New bumper, exposed fog lights, how to protect?

[Diesl Jp]

I recently installed an aftermarket front bumper in which I was able to reuse the factory fog lights. In the new bumper, though, they are completely exposed. I also installed a winch at the same time, which isn't shown in the pic below, so the top of the fog lights are reasonably protected. But from underneath there's nothing. I did some light wheeling last week and the wires/connectors/components were absolutely caked with mud.

I can certainly Frankenstein something up myself (probably via a Dremel and parts from the factory bumper), but before I did, I figured I'd ask:
What do you all do/recommend to protect your exposed fog lights (or other similar electronics)?

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[LostWoods]

That's usually just part of the game. As long as they're pretty accessible with a hose I wouldn't stress about it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I recently installed an aftermarket front bumper in which I was able to reuse the factory fog lights. In the new bumper, though, they are completely exposed. I also installed a winch at the same time, which isn't shown in the pic below, so the top of the fog lights are reasonably protected. But from underneath there's nothing. I did some light wheeling last week and the wires/connectors/components were absolutely caked with mud.

I can certainly Frankenstein something up myself (probably via a Dremel and parts from the factory bumper), but before I did, I figured I'd ask:
What do you all do/recommend to protect your exposed fog lights (or other similar electronics)?

Strap wires securely, make sure to secure them every 4 or 5" (IMO), and prevent anything from hanging on wires and pulling.

This is my fear with exposed fog lights and wiring - I carefully clear the ice from wires and keep them secured tight against the chassis or where-ever they can be secured to and not hang.

 

[chrismeece74]

Get you a rubicon steel skid plate, looks like you have the Rugged Ridge HD bumper, it works great and keeps most dirt and mud off the back of th3 fog lights. Thats what I had on mine and had no real issues with mud.

 

[dcmdon]

Are they LED or normal H3 lights?

If they are LED (and you won't be changing bulbs) I'd schmear some silicone on the back and use it to make a kind of strain relief on the part that goes into the housing.

Then I'd tie wrap the wire every 2-4 inches to prevent vibration induced problems. Then stop worrying.

If its a H3 model, I'd wrap the connector with electrical tape and then tie wrap the wire.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Then I'd tie wrap the wire every 2-4 inches to prevent vibration induced problems. Then stop worrying.

Yes, the key is to control stress and vibration. Copper, if any wires are copper any more LOL, work hardens. So securing it from vibrations helps, but also there's nothing much there for mud or ice or whatever to attach to and swing from the wires like Tarzan from a vine (anyone remember that guy??)

If they are LED (and you won't be changing bulbs) I'd schmear some silicone on the back and use it to make a kind of strain relief on the part that goes into the housing.

Yeah, clean the heck out of things, good quality clear silicon and the above-mentioned strapping, it'll be fine.

 

[Diesl Jp]

Get you a rubicon steel skid plate, looks like you have the Rugged Ridge HD bumper, it works great and keeps most dirt and mud off the back of th3 fog lights. Thats what I had on mine and had no real issues with mud.

Yes, that's the bumper. Good eye!
This is great to know. I'll see if I can get ahold of the Rubicon skid plate. Thanks!

Are they LED or normal H3 lights?

If they are LED (and you won't be changing bulbs) I'd schmear some silicone on the back and use it to make a kind of strain relief on the part that goes into the housing.

Then I'd tie wrap the wire every 2-4 inches to prevent vibration induced problems. Then stop worrying.

If its a H3 model, I'd wrap the connector with electrical tape and then tie wrap the wire.

They're LED. Your advice here makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

 

[Diesl Jp]

This is my fear with exposed fog lights and wiring - I carefully clear the ice from wires and keep them secured tight against the chassis or where-ever they can be secured to and not hang.

Great point on the ice. I honestly didn't even think about this. I was so preoccupied with mud and water I didn't consider ice hangs and snow build up during the winter months.

 

[chrismeece74]

Yes, that's the bumper. Good eye!
This is great to know. I'll see if I can get ahold of the Rubicon skid plate. Thanks!



They're LED. Your advice here makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

Had the same one recognized the winch mounts. Swapped it out for the Mopar Stubby after lift and 35s so tires wouldn't hit th3 end of the bumper when flexed. That's about the only negative thing I can think of with that bumper in The full width version.

 

[Diesl Jp]

Swapped it out for the Mopar Stubby after lift and 35s so tires wouldn't hit th3 end of the bumper when flexed. That's about the only negative thing I can think of with that bumper in The full width version.

Interesting. Lift kit is going on this weekend, then 37s soon after. If you were rubbing with 35s that doesn't bode too well for me.
I ended up getting the Clayton 3.5inch lift, which I've come to understand is more like 4inch. Overkill, but everyone else is on backorder so this is what I went with. Perhaps the extra height will prevent any major rubbing.

 

[chrismeece74]

Interesting. Lift kit is going on this weekend, then 37s soon after. If you were rubbing with 35s that doesn't bode too well for me.
I ended up getting the Clayton 3.5inch lift, which I've come to understand is more like 4inch. Overkill, but everyone else is on backorder so this is what I went with. Perhaps the extra height will prevent any major rubbing.

It might make a difference, I went with the Mopar lift

 

[WhyNotJeep]

I installed a Rock Hard full width alu and my factory fogs are also exposed. Called Rock Hard and they said the lights are made to be underwater so don't worry about it. I'll probably fab something to protect them from any physical damage. In the factory bumper they go underwater with no issues.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I installed a Rock Hard full width alu and my factory fogs are also exposed. Called Rock Hard and they said the lights are made to be underwater so don't worry about it. I'll probably fab something to protect them from any physical damage. In the factory bumper they go underwater with no issues.

The whole truck is made to handle water up to 30" so it's not water that's my concern, it's pull on the wires, but that is easily taken care of (tips and ideas posted prior)
All I care about is keeping the wires from being pulled or yanked, especially at connections and the entry point into the light.

Your point on the water is an important one to remember.

Even in the stock plastic bumpers, they aren't "sealed" from water - just that the wires are anchored in 178 places (at least that's how it felt when I harvested the harness out of mine to use with the steel bumper)

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