3rd Gen HID vs LED vs Halogen H11 projector headlights

I know I am way overdue on getting those knocked out. Sincere apologies for the delay. I have a lot of unexpected things that showed up on my plate.

Not yet, that will be a big undertaking slated for after the XB testing.

The different bulb is only for the fog lights, but yes 2020 uses an H16 for all trucks vs 2016-19 used H11 for TRD trucks. Upgrading to SS3s is the most effective upgrade for 2020+ trucks in the fogs. See the SAE fog thread for details. Alternatively you could swap 16-19 H11 fogs and do a bulb upgrade, but the SAE LED SS3 fog upgrade will be superior.

Do not follow this thread for H4 advice, the performance attributes are different for a projector than they are for a reflector. Follow the 2nd Gen thread, which outlines the best stock wattage performance bulbs further down in the thread with the output comparison charts:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

Note that Diode Dynamics correctly identifies the light as selective yellow, which is the legal classification. Not sure where you might have saw amber, unless mislabeled by a 3rd party seller. Only Baja mis-represents their lights as amber when they are actually yellow.

 

@crashnburn80 no worries my friend, things happen. Long as you're alright that's all that matters!

 

The best H4 bulbs on the market:
Philips GT200 (best low beam, reduced output high beam)

Tungsram 9003NHX/BP2 Nighthawk Xenon Automotive Bulb | Discontinued | Replacement Part 93117860

Tungsram Xenon (good low beam, full strength high beam)
Osram SuperBright (requires harness, ballistic low beam and nuclear high beam)

All bulbs in stock and ready to ship.

 

Try this: OSRAM Super Bright Premium 9003 (HB2/H4) Lamp | PowerBulbs US

 

Hi all! new taco owner (TRD OR 2021) - been reading through this thread about upgrading bulbs (really appreciate everything you have shared - it's amazing).

I upgraded to the Phillips H9 for the lows, but I'm a bit confused for the fog replacements based on recent posts. I recently ordered the Tungsgram 130s from Walmart, but now I'm confused if that is the right bulb upgrade for fogs or should should be getting the DD SS3s? If the ss3s are truly the way to go over the 130s, is there a big difference in performance based on price from the sport ss3s to the pros? Or should I just stick with the 130s?

Lastly, I bought a cheap multi led bulb pack from Amazon just to replace the interior lights, but it came with the license plate bulbs. I decided to replace them to see what it looks like, but I realized that it affects the backup camera in night time driving situations (higher exposure). I'm not sure if that's a problem with all license plate led lights or if it's just the ones I ordered:

$19 AUTOGINE Super Bright 6000K White LED Interior Light Kit Package for 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Toyota Tacoma + Install Tool

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0834MGNHM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Appreciate the help here!

 

Welcome!

Fog Thread
License plate light delete in reverse (DIR) thread

 

The DD SS3's will be a dramatic improvement over the halogen fogs. The Sport model will be great, but the Pro will be even better. (Of course the Max is better than either of them.) Truthfully though, the Sport is probably the biggest bang for the buck.

 

Hey @crashnburn80 this is a bit off topic for this thread but do you think the h11 halogens would perform similar in a reflector housing? I have 2 rav4s and the headlights are almost dangerous.

 

Yes, a +focus rated performance bulb will have improved performance in a lamp, whether it is reflector or projector based.

Similar to the 2nd gen upgrade thread, check for the voltage drop under load the bulbs are seeing now. If its an older rav4, you may (probably) benefit from a relay harness as well, if you wanted to go that far.

How are the general condition of the lamps? Lenses clear? Any hazing or bubbling of the reflector surfaces? If the reflectors are damaged, theres no point upgrading bulbs and polishing lenses.

 

I'll take a look at the reflectors. Thanks for the info.

 

The bulbs will improve performance, but the gains are not quite as good in a reflector vs projector. The performance bulb traits that have the most benefit are also not the exactly same. See the output charts in the 2nd Gen headlight thread (reflectors) showing the performance gains. While the H11 Philips Racing Vision did not do great in the projector, in a reflector they were the best performing in the H4 format. So I'd consider trying the H11 Philips Racing Visions for an H11 reflector housing.

 

Sorry if this was answered somewhere else but this thread has so much info it. I have the Hikaris currently and one of the LEDs already went out and it's less than a year old. Luckily Amazon gave me a refund without much hassle.

I know you like Morimoto better but do you think its worth double the price?

 

Hard to say if it is worth 2x, I do believe it is a much better designed and built product. It has a 3 year warranty with an established company you can contact for warranty support. The sealed fan system should help prevent failures caused by external elements. I'd expect the Morimotos to last far longer than the Hikaris.

 

Thanks. Plan to have this truck for a while longer so don't mind paying extra for a quality product. Gonna go with the Morimoto as the replacement. Now gotta see if they ever go on sale.

 

I might have missed it but you do feel the new morimotos to edge out the hikaris based on the expected reliability even though the hikaris are just a tad bit brighter?

 

Wow this is an in-depth thread!!

It would take quite some time to go through all 208 pages. Haha.

Can anyone make it easy for me to pick out new high/ low beams?

I have a 2017 Pro.

looking for the brightest lights without a retrofit.

Ideally plug n play. Without additional wiring, etc.

 

1. Read the first post. It's worth your time.
2. H9's w bulb base mod is your best low effort change. I run them in my Honda. They aren't sexy in terms of white light but they are cheap and easy to find.
3. Morimoto 2 stroke 3.0 (~$180) or Hikari Ultra (~$50-$100) is your best LED drop in H11 replacement but does not outperform halogen
4. Tungsram +120 or +130 halogen bulbs, which appear to be challenging to find these days but have been available more readily in the past are your best high efficiency option (+130 has blue coating so whiter light color) and outperform everything except h9
5. Best possible performance solution is OEM LED which feels especially appropriate since you have a legit Pro, P&P harnesses aren't hard to buy or build, 1-4h install time depending on how delicate you wish to be, only downside is cost. This option outperforms all others available for 3rd gen by a significant margin.
6. Some have expressed concerns with short wavelength LED light reflecting off snow and some have expressed concerns with OEM LED specifically in terms of deicing capability, either of which could be a reason to stick with H9's.
7. For halogen assembly high beams, the stock H9's are already maximum performance and there is no better option.

 

back in stock....only 4 left after my purchase. Get 'em while there still here.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tungsram-H11-Nighthawk-Xenon-Halogen-Bulb-2-pack/313412664

 

Wow. What an amazing reply. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. Cheers to you!

 

I just ordered a set, looking to get better/whiter light for my ‘19 sport without going to H-9’s. Are these the +130’s? Thanks... I think! I have a set of Phillips Crystalvision on order from Amazon, I might return them. Anyone have any experience with the Nighthawk vs the Phillips Crystalvision? I want to have a backup set so might just keep the Phillips in the truck unless I really like the Nighthawks and am able to find a back up set to them.