Looking for ditch lighting illumination ideas…

[deanocraft]

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.

Yeah, I see videos of people crossing water over the door jambs and I shudder! I’m sure I’ll probably cross some water some time, and a snorkel would be excellent insurance for that, but I don’t plan on buying one.

my real concern with those D&C’s is how they last. I can’t find anyone who has used them for any time and will say if they still light up. They are my current favorite out of the options I see, though. I mean, you can’t take it with you…

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[Gvsukids]

Yeah, I see videos of people crossing water over the door jambs and I shudder!

The door jambs at the bottom of the door?

 

[wuykats]

I have Rigid Side Shooters mounted on the tabs of the front bumper hoop on my LJ and JK. When traveling on lonely stretches of 2 lane at night they really work well to spot that deer, or other wildlife, that wants to cross the road. The JK has A-pillar mounted switches, so easy to reach out to shut them off if there is oncoming traffic. Great quality, but not cheap! I want to put them on my Gladiator as well, but mounted on the bumper hoop they will limit the visibility of the front camera, so still considering options for that. And the Harbor Freight lights (Chinesium) are an option as well. Before mounting any of them I recommend planning the wiring route you will take.

 

[SandDemon]

I use mine as ditch lights, they are slightly angled. The Amber and black covers can be removed as needed

 

[ChecksOut]

I went pretty basic. eBay cowl mounts and harbor freight lights. Spent more on the switches. Went with the trigger 4 plus to avoid wiring into the cabin.

 

[WILDHOBO]

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

I simply could not be happier with my DC Designs VSL lights. White for ditch lights and amber hooked up to my turn signal circuit.

 

[WILDHOBO]

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

In regards to durability, they’ve never faltered even once. They’re perfect. Let me know if you want suggestions for wiring the turn signal circuit. I modified a quadratec harness meant for DRL circuit access. I’ve got it in between the fender harness and the main harness to capture the turn signal without cutting or tapping the factory wiring.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yeah, I see videos of people crossing water over the door jambs and I shudder! I’m sure I’ll probably cross some water some time, and a snorkel would be excellent insurance for that, but I don’t plan on buying one.

my real concern with those D&C’s is how they last. I can’t find anyone who has used them for any time and will say if they still light up. They are my current favorite out of the options I see, though. I mean, you can’t take it with you…

Mine have been on since probably 2022. Zero issues.

 

[DanJT]

I couldn't see paying almost $600 for 2 pieces of plastic, so I worked 2 lights into my cowels

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I have Rigid Side Shooters mounted on the tabs of the front bumper hoop on my LJ and JK. When traveling on lonely stretches of 2 lane at night they really work well to spot that deer, or other wildlife, that wants to cross the road. The JK has A-pillar mounted switches, so easy to reach out to shut them off if there is oncoming traffic. Great quality, but not cheap! I want to put them on my Gladiator as well, but mounted on the bumper hoop they will limit the visibility of the front camera, so still considering options for that. And the Harbor Freight lights (Chinesium) are an option as well. Before mounting any of them I recommend planning the wiring route you will take.

Im assuming you have a hoop on your front bumper. How does the hoop attach? Is it bolted on or welded on? If it’s bolted on just use the bolts for the hoop. Those are stout enough that it shouldn’t effect the function of them adding a light bracket to. Also keeps them low and away from the front trail cam.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I couldn't see paying almost $600 for 2 pieces of plastic, so I worked 2 lights into my cowels

Now that is clever!

I

 

[WILDHOBO]

I couldn't see paying almost $600 for 2 pieces of plastic, so I worked 2 lights into my cowels

I get that, and you did an awesome job. But there’s a difference between white only and white combined with amber turn signals. I paid 400 I think from a forum member, and they’re awesome. The white directs down on an angle towards the ground, slightly. I definitely don’t think they’re overpriced.

 

[deanocraft]

Mine have been on since probably 2022. Zero issues.

Thank you Wildhobo! That is exactly what I was hoping for.

I couldn't see paying almost $600 for 2 pieces of plastic, so I worked 2 lights into my cowels

Thank you DanJT! That is a pretty nice job. I think they are around $400 these days…

 

[WILDHOBO]

Thank you Wildhobo! That is exactly what I was hoping for.

Thank you DanJT! That is a pretty nice job. I think they are around $400 these days…

Any time.

 

[gatorboy]

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

KC Flex Era 3 or 4. Baja Design. I have Flex Era 4
for ditch lights. Baja Design S1 Flush Mount for rear back up. WOW bright

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