Backroads lights

[paulj]

Without getting into a lot expense or effort, what extra lights are the best complement to stock headlamps when driving rough roads? What is the best mounting position?

I don't do much backroads driving at night, since I prefer to set up camp and cook supper before sundown. But recently I found myself on a badly potholed road at dusk, and was constantly switching between high and low beams. While high gave a longer view, low gave better definition of the potholes. This was at speeds of 20 mph or less.

paulj

 

[flyingwil]

For the Element, to compliment the styling, I would recommend a smaller driving light, like the PIAA 004 Xtreme Driving Light. I would mount it similar to fog lights, as close to the bumper as possible. It is powered by 12v 55w Xtreme White halogen bulbs which some say produce as bright of light as 110w bulbs. The lamps measure 2-3/8” in diameter x 2-15/16” deep.

 

[asteffes]

Get some IPF 968s, Hella FF1000s or PIAA 520s. You might also consider the Hella 80/100 watt bulbs for your headlamps. They work great in my Tacoma, but the housings provide an excellent focus and cutoff. Your Honda's may or may not be as effective at distributing the extra light without blinding people.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I'm pretty partial to Hella.
A few things to know when mounting. Most states if the light is above the headlights they must be covered on the hwy. They are concidered "Off Road Only".
Head lights or lower you can run them on the hwy.

Familurize yourselfe with Pencil beam, Euro beam, Flood, Fog.
Tryphy trucks usualy run a combo of lights. Pair of pencils to get the distance. Pair of euros to infill the sides. Some will run a set of floods to light up into turns.

Probably the best all around for running down back country roads at speed for most is the Euros. I have paird in a set of Hella Ralley 1000 euro beam to come on with high beams on my tow rig...Awsome set up. Never come close to out driving them.

The 1000 are now the black magics. Not sure if you can get them in different beam patters anymore. The lens looks like my Euro. http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_usa/Internet_usa.jsp

Check Ebay. The factory distribution center in Peactree City GA often sell off stuff there and you can pick up a deal. Search "Hella" I think the user name is "PTCFactory" or something like that.