Auxiliary Lights in the Grill - High Power LED light upgrade without any cutting

[FlyersFan76]

I'm missing something... What is the purpose of the extra holes if they aren't being filled with lights?

It's a Chelsea Truck so it is expensive. Cutting costs without the lights. lol

 

[Krabby]

Weight reduction. Every ounce counts.

 

[BenTN]

Here is a short video that shows the lights on, unfortunately in daylight.

View: https://youtu.be/_Fi-6CMNAgg

 

[BenTN]

OK forum, it's time to harness our collective expertise and choose a few aux light options for Grenadier owners to install in place of the stock lights.

Right now I am testing the budget-friendly light kit I bought on Amazon installed on my car. The look and performance is an amazing value (~US$200 all in) , but I know that others will want to install something high-end.

As stated before, I was hoping to find a good light pod from a well-known quality brand like KC HiLites or Baja Designs or Diode Dynamics. I am struggling to find the right lights. Maybe the community can find more options that fit the following criteria:
- 100 Watts or more total power rating (stock aux lights are 15W total)
- 5 inch (127mm) outside diameter or a little less in order to fit inside stock round bezel
- if close to the 5 inch diameter - the mount bosses should be near center rear of light (not protruding from bottom) to avoid cutting out grill bucket
- 3 in (76mm) total depth or less to fit well into the grill and not stick out a lot
- if possible, multiple lens configurations to provide spot, flood, driving, or combo beams with a single bracket kit

I plan to design and source a few different bracket kits, and maybe @Stu_Barnes will order batches and distribute them via the forum store. I like the idea of an aluminum alloy bracket (no corrosion concern) with black powder coating (electrostatic paint) so that nothing shiny shows through the grill.

My best guess is that a bracket kit (metal brackets packaged with hardware and instructions) will retail around US$100 to US$150. This is a wild guess, and depends a lot on how big the batches are when brackets are manufactured. Pricing is entirely up to a seller, and I do not plan to sell them. I hope Stu volunteers. We have forum members like @ozziepom on other continents that have volunteered to help.

By the way there is no attempt at intellectual property protection here, so other companies might pick this design idea up and run with it. I hope they do! The more options we have out there in the market, the better for us owners. Anything that has been disclosed publicly like this is not eligible for future patent filing.

I prefer to focus the bracket development effort into a single push if possible, so it's time to speak up about the lights YOU want on the front of your Grenadier. A few forum members have been messaging about this and these are the candidates I am aware of now:

Possible Budget Lights:
- Exzeit 5in Round (in process by BenTN) [US$80 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083NMF64M/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- AuxBeam V-Ultra 5in round side-shooter [US$180 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLVF5GFL/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

Possible Higher Quality Lights:
- J.W. Speaker Trail 6 Sport [US$533 for lights]
https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/round-led-light-pod-model-trail-6-sport/
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro, round bezel (sourcing in process from @anand ) [US$380 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWC54BF/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Diode Dynamics SS5 Pro without bezel [US$700 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB43M1R/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Baja Designs LP4, possibly with IPT side covers (sourcing in process from @nmoeder ) [US$862 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089B7KM46/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

Let's hear some other suggestions!

If you are willing to source (buy) a pair of lights and send them to me, I'm doing the bracket design and development for free. I will send the lights back to you with (assuming they fit in the grill well) the prototype brackets. The design might live on to become a product that Grenadier owners can use in the future, and you are helping make the world a brighter place. We will work out the details later by DM. Right now we need to identify the best LED pod light candidates.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Thanks for all your work on this.

Ultra Vision Lighting in Australia maybe able to help out. We will not know unless we ask. Having an OEM make the kit would be a great advantage.

 

[Tom109]

@BenTN - I did a little pre-investigation into halogen fog lamps and came up bust. I'll resume the search but it seem this combo has fallen out of favor. Bummer as the snow protection would be a nice balance. I'll keep looking...

 

[shiv.nandak]

@BenTN - I did a little pre-investigation into halogen fog lamps and came up bust. I'll resume the search but it seem this combo has fallen out of favor. Bummer as the snow protection would be a nice balance. I'll keep looking...

I've hit a similar roadblock for heated LED lights. Snowplow headlights have been the closest thing I've found to heated LEDs.

 

[MTNDOG]

I'm missing something... What is the purpose of the extra holes if they aren't being filled with lights?

Pretty sure those are extra mandatory fake vents or fake cold air intakes, not sure which yet.

 

[Xrford]

Clearwater lights make these super Sevina lights diameter 4.7” 70w 10000 lumens each made in USA. Not cheap but totally dimmable by a rheostat control knob remote mounted in the cabin and top notch quality and support. I have their smaller brother Krista lights on my motorcycle and can attest to their durability and quality

Super Sevina link

Also they sell accessory slip on covers to allow amber lights or clear covers for rock impact protection

Slip on covers link

Other unique feature is their included wiring harness allows you to connect your high beam wire and optionally your horn as a trigger to turn on the auxiliary lights to full power overriding the dimmer setting.

 

[BoiseIdaho]

OK forum, it's time to harness our collective expertise and choose a few aux light options for Grenadier owners to install in place of the stock lights.

Right now I am testing the budget-friendly light kit I bought on Amazon installed on my car. The look and performance is an amazing value (~US$200 all in) , but I know that others will want to install something high-end.

As stated before, I was hoping to find a good light pod from a well-known quality brand like KC HiLites or Baja Designs or Diode Dynamics. I am struggling to find the right lights. Maybe the community can find more options that fit the following criteria:
- 100 Watts or more total power rating (stock aux lights are 15W total)
- 5 inch (127mm) outside diameter or a little less in order to fit inside stock round bezel
- if close to the 5 inch diameter - the mount bosses should be near center rear of light (not protruding from bottom) to avoid cutting out grill bucket
- 3 in (76mm) total depth or less to fit well into the grill and not stick out a lot
- if possible, multiple lens configurations to provide spot, flood, driving, or combo beams with a single bracket kit

I plan to design and source a few different bracket kits, and maybe @Stu_Barnes will order batches and distribute them via the forum store. I like the idea of an aluminum alloy bracket (no corrosion concern) with black powder coating (electrostatic paint) so that nothing shiny shows through the grill.

My best guess is that a bracket kit (metal brackets packaged with hardware and instructions) will retail around US$100 to US$150. This is a wild guess, and depends a lot on how big the batches are when brackets are manufactured. Pricing is entirely up to a seller, and I do not plan to sell them. I hope Stu volunteers. We have forum members like @ozziepom on other continents that have volunteered to help.

By the way there is no attempt at intellectual property protection here, so other companies might pick this design idea up and run with it. I hope they do! The more options we have out there in the market, the better for us owners. Anything that has been disclosed publicly like this is not eligible for future patent filing.

I prefer to focus the bracket development effort into a single push if possible, so it's time to speak up about the lights YOU want on the front of your Grenadier. A few forum members have been messaging about this and these are the candidates I am aware of now:

Possible Budget Lights:
- Exzeit 5in Round (in process by BenTN) [US$80 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083NMF64M/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- AuxBeam V-Ultra 5in round side-shooter [US$180 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLVF5GFL/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

Possible Higher Quality Lights:
- J.W. Speaker Trail 6 Sport [US$533 for lights]
https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/round-led-light-pod-model-trail-6-sport/
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro, round bezel (sourcing in process from @anand ) [US$380 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWC54BF/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Diode Dynamics SS5 Pro without bezel [US$700 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB43M1R/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Baja Designs LP4, possibly with IPT side covers (sourcing in process from @nmoeder ) [US$862 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089B7KM46/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

Let's hear some other suggestions!

If you are willing to source (buy) a pair of lights and send them to me, I'm doing the bracket design and development for free. I will send the lights back to you with (assuming they fit in the grill well) the prototype brackets. The design might live on to become a product that Grenadier owners can use in the future, and you are helping make the world a brighter place. We will work out the details later by DM. Right now we need to identify the best LED pod light candidates.

Hey BenTN,
Love what you’re doing. What lights are these? I really like the looks, but, am most interested in what you find is the best. If similar results, I’d go with this style. Thank you!

 

[YIPPE]

They also do the rear wing. Not a fan but the first company to make somewhat of a rear rain gutter for the roof.

 

[Jmccmick]

My best guess is that a bracket kit (metal brackets packaged with hardware and instructions) will retail around US$100 to US$150. This is a
Possible Budget Lights:
- Exzeit 5in Round (in process by BenTN) [US$80 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083NMF64M/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- AuxBeam V-Ultra 5in round side-shooter [US$180 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLVF5GFL/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

Possible Higher Quality Lights:
- J.W. Speaker Trail 6 Sport [US$533 for lights]
https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/round-led-light-pod-model-trail-6-sport/
- Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro, round bezel (sourcing in process from @anand ) [US$380 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NWC54BF/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Diode Dynamics SS5 Pro without bezel [US$700 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB43M1R/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
- Baja Designs LP4, possibly with IPT side covers (sourcing in process from @nmoeder ) [US$862 for lights]
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089B7KM46/?tag=globalgrena0b-20

I've been impressed by Morimoto and Lightforce.
I have Fourbangers with wide beam to mount for wide beam fog lights when my truck finally arrives in May/June. Ill measure those, but the non round shape seems less than ideal. I dont think Morimoto has dimensions listed on their website, but ill take a better look at both companies and post some possibilities

 

[DaveB]

I wonder if Chelsea Truck will offer this grill.

View attachment 7849931

WTF????

 

[anand]

I've been impressed by Morimoto and Lightforce.
I have Fourbangers with wide beam to mount for wide beam fog lights when my truck finally arrives in May/June. Ill measure those, but the non round shape seems less than ideal. I dont think Morimoto has dimensions listed on their website, but ill take a better look at both companies and post some possibilities

Fourbanger's are 67mm tall and 82mm wide, with a complete depth of 60mm without the connector/wiring harness

 

[Jmccmick]

Fourbanger's are 67mm tall and 82mm wide, with a complete depth of 60mm without the connector/wiring harness

and for convenience sake they make a nice round bevel for the Tundra to fill in the irregular shape, measures 120mm round
3000lumen (roughly 175 incandescent watt) at 3.2a, SAE compliant, but expensive at $380 or $580 depending on the chip you want.
For myself i think i will choose a cheaper alternative.

https://www.morimotohid.com/Morimoto-4Banger-LED-Fog-Lights-Toyota-Tundra-07-13?quantity=1

 

[BenTN]

Hey BenTN,
Love what you’re doing. What lights are these? I really like the looks, but, am most interested in what you find is the best. If similar results, I’d go with this style. Thank you!

Those are some PAR46 headlights that I was evaluating. They fit into the grill/buckets OK and they look great, but they don't put out any more light than your normal bright headlights. All the PAR46 lights I found would require a custom bracket to hold them in place and they don't quite let the bezels fit back into place, so they are not a very clean install. I decided to focus on higher power pod lights for now.

 

[BenTN]

and for convenience sake they make a nice round bevel for the Tundra to fill in the irregular shape, measures 120mm round
3000lumen (roughly 175 incandescent watt) at 3.2a, SAE compliant, but expensive at $380 or $580 depending on the chip you want.
For myself i think i will choose a cheaper alternative.

https://www.morimotohid.com/Morimoto-4Banger-LED-Fog-Lights-Toyota-Tundra-07-13?quantity=1

According to the measurements @anand provided above, the 4Bangers would fit easily in the available space in stock bezel/bucket.

However I agree that this is not a great power output per dollar. The Tundra Fog Light adapter kit you linked might fit in there to fill in the gaps, but to my eye it's going to be really tight.

 

[angstorms]

KC Lites has
- 4 inch SAE Fog light https://www.kchilites.com/4-gravity-led-fog-light-pair-pack-system.html?attr_pim_ledcolor=5606
- 6 inch slim light Spot beam 50 w https://www.kchilites.com/6in-black-slimlite-spot-beam-led-ea.html
- 6 inch optical inserts https://www.kchilites.com/6-gravity-led-drop-in-pair-pack-system.html?attr_pim_beampattern=5579

 

[BenTN]

KC Lites has
- 4 inch SAE Fog light https://www.kchilites.com/4-gravity-led-fog-light-pair-pack-system.html?attr_pim_ledcolor=5606
- 6 inch slim light Spot beam 50 w https://www.kchilites.com/6in-black-slimlite-spot-beam-led-ea.html
- 6 inch optical inserts https://www.kchilites.com/6-gravity-led-drop-in-pair-pack-system.html?attr_pim_beampattern=5579

These KC lights you linked are fairly low wattage, definitely too low for our purpose (off road auxiliary light use). Those fogs are even lower power than the stock Ineos aux lights. The 6inch light won't fit in the bezels (must be 5in or less diameter) and they are still only 20W each.

KC makes a high-power (80W per light) LED set called Flex Era 4:

FLEX ERA® 4 - 2-Light Master Kit

Standing as the powerhouse big brother of the KC FLEX ERA family, the KC FLEX ERA® 4 doesn't shy away from challenges. With an IP68 rating, amber backlighting, high-intensity LEDs, and customizable beam patterns, bezels, and covers, it's primed and ready to allow you to Adventure Further®!

www.kchilites.com

Not exactly inexpensive at $650 for the pair, but they are cool looking and the specs are good. I'm not sure how well they will fit in the bezels. I would love to use a name like KC if we can make it fit. I wonder if anyone here has experience with this series.

Anyone want to order a set in the name of science? They are available on Amazon, so if they don't fit they can be returned.

 

[Stu_Barnes]

These KC lights you linked are fairly low wattage, definitely too low for our purpose (off road auxiliary light use). Those fogs are even lower power than the stock Ineos aux lights. The 6inch light won't fit in the bezels (must be 5in or less diameter) and they are still only 20W each.

KC makes a high-power (80W per light) LED set called Flex Era 4:

FLEX ERA® 4 - 2-Light Master Kit

Standing as the powerhouse big brother of the KC FLEX ERA family, the KC FLEX ERA® 4 doesn't shy away from challenges. With an IP68 rating, amber backlighting, high-intensity LEDs, and customizable beam patterns, bezels, and covers, it's primed and ready to allow you to Adventure Further®!

www.kchilites.com

Not exactly inexpensive at $650 for the pair, but they are cool looking and the specs are good. I'm not sure how well they will fit in the bezels. I would love to use a name like KC if we can make it fit. I wonder if anyone here has experience with this series.

Anyone want to order a set in the name of science? They are available on Amazon, so if they don't fit they can be returned.

I’ll do it, as these would be my first choice. I’ll send them to your office @BenTN