The SAE J581 Aux High Beam Thread

Technically that is correct. I have my SS3 Max driving lights (that somehow have the SAE logo on them) mounted on the cowl and tied into my high beams and since I dim my brights with traffic around I don't expect to be bothered.

 

In many states, yes, you are correct. I'm pretty sure mine aren't legal though.

 

Hey @Dtax,
As @crashnburn80 mentioned, Baja Designs does not offer any SAE-rated light bars. This being said that amber lighting options that we do sell do not classify the light as an SAE-rated light.
Best,
Brandon

 

What do you guys think of this?

 

I mean, they're kinda right. The halo is a distracting artifact when you hold the lamp in your hand and aim it at the dirt right next to your feet.

Both lamps are nice. One reaches further and one provides more light spread. Pick based on the criteria you need.

 

The advantage of TIR is the focus efficiency. TIR light output is highly focused with minimal to no light spill, giving higher output intensity in the pattern region and thus lower output (lower waste) outside the pattern region. Depending on the pattern and how you intend to use it there are different pros/cons on the optics styles. Bajas open bucket reflectors have less focus with more light spill than TIRs providing a smoother blend. Spot is going to be the most extreme comparison difference in TIR vs open bucket reflectors. The pattern comparisons are accurate in the post. I wouldn’t call the halo of the TIR fatigue inducing though, spots should be run with other low beam lighting at minimum, and ideally other driving lights. With the additional lights and the proper aiming of the spot at distance vs the ground, I’d bet the halo isn’t very noticeable much less distracting/fatigue inducing.

 

@crashnburn80
In going thru this thread I see that the DD SS 5in white Pro puts out a lot of light but is a 20 degree spread. I am looking for a NON street legal light.
In my neck of the woods we have to look for horses, cows, and elk. Not worried about turns since lots of straight road, no fog, just big critters. In fact
road are signed with " Not patrolled at night, weekend or bad weather " basically a use at your own risk sign. And very little cell service, usually on top
of a hill. Anyway in your opinion since you have looked at this stuff, what, would that be the way to go. Mounted about headlight height. Don't want to
have to buy a couple of three sets to find out.
thanks

 

Maybe I could offer some advice since I have some SS5's on my 4Runner. I ordered the Pro model in Selective Yellow Fog pattern, but swapped in Clear Driving pattern lenses to get a nice 4000k color. (More yellow / less white) They're mounted behind my grill, so I lose just a bit of light through getting partially blocked by the grill. As much as I liked the pattern, I wanted more distance and less spread, so I swapped to Spot lenses. For me, this was perfect.

For reference, here's what the driving pattern looked like:



For you, I'd suggest the same setup, but with the Clear Driving pattern lenses. Trust me, they're awesome!

 

For a baseline:

DD SS3 Sport Driving pattern, peak lux 2204 lux @ 18'.


DD SS3 Pro Driving pattern, peak lux 2581 lux @18'


Sport Spot vs Max Spot (Pro spot would be larger like the Pro driving patter is larger than the sport)


For the SS5s the pattern differences will be similar but larger and higher output intensity. For your purpose, I'd go with the SS5 Pro yellow with a clear lens swap in Driving pattern as @Too Stroked listed above, which gives nice 4000k output. The Sports do almost as good in peak intensity, but as you can see in the scaled-called down SS3 examples, the area of illumination will also be a bit smaller. Spots will give the best distance, but area of illumination is the smallest. Driving provides a nice pattern that will cover the entire roadway with plenty of shoulder coverage as well, maintains good distance light and doesn't have undesirable foreground light spill.

 

And if you're willing to go with another manufacturer, check out the beam width of the Cibie Super Oscar LED lamp. Note, the lamp that Crash generously tested is the lower output model. If you're not worried about street legality, the higher output model should be something to check out.

 

thank you all for the advise. Since DD is now closed does anyone know if you can order the SS5 yellow and have the clear spot lenses
swapped in. Rather than ordering the yellow and ordering clear spot lenses. trying to save some money since I need two pair.
thanks in advance

 

any chance you have a pic of the spot pattern from behind your grill, out on the open road? I have two that I’m currently planning a mounting bracket for. I have the TrD OR grille so I was going to chop it up so the lights sit inside of the grill and aren’t blocked. But if the grill doesn’t block much of the light then I might just mount them up behind it.

 

@memario1214 of Hotshot Offroad maybe able to help you out.

 

And that's what makes Hotshot Offroad the absolute best place to buy this kind of thing. Stellar customer service!

 

Let me see if I can grab something tonight for you.

 

Ask and ye shall receive. First, 2021 4Runner LED low beams only - which are actually pretty good.



Next, the OEM 4Runner halogen high beams (which aren't as impressive as the low beams) with the SS5 Pro Spots. The SS5's are wired through a relay to come on with my high beams.



And just in case that wasn't impressive enough, I moved up the road just a bit ...



As my wife said the first time she saw the SS5's, "Holy crap Batman!"

 

No joke, holy crap Batman. I’ve been postponing it to find a new grill but I’m just going to hide them now.

Thanks a ton for getting those pics! Happy new year.

 

So your lighting is now visible from space. Very impressive to say the least, and that 4000k color temp is amazing.

 

@Too Stroked what bulbs in the high beam? You forgot to add the geek detail.