.



A fog or low beam fixture can have a glare shield built into the light fixture, so a lamps without a glare shield (such as a 9005) are standard for those designs. So just because a lamp is used in one place doesn't mean it is acceptable in a different design.



Switching to a brighter 9006 lamp (like the xtravision?) would give increase in light but still maintain the designed light pattern.



Just making more light, and not putting it where it is most effective, can make visability worse. As the eye adapts to brighter light levels near the vehicle it becomes less sensitive to the dimly lighted road farther ahead.



Has anyone done a comparison of the beam pattern and upper cutoff between stock and modified by having the lamps shine on a wall about 20 feet away and looking at the pattern ?

 

[Matt400]

There are 2 big issues with this;

a) blinding oncoming drivers



b) there is no low cutoff to the light pattern to keep the light just on the road, and not reflecting off fog / snow directly in your view. So these aren't really fog lamps anymore, just flood lamps.

You could look at it that way and in the beginning I did but it depends on what the user wants and how they are operated.



The best way to not blind the oncoming drivers is to simply not do it. Even with the OE bulbs in there I see no reason to have those lamps on with oncoming traffic. I never did care for people running 4 lamps on me when there is no fog to cut the added light.



I don't drive in a fog area so flood lamps are the ticket for me and with the bright box they are even better because I don't have to mess with switching things around when a car comes, low beams are low and high beams are everything.

Switching to a brighter 9006 lamp (like the xtravision?) would give increase in light but still maintain the designed light pattern.

True but it may not maintain the desired light pattern.

Just making more light, and not putting it where it is most effective, can make visibility worse. As the eye adapts to brighter light levels near the vehicle it becomes less sensitive to the dimly lighted road farther ahead.

I too was concerned here, however I suppose its not having the glare coating on the bulb that helps that. With the 9006 switched on I found my eyes distracted down low but with the 9005, so much more overall light seems to counteract that.



If I were to ever get caught in the fog I would probably just use the low beams like I did on vehicles with no fog option or experiment and maybe run just fogs with no headlamps, you know you can do that by turning on the running lamps and pull the fog sw.



In true dense fog conditions where you are actually having difficulty seeing the road you won't have to worry about blinding oncoming traffic, in those conditions I welcome the other driver to have more light so I can see them sooner.



This mod may not be for everyone, maybe someone can jump in on how they work as a fog lamp, for me they do wonders as a flood lamp.

 

[bpenrod]

Drove home tonight in some really thick fog, couldn't see the lights on my house from the road! I ran the fogs with the 9005's and they worked great, the light did not go up verticle and reflect back at me.

 

[CLAYTON]

Those 9005's have been sweet. Been running them for a while now and I am used to them. Feels like I need more light Just like the truck with hp mods... I get used to it and want more Britebox and Fogzilla while towing sure makes a huge difference on some of those dark roads.

 

[Tim]

How much does this stuff cost? I didn't see it listed anywhere on the website.

 

[CClements]

10 to 25 bucks plus bulbs depending in how you want to it.

 

[CFoye]

I emailed their contact email address yesterday and haven't heard anything back. What gives?



Chris

 

[Blakers]

I never did care for people running 4 lamps on me when there is no fog to cut the added light. .

Neither do I. But the high and low beams are so bad on these trucks that running with the fogs on is almost manditory, if you want to see anything.

 

[Tim]

10 to 25 bucks plus bulbs depending in how you want to it.

$25 for those wiring harnesses? Hell, I'm all over that, sign me up for a stage 3 if it's only $25!!

 

[Matt400]

Neither do I. But the high and low beams are so bad on these trucks that running with the fogs on is almost manditory, if you want to see anything.

I know what you mean but in all fairness a big majority of the problem is trucks that are lifted or just have larger tires with no re aim on the headlamps. For example. . mount up 315-70-17's like you have and that alone changes the headlamp beam at the lamp 3/4".

Imagine now out at 250 feet how high they are. . (anyone want to do the math?) high beams end up in never land making the lows work better.

 

[Blakers]

I know what you mean but in all fairness a big majority of the problem is trucks that are lifted or just have larger tires with no re aim on the headlamps. For example. . mount up 315-70-17's like you have and that alone changes the headlamp beam at the lamp 3/4".

Imagine now out at 250 feet how high they are. . (anyone want to do the math?) high beams end up in never land making the lows work better.

I don't go for this theory. The angle remains the same and that is what matters. Now, tilt a truck with front spacers or raise or lower the rear with a load and the angle of lights changes drastically. But a level raise obtained by bigger tires has no bearing.



To me, the bigger problem out there with headlights blinding oncoming traffic is the cars that are so low that their lights have to be at a flatter angle to get their job done. They shine more into oncoming traffic's eyes.

 

[Matt400]

I don't go for this theory. The angle remains the same and that is what matters.

I was off base by the 250 ft comparison with just tires and was thinking of fellas with blocks added. I know with our measuring equipment we have to make sure tire pressures are all correct before beginning the aim so right height is critical

 

[Doubleclutch]

And then toss a load in your truck and whatever you spent on that headlight alignment just went out the window. Not many ways to win this contest. Headlights off and foglights on?

Greg

 

[DBond]

You could look at it that way and in the beginning I did but it depends on what the user wants and how they are operated.



This mod may not be for everyone, maybe someone can jump in on how they work as a fog lamp, for me they do wonders as a flood lamp.

Matt



I agree with you, it depends on how you want to use the lights and what works for you. It's just important for people to understand the trade off, that if you change the lamp the pattern is different and you should shut them off for oncoming traffic, they aren't "fogs" anymore.

 

[Joel - BAA]

Hey Rammers,



Just wanted to let you guys know that the factory fog lights CAN be adjusted up and down. If you look at the fog light from the front, at the 12 o'clock position, you will see a T20 torx screw that allows you to raise or lower the light. Tightening the screw raises the aim of the fog light.



In my truck (04. 5), I had to raise my fogs 2 turns as they were pointed into the ground. When reaiming the fogs, I was careful to make sure that the light output skimmed the ground (proper aim for fog lights) so they did not shine into other driver's eyes. I have driven my truck extensively at night since doing this mod without ever being flashed once by oncoming traffic! I also live in snow country and have used the fogs and park lamps (no headlights) in raging blizzards without any problem with stray light.



I don't know how (or if) DC sets fog light aim from the factory - therefore your factory fog aim settings may differ from my truck. If you choose to mess with your aiming screw, it is a good idea to count how much you turn the screw (so you can return to the factory point) AND to road test your lights to make sure they are not pointing up. It is also prudent to realize that if you are carrying a heavy load, to not use the fogs, or to adjust the aim down if you want to use fogs in loaded condition.



IMO, properly aimed lights that are used properly, cause no problems for oncoming drivers.



Respectfully submitted,



Joel Toy

Baker Auto Accessories

970. 879. 4200



P. S. Please be aware of the fact that there is "fog light backlash" out there. Many drivers get ****** off whenever they meet a car/truck with fog lights on in clear weather. These guys will flash you just because your fog lights are on - whether or not they are bright or dim, or aimed properly or not.

 

[Matt400]

I don't know how (or if) DC sets fog light aim from the factory

They do, they use this one

We use this one a similar one with out a printer.