Looking for ditch lighting illumination ideas…

[deanocraft]

I’m starting to add some aftermarket parts to my ‘23 JT Rubicon and I can’t decide on what to do for side/ditch lights.

I plan to use 3 of the 4 aux switches to control a set of extra lights up front on the bumper, a set of Oracle reverse lights in back, and another one for the ditch/side lighting. My problem is that I just can’t decide which side lights to buy!

I really like the look of the D&C Designs lights built into the corner cowl.
https://www.quadratec.com/collections/dandc-designs
Problem is that I can’t find any reviews for that product. Anyone know how well they last?

Another option that looks pretty nice to me are the Oracle mirror lights.
https://www.oraclelights.com/collec...ide-mirrors-for-jeep-wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt
Anyone have any experience with these?

I know some of you guys probably have a bracket on the cowl with some led lights pointing at an angle. I’m about half deaf already, and I’m trying to keep the noise down as much as possible. I fear additional wind noise from this option.

Another possibility might be something up on the bumper, maybe some side shooters for my forward lights. I would prefer to have the side lights switched separately from the front lights and Im not sure that’s possible with side shooters.

Please give me your thoughts.
Dean

Sponsored

 

[Gvsukids]

Another option that looks pretty nice to me are the Oracle mirror lights.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/oracle-lighting-led-off-road-side-mirrors.83837/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/oracle-led-off-road-mirrors-for-jt-gladiator/

D&C Designs lights built into the corner cowl.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/installed-d-and-c-cowl-lights-on-2020-rubicon.64369/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/cowl-lights.45499/

Oracle reverse lights in back

They work with your backup lights. Using a Tazer will allow them to turn on when parked.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Side lighting has a few different avenues. Question is how do you use the light and when do you need to be able to see into that darkness? If it’s slow trail driving just to see what’s out there before you get there just mount a couple lights on the bumper turned out at an angle. Saves you cash on cowl mounts. If you need to see right next to the vehicle then go with a side mount. Another forum member posted these but they look like they’ll fit the bill for me.


https://tyrioffroad.com/products/side-shooter-brackets-jeep-jl-jt

 

[deanocraft]

Thank you guys for the responses. I’m leaning towards the D&C option, just cause it looks good!

 

[teamblkdog]

About as simple and effective as you can get, paired with a set of Rigid D-Series: https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-90601.htm

 

[deanocraft]

About as simple and effective as you can get, paired with a set of Rigid D-Series: https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-90601.htm

Also nice!

 

[Zachattack50]

I didn't notice any difference in wind noise with my evo mounts and a 3x3 aux beam light. I run a similar setup on my Tundra and those are quiet as well.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

What are you looking to achieve?

"Ditch lighting" is often times a misused term. Ditch lights are used to illuminate the ditch ahead of the vehicle, usually during higher speed trail runs, whereas a lot of folks actually want to illuminate the area directly around the truck itself. You'll use different types of lights for each application, a combo or spot light for ditch lights, and a flood/fog/driving light for illuminating near the truck.

Some folks what both.

 

[AmishMike]

I once drove a Model A with a Maglite hanging from outstretched arms out both doors. Car had no front end or fenders and it was late by time we got the engine in and running. Of course we had to test drive it!

 

[BourbonRunner]

I have the Oracle aux backup lights and they are phenomenal.

Like @Gvsukids said, this is doable with a Tazer with no additional wiring needed. Just hit unlock on the fob 4x in a row and they switch on. One lock and they switch off.

The other thing to consider: Factory aux switches are 2x 40a and 2x 15a. The 40a is overkill for an LED light. Additionally, placement of them is kind of out of the way if you're underway. A better solution if you dont have the OEM bed inverter would be the Voswitch JL500 or a grab handle switch.

https://www.voswitch.com/Voswitch-J...llation-Waterproof-Power-Module-p2683493.html

As far as cowl lights, when I get around to doing mine, I'm leaning heavily towards the KC Flex Era 3 and then Gravity Pro6 on the bumper. I love the idea of the D&C but last I checked they don't fit the Mojave cowl.

 

[deanocraft]

What are you looking to achieve?

"Ditch lighting" is often times a misused term. Ditch lights are used to illuminate the ditch ahead of the vehicle, usually during higher speed trail runs, whereas a lot of folks actually want to illuminate the area directly around the truck itself. You'll use different types of lights for each application, a combo or spot light for ditch lights, and a flood/fog/driving light for illuminating near the truck.

Some folks what both.

I do a lot of hunting and primitive camping on WMA’s, national forest lands, and possibly some military bases. Im looking for lights that will illuminate the sides of the road. I may be looking for parking spots, animal tracks or signs, or eye reflections. I might also use them temporarily to light up camp.

 

[ORACLElights]

Mirror lights are definitely a solid option if that's the direction you're leaning. One of the biggest pieces of feedback we hear from Gladiator owners is that they like keeping the A-pillars clean while still getting useful peripheral lighting, or the versatility to have A-Pillars aimed to enhance with even more lighting! If you have any questions, we're happy to help! Forum members can also use code GLADIATOR10 to save some $$ at checkout.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Thank you guys for the responses. I’m leaning towards the D&C option, just cause it looks good!

The D&C does look good and I considered them myself. Only thing is if you ever decide to run a snorkel they go bye bye. Especially if you like the AmFib thing that replaces the cowl panel.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Mirror lights are definitely a solid option if that's the direction you're leaning. One of the biggest pieces of feedback we hear from Gladiator owners is that they like keeping the A-pillars clean while still getting useful peripheral lighting, or the versatility to have A-Pillars aimed to enhance with even more lighting! If you have any questions, we're happy to help! Forum members can also use code GLADIATOR10 to save some $$ at checkout.

Mirror lights look super cool but mirrors get broken on the trail a lot. If there was a product that replaced the mirror MOuNT and had some kind of LED lighting in it I’d consider mirror lights. (Like an Amber 3 strip LED that goes out at an angle slightly to the front and out to the side. ) One of my favorite shorter trails is named “Broken Mirror” for a reason…..

 

[ChrisNLA]

I have cowl mounted lights and commute on the interstate with no noticeable difference in wind noise.

I prefer regular pod lights on cowl mounts over those more specialized options as I can move my lights when needed. They are installed with nylon washers so I can turn them with a firm twist if needed. More straight if needed, more out to the sides if needed. They are on a left and right switch.

My previous Jeep I had them pointed directly out to the sides and found that to be a little too limiting when driving forward. I can still turn my current ones out if needed, though.

I use the Harbor Freight pods with the 'side shooter' LEDs so they have a fairly wide pattern.

Sponsored