Let's talk Fog Lights.....

Looking for feedback for anyone running KC HiLites 501 Amber? I am wondering how their brightness compares to OEM?

Any other recommendations for fogs (thinking amber) that are direct replacements and are in the least as bright as OEM...?

Thanks!

 

@crashnburn80 does some excellent write ups on lighting with some good testing to back it up. He did one on aftermarket foglights you should check that out.

 

I’ve been looking into fog light options also.
I’m leaning toward Baja’s.
https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/Toyota-Tacoma-Tundra-4Runner-Squadron-Sport-Amber-WC.asp

I thought about running the rigid square fogs, with the Rago fabrication pods, but I don’t like how you have to screw them into your bumper. Small annoyance in the grand scheme of things, but it bothers me...hahah

 

Thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-led-sae-j583-fog-pod-fog-light-review.554813/

Amber and Selective Yellow fog/pod comparisons:
Rigid selective yellow: See prototype comparison here.
KC G4 amber: see here.
Morimoto amber: see here.

None of the aftermarket fogs produce the same extreme wide angle and area coverage as the OEM fogs, so direct comparisons to stock are not very straight forward. Stock has more lumen output than any aftermarket fog, but the area covered is far larger so therefore the output is less intense. The aftermarket fogs cover less area, and are lower output but because the pattern is more concentrated the intensity is higher. The SAE LED fogs listed in the thread do a better job of glare control than OEM.

 

Those are not fogs. See the the thread posted above, those are 'wide angle' lights which is basically a high beam and should not be run on the street. BD is releasing actual SEA fog lights in July.

 

Thanks for posting all the links! I am now officially overstimulated with all the info.... great write up @crashnburn80

 

Thanks for the info! I started reading your headlight thread, I’ll dig into your fog light thread as well.

 

I have the baja design wide cornering. And i can tell you that they are the best light I’ve ever used. I have them aimed down and they throw an impressive wide pattern. Yes I know they aren’t dot approved but I don’t run them all the time. Only when its dark and raining or foggy

 

I run Rigid Dually's in a flood pattern, using the Rigid mounts. They attach using the stock holes, so nothing to drill. I know they aren't DOT approved, but I've never been flashed using them. My only complaint about them is that I can't use the covers due to the mounting design. I would like the option of switching back and forth between white and amber. I can't say enough good things about the Rigid's as far as durability goes.

 

So you only blind others when it is dark and rainy, thoughtful. Those lights illuminate the 3rd story of my house from 25' away while actual fogs keep the beam 2 feet off the ground with hard cut offs. No amount of aiming them down will solve the issue.

Flood are also not an acceptable pattern for street use and will equally blind other oncoming drivers. Not being flashed is a terrible indicator of not being blinded. You should use the SAE model if running them with other traffic on the road. You can use the covers if you modify the brackets, I've done so here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...fog-light-review.554813/page-10#post-18510065

 

I think baja designs is devoloping dot compliant lights as well.

 

Yep, mentioned earlier, due out next month. Should be really cool to see how they perform! The performance will be documented and compared in the SAE fog thread, with every other SAE Tacoma fog light:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-led-sae-j583-fog-pod-fog-light-review.554813/

 

After reading your write up on the KC G4’s, I am still interested in them for my 2015.... but noticed in your write up you didn’t mention if they put off much heat like you brought up on some of the other models.... I worry about snow/ice build up in winter... any thoughts on this?

 

KC G4’s put off no significant heat on the front lens, they will ice over, I’ve experienced it first hand. Their reflectors are so efficient they use very little power, vs Rigid that uses pod projectors which are actually not that efficient and use relatively lots of power creating lots of heat. Amber filtration lenses for selective yellow also get hot by filtering light providing additional protection to icing. If snow/ice is a concern the best choice would be the Rigid selective yellow SAE pods or possibly Bajas new selective yellow pods due out next month, but I have not yet tested the Baja SAE fog pods.