Ditch Light Location, your thoughts please???

Just a follow up to my Smarter Mirror thread this is the location where I propose installing ditch lights. There are a few things that make this an ideal location IMO. First, they're not mounted on the cowl so they can't possibly create any unwanted reflection off the hood. Second, they're not mounted on the cowl meaning they're not exposed to damage. Third, the angle of the mirror base damn near seems perfect to light the area a ditch light should light, a ditch! Fourth, there seems to be enough room for LED's in this location. Fifth, this location is serviceable if you look close enough that piece of plastic is removable. Sixth, they'll look factory. Lucky seventh, whether the mirror is folded in or not makes no difference in functionality since this base is fixed. If I can convince Baja Design to work with me I'd like to see two LED's on each side, a fresnel lens and spot combining both should illuminate the area between the A-pillar and front cap nicely leaving no dark spots. Any thoughts here?

 

They're called ditch lights because they go in the windshield cowl, aka: windshield ditch.

 

Do eet.

 

That would be right in terms of a train since most have a single beam of light pointing on the tracks. Cars and trucks have a beam pattern that naturally are wider than the road or vehicle they shine from, which gives the ability to light up a ditch to either side of you fairly easily

 

That's a pretty cool idea. I'm in for results and if it looks good and is functional I'd be in for getting these.

I'd like to see something that has good distance aiming forward and a little bit out as well. With Baja Designs interchangeable lenses it sounds like you're going the right direction with this...

 

Actually and you can correct me if I'm wrong here but "ditch lights" were first developed for locomotives they're the two lights below and on either side of the two vertically stacked main lights. Their purpose was to illuminate the area to the sides of the rail bed aka the ditch. If you want to believe they're called ditch lights because they fit in the cowl/ditch you can think that however they serve a purpose off-road yes, they light the dark area between the A-pillar and front.

https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Technical_Info/Tech_Info/FAQPage.php?q=62

http://www.american-rails.com/ditch-lights.html

 

There is a dark spot between the A-pillar and front that only a "ditch light" can illuminate. I do some off-roading at night to some of my favorite fishing spots and such lights would benefit me greatly.

 

Do it! Motorize the bitch

 

I guess both are correct

 

Yes, the reason I would choose Baja Design is for the reason you suggest, the fresnel or wide angle would fill the field, where the spot would as you indicate light a ditch further ahead.

 

The lights can be damaged there also. The other thing is they would get covered by mud and dirt fairly fast off road. That being said I say go for it. I think it might work if that piece is strong enough to support the weight of two lights. I know they don't weigh much, but add in vibrations and bouncing and it could be a problem.

 

You're not thinking this through here. They will NOT be attached/mounted there they will be integral or built-in to that location. Yes they could be damaged but if you're that close to something that's where sliders kick in and save the day OR you've got MUCH bigger problems on the horizon. As for getting all muddied, that's where flares help out. Biggest concern would be the accumulation of bugs as you can plainly see I have murdered one already and fully intend to kill more in the future.

 

Man I like the way you drink....uhh I meant think! Keep it simple and lots of hand towels onboard.

 

Those fins there are meant to be aerodynamic. To keep the side mirrors from whistling. Curious to see if you put a ditch light. Will it enhance road noise and possible whistle?

 

I was thinking you were just going to bolt them on and call it good. If you are looking at having a custom piece built into that spot then it would definitely help with damage. I say give it a go. You could also draw up what you are thinking, show it on TW and get an idea of how many people would be interested. Then take that to Baja Design and offer to be the "guinea pig". Might get it at a good deal if they think it would sell. That is unless you want something that is just custom to your truck and I can't blame you if you do. Either way I think you might have a good idea.