Dust lighting question....

[ajonesnv]

OK, so Im looking to change my dust light with and LED pod. My question is this which beam pattern would be best suited.

My logic gives pros to both patterns, however I "think" that a spot would be best for the maximum range for following vehicles.

Thoughts??

 

[UnderFire]

A wide angle beam like a fog light would probably be the best pattern for cutting through dust. From what I've heard, dust and fog require very similar beams and light temperature to cut through.

 

[ajonesnv]

A wide angle beam like a fog light would probably be the best pattern for cutting through dust. From what I've heard, dust and fog require very similar beams and light temperature to cut through.

Yep totally a pro for that pattern.

My concern was following distance of other vehicles and thought the spot might extend further, but I feel like I will land on a fog/flood pattern.

 

[MandAtaco]

My first one was a Flood pattern and it worked really well. The second one was an amber flash job, not sure if it even had a pattern, probably a flood.

 

[ajonesnv]

Since Im on the subject of lighting...Let me get some feedback. I currently have 2 8" HID driving lights and 2 LED flood ditch light pods. Would a light bar just be overkill at this point? I realize the cool factor, but functionally speaking does it make a difference? So, if you have an addiction to lights (like me) please talk me off or over the ledge, which ever is your preference.

The intention is to be prepared for any and all of our Overlanding trips. Its not uncommon to end up on a trail much longer than expected while headed for a proposed campsite, while in the dark. My thoughts are, though I will admit to being a light junky, the HIDs are intended for long stretches of good graded road, while the light bar and ditch lights would be more so for confined spaces like heavy wooded areas and changing topography.

Thoughts?

 

[D Farms]

Im thinking about getting one of those amber/white led bars at some point. the amber cuts through dust a lot better than cooler color temps.

 

[IBallEngineer]

Since Im on the subject of lighting...Let me get some feedback. I currently have 2 8" HID driving lights and 2 LED flood ditch light pods. Would a light bar just be overkill at this point? I realize the cool factor, but functionally speaking does it make a difference? So, if you have an addiction to lights (like me) please talk me off or over the ledge, which ever is your preference.

The intention is to be prepared for any and all of our Overlanding trips. Its not uncommon to end up on a trail much longer than expected while headed for a proposed campsite, while in the dark. My thoughts are, though I will admit to being a light junky, the HIDs are intended for long stretches of good graded road, while the light bar and ditch lights would be more so for confined spaces like heavy wooded areas and changing topography.

Thoughts?

Yes you definitely reach a point of absurdity, especially with everything facing forward. My night time off roading is not at high speed, so I don't need most of what I already have. I too have Lite Force 9" HIDs, I'd like to use a 30-40 Xmitter LED to replace it that pair. Might leave my front end looking a little naked though.

:violin:

 

[Bandit Runner]

Some advice from a fellow LED light junky:

First, for dust/fog lights I prefer the driving pattern and amber colored LED's. I used to have the flood in white, but it didn't provide enough distance. I felt it was too spread out in every direction, and the white light was too reflective in the fog.

As for LED light bars, I'm not a fan of one large long light bar. I prefer to have several short bars or round lights or light pods. If you get several smaller lights, you can get them with different optics, beam patterns, colors, and point them in different directions/heights also. Put each pair of lights on a different switch. Then you have options. I have several different types of LED lights on the front of my truck, all on separate switches. I have numerous options and combinations I can use for any situation.

 

[ajonesnv]

I definitely agree on the amber aspect of the dust light. Here is a photo of the front end of my truck...Im curious if a 32" light bar would look stupid. Also, I built the roof rack to accommodate it but kinda reconsidering...

 

[fabtaco]

Here's my rack with a 32" bar.

 

[Dirtco]

Some advice from a fellow LED light junky:

First, for dust/fog lights I prefer the driving pattern and amber colored LED's. I used to have the flood in white, but it didn't provide enough distance. I felt it was too spread out in every direction, and the while light was too reflective in the fog.

As for LED light bars, I'm not a fan of one large long light bar. I prefer to have several short bars or round lights or light pods. If you get several smaller lights, you can get them with different optics, beam patterns, colors, and point them in different directions/heights also. Put each pair of lights on a different switch. Then you have options. I have several different types of LED lights on the front of my truck, all on separate switches. I have numerous options and combinations I can use for any situation.

This.

I have the Rigid Industries Dually D2 Amber in the driving pattern, I feel they are the perfect combination of distance and width, without going to a full length LED bar. Like Bandit said, there is a reason I have two 10" bars, and two sets of Dually's, they are all different and I can aim the lights where I want instead of one giant light. Rigid also makes colored filters for their lights, so you could always get white and have amber covers for when you are in dusty conditions. Just a thought.