Aux Lights Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 8, 2013 | 08:04 PM

Force21

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Northern Calif.

Aux Lights Question

I was wondering a few things. I am about to start a project on my '00 7.3 Excursion. I want to add lights. A set of fogs and a set of driving lights.

I see 55w, 100w, and 130w being very popular.

I am assuming the 55w is street legal and more powerful lights are for off road. Is that about right? I just cannot find a defined legal limit but it seems that 55w is what most people see as street legal - in addition to placement and mounting.

So am I correct in assuming that 55w is street legal?

Thanks

Aug 15, 2013 | 08:39 AM

frhrwa

Cross-Country

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 90

Likes: 2

From: Middle Tennessee

55W is the street legal unit.. the 100W is considered off-road, there may be states that allow them now that I've said that.. ha... at any rate, your driving lights MOST likely wouldn't be used on the streets anyway, right? and your fog lights (I run 100W) if adjusted correctly and not run when its NOT foggy, most likely will get you by.. its the guys that run their fogs when its perfectly clear, and they aren't adjusted down and at an angle to the roads to cover sides ahead.. those guys blind you, not good..

Aug 15, 2013 | 09:17 AM

Force21

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Northern Calif.

I have 55w KC 5x7 (amber) ordered for the fog function. As for the actual driving lights. I am thinking of 6" 35w HID lights with the broad driving pattern. I am actually looking for street driving lights to temporarily light up extra dark patches of highway beyond my high-beams. I have poor night vision. My wife got a new Lexus with HID and I would not hesitate to drive at night anywhere with those. The fog lights that will go on my truck will be for dark driving in the valley.

Oct 1, 2013 | 09:32 AM

slashfan7964

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,504

Likes: 8

From: Indian Falls, New York

If they don't specify either in local law or online then check with local authorities first. If they can't give you a straight answer then assume it's ok that way you have some back if something happens. Generally as state 55w is considered road legal. Just like high beams, turn them off when oncoming traffic is approaching. Depending on the state you live on, anything over past the hood light wise is considered offroad. I got away with 12 lights pointing forward for years, though only 4 of them were considered off road only.

Oct 1, 2013 | 09:43 AM

Force21

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Northern Calif.

Thanks, I ended up with the 5" ambers for fog here on the coast hills. This pass dove season I used these to get from the road to hunting spots so I didn't totally kill my night vision. For driving I got 35w HID spots that are 6." These are all below the headlights and I have yet to even get a look from anyone. Only time will tell, but with so many others with 3-4 uncovered pairs roaming around, my truck just does not stand out with the 2 pair I have.

Oct 1, 2013 | 10:47 AM

slashfan7964

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,504

Likes: 8

From: Indian Falls, New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by Force21

You probably won't have anyone say anything to you about them unless it's another enthusiast. I had 4 mounted under the bumper for a while, normal headlights, and winter/summer depending either a 2 light plow frame or a chrome pushbar with 2 KC lights on it, and then 4 BAJA lights mounted atop the rollbar in the bed.

You should be fine, I wouldn't worry about it.

Oct 1, 2013 | 01:58 PM

Force21

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Northern Calif.

Yea!

Quote:

Originally Posted by slashfan7964

I could not agree more. I actually worried a lot more about the HID replacement headlights more. I got 55w 5000K (white) bulbs and they are BRIGHT! No one has flashed me when those are on and I have had those for a while. Mine are all on a pushbar, when I get a "real" truck, I will add a rollbar!