[MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION],
I agree completely! These are no longer fog lights, and would be blinding if used in heavy fog or snow.
And, to be honest, I was shocked at how bright they were, and how high the pattern is. According the [MENTION=87816]Baja Designs[/MENTION] web site, the pattern is supposed to be very flat.
I bought them for their additional side illumination on forest and park roads. Last fall, we were in Yellowstone on a cloudy evening, and before we got back to West Yellowstone, it was the darkest I've ever seen, and my lights on the Outback were of no more use than a couple flashlights. I used the OPT7 LED bar on the roof, and that helped tremendously. My wife was so worried we'd hit something, that we didn't stay in any park or national forest after dark for the rest of the trip. (That same night, we came cross a car that hit a bison and was totaled, so she was pretty freaked.) So I specifically added lights to the new 4Runner so that when we're out exploring, we wouldn't have to stop whatever we were doing well before sunset to make sure we we not driving after dark.
Back to your point: Ditch lights would have done what I'm using these Baja Designs fog lights for, and still left me with functioning fog lights. And I may eventually go that route. I can't honestly recall the last time I needed fog lights for fog, so I should be good for now. But your point is very valid, and should be noted by anyone looking to replace the OEM fog lights with any aftermarket lighting.
Thanks for you input,
Steve
[MENTION=135421]Ohio_Steve[/MENTION] not directed specifically at you but since you did a great job and documented this with pictures I want use your post to caution those looking to do this mod and have not thought of all the ramifications this mod will bring.
With respect to fog lights:
Too bright or too high will render them ineffective. True fog lights by design are fairly dim and aimed low as to A) Low aiming keeps them "below" the fog and B) Low output to keep the light from reflecting off the fog.
By doing this mod you have effectively deleted any true fog light function and replaced it with additional driving lights.
They look great and are really bright but they will be less effective than the stock fog lights in fog or heavy snow!
We get lots of fog (and heavy snow) in my region and there have been many times that I could only see the road a few feet ahead, and it wasn't because I needed more light! The OEM fog lights effectively illuminated the bit of road "under" the fog (1-2 feet AGL) and no amount of increased light would have made the situation any better. In heavy fog you are only driving at low speed anyway. Heck, even the Sun won't cut through fog!
Anyone who thinks this will improve visibility in the fog. It won't. Next time you are in heavy fog or heavy snow hit your high beams... you will quickly go back to your low beams and wish for something with even less of light output.
Now, the independent switch for fog light only is a good mod and needed in certain situations.
olice:
