Aux light idea

[transalpian]

Has anyone tried wiring the relay for aux lights in parallel with the high beams? In other words, I'd like tge aux lights to come on with the high beams, but the aux lights need to be on a seperate circuit.

Any issues with this idea?

[SafeAirOne]

That's the way Hella says to do it in their instructions (well, the preferred way, anyhow):

[transalpian]

Cool, so it must work!!

One question, what does the switch do in this config? Does it allow the aux lights to not come on with the high beams?

(thanks for the diagram)

[SafeAirOne]

In both diagrams, the switch controls power to the relay. When the relay is energized, a second, separate circuit is switched on, sending power directly from the battery to the aux lights.

In the top schematic, the switch controlling power to the relay gets 12 volts from the high beam wire, which is only energized when the high beams are on of course. If the high beams are on, the switch will turn on or off the aux lights only.

[bkreutz]

By law, in Germany (where Hella originates) driving lights can only come on with the high beams (not by themselves) just as fog lights can only come on with the low beams. The switch allows the lights not to come on, but if in the on position they will come on when the lights are on (fog or driving depending on which beam is selected)

[transalpian]

So if I omit the switch, the aux lights will come on with the highbeams.

Any real reason to include the switch (ignoring dot reqmts)?

[bkreutz]

You may want the ability to turn them off depending on weather conditions (glare)

[SafeAirOne]

In the case of off-road lights, you will blind other drivers WELL beyond the range that ordinary high beams should be dimmed.

[transalpian]

In the case of off-road lights, you will blind other drivers WELL beyond the range that ordinary high beams should be dimmed.

That is a very good point, thank you!

Next (related) question: mount on the front bumper or on the roof rack?

Bumper mounting gives low light and easier wiring (both distance and wire chases).

Roof rack mounting puts the light up high but much harder to route the wires (from what I can see). I'm also not interested in cutting a hole in the roof.

I plan on using these to suppliment my headlights on my ever-darkening morning commute. Is bumper mounting better?

Thanks!

[LaneRover]

It may be illegal to use the lights on the road if they are mounted on the roof rack.

[jac04]

I plan on using these to suppliment my headlights on my ever-darkening morning commute. Is bumper mounting better?

Yes, bumper mount them. Lights on the roof look cool, but you will get glare & distraction from the front of your vehicle being lit up. Check your local motor vehicle codes for allowable height for the lights.

You may want to focus on upgrading your existing headlights before investing in aux lights. Hella makes a very nice replacement 7" round replacement headlight. Run the lights directly off the battery using relays. It makes a big difference.

Now, if you are serious (really serious) about lighting, then you may want to cosider HIDs. You probably have to modify the headlight buckets, but the results will be worth it. Check out the Sylvania Xenarc Xe7R bi-xenon lights here:

http://suvlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=267

More selection here:

http://www.suvlights.com/index.php?cPath=23

[SafeAirOne]

Now, if you are serious (really serious) about lighting, then you may want to cosider HIDs. You probably have to modify the headlight buckets, but the results will be worth it.

Results will be worth $688 (the cost of just the pair of headlights)?? I dunno. Wouldn't be worth it to me. You can get night vision goggles for that much and completely solve your lighting issues.

[jac04]

Have you ever had a car with HID lights? I have, and they are incredible.
You just need to put the cost into perspective. If they can keep you from getting into an accident or hitting a deer/moose, then $700 is well worth it.

[masonater]

I saw these on a Icon Toyota this summer and they are pretty bright and a very nice looking light.

http://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27250C-Round-Headlamp-Inches/dp/B002IFRROM

[albersj51]

Ive thought about HIDs for mine, but think they may be too bling. However, they are awesome! My daily driver has them and I love them. I upgraded the fog lamps as well and they make a big difference. I am pretty sure you could do it for far less than $700. All you need is a housing with projector lenses (7" ones are out there for cheap, check fleabay), and an HID kit (ballast and ignitor) with the correct bulb. These are fairly cheap as well. If you go this route, I would mount the box on the frame as they do get hot and I dont know how the aluminum would like it.

What Jac04 posted is a good, high quality, "plug and play" solution. However, for those on a budget, it can be done for significantly less.