Driving/fog light suggestions

[wyosteve]

Now that I have this fancy DOR bumper, I'm in need of some driving and fog lights to mount on it. I've done a bit of research and will go either PIAA or Hella, but I'm confused about the different wattage and types. Any suggestions or explanations would be welcomed. i. e. 55w, 85w 100w, halogen, ion crystal etc. Thanks in advance

 

[WDaniels]

wyosteve,

The 100w halogen will be the brightest. The Ion crystal lens looks blueish but will throw a yellow light. These are best for fog and flying snow. I personally like the PIAA's and are the best depending on what model you are getting. For extremely long distance pencil beams the Light Force 9" lights are the best, but only if the Forces are focused all the way down. I can easily see 1. 5 miles and more with them. When you disperse the Force lights for fog they suck. Hope this helps.

WD

 

[Adam]

diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks...

wyosteve,



I've used auxiliary driving lights on most of the vehicles I've owned, and I've played with about all the major manufacturers. The brightest lights under $100 I've EVER installed were Hella 500's with a 100w bulb upgrade. Big disadvantage to the Hella's is the cheap wiring harness. I've used Piaa 40's, and as a fog lamp, they weren't too bad, but not as good as Piaa 520's, and the new Piaa 580's should be even better, but I don't know for certain. I now have Piaa 80 Pencil beams, and couldn't be happier. All the Piaa light sets have decent to excellent wiring harnesses, and install times are usually less than an hour. The Catz/FET lights are of good build quality, but don't put out enough light to help much IMO. Lightforce lights seem to be the current choice of the Over-the-Road drivers, and they are usually pretty picky about what they use. A moose hit is pretty serious, even with a tractor/trailer. When I finally get around to it, I'll be replacing the factory fogs with Piaa 510's, wired into the factory wiring. I think all will agree with me though, something will be an improvement over what you have now.



-Adam

 

[tgbol]

I have the Hella 4000 pencil beams 100 watt bulbs--I really like them

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks for the info guys. I've been focusing on the Piaa 520's ion crystal for the fogs. I looked at the Hella 500's and they seem like a good buy for the money (64. 95) at local parts store. For that price, even if they don't last as long, it will be worth a try. So, my decision is--- Hella 500 100w for driving lights and the Piaa 520 ions 85w for fogs.

 

[Dane]

Steve,

One thing to consider is what kind of pattern you want from the lights. I live in the woods with LOTS deer, so I like KC Daylighters -



http://www.kchilites.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=40&Product_ID=92&CATID=9



or



Hella Rallye 4000s with the cornering reflector -



http://www.susquehanna.com/susq/hella/offroad.htm#4000





I need lots of light on the sides of the road to see approaching deer. I've been very happy with the KCs, but am going to swap them out with the Rallye 4000 cornering lights to see If I get better side lighting with them.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Take a look at the PIAA website ( http://www.piaa.com ). According to them the 520's in a fog are 55 watt lights. The 540's are 55w that look like 85w (at least I think that's what they mean by 55w=85w!?). I just ordered a set of 540's for my new front bumper yesterday. Should have my bumpers back from the powder coat shop sometime next week or early the following and the lights should be here by then too. Can't wait !

 

[R D Brown]

I have the PIAA 900 series driving and fog lights. Installed nicely and work just great. A little push button switch to select off, drive or fog.