Baja Lights in Side Step - New Mount

[Toxophilite]

All -

Some members (including me) have added lights to the sidestep pockets of 2023+ Super Duty trucks, which is an ideal location for a compact, outward-facing light. A flush-mount light works best to avoid interfering with step functionality.

The challenge is that most flush-mount lights do not swivel, causing the light to aim downward rather than outward. The Baja S2 and S1 flush-mount lights are perfect for this location, but the shape of the step pocket forces them to point down.

To solve this, I had a design idea for a 3D‑printed bracket and @CaseyJ brought it to life with the help of @OmahaBravo — This new mount allows these lights to face straight out, maximizing light output. Some before-and-after photos are below, I will post a few more later to show the difference in light throw.

@CaseyJ is offering these mounts, you can purchase them here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/448813...c8:LTfe78f1325f77ccfd1268e1205e8007d71822fe1c

Many thanks to @CaseyJ and @OmahaBravo for their support in making this possible. The mounts came out better than I expected and look OEM!

 

[CaseyJ]

Glad I could help with the light mount! It was great working with you and @OmahaBravo to bring this to life for you.
Thank you so much for the kind words
Amazing photos! Looking forward to some night shots!

@Toxophilite posted the Etsy listing for anyone who is interested, shipping is Free over orders of $35. I added two material options and lowered the price per some recommendations.

 

[OmahaBravo]

Glad I could help with the light mount! It was great working with you and @OmahaBravo to bring this to life for you.
Thank you so much for the kind words
Amazing photos! Looking forward to some night shots!

@Toxophilite posted the Etsy listing for anyone who is interested, shipping is Free since the order will be over $35.

I'm happy I could help provide a little input.

Your product looks good and I hope you do well with these!

 

[Toxophilite]

Here are the before and after pictures of the light throw, the new brackets make a huge difference.

 

[CaseyJ]

Wow! that’s an amazing difference!

 

[96grimreaper]

Those are awesome. I went with S2's wides to try to get additional depth out of mine but these would really help. Did you have to enlarge the hole at all?

 

[The Evil Twin]

Nice work gentlemen!
What is the difference between the two materials?

 

[CaseyJ]

@The Evil Twin The biggest difference is heat tolerance. I printed @Toxophilite first few models in PETG which has a heat deflection temperature of around 150 F, that material is a great material to use in nearly all applications, the only time I have had an issue with it was on a thin walled Yeti adapter for my car's cup holder, here in Texas. It did not melt, it just deformed shape from the pressure of the fingers of the car's cupholder pressing on it while it was hot. I don't believe the outside of the vehicle (especially inside that pocket) will get hot enough to deform the plastic.
For those concerned with 150F, PET-GF has a heat deflection temp of 250F, and has a lot more structural strength due to the glass fiber in the material.

 

[Toxophilite]

Those are awesome. I went with S2's wides to try to get additional depth out of mine but these would really help. Did you have to enlarge the hole at all?

I did not have to enlarge the hole. I just needed to drill new bottom holes. If you already have the lights installed, it only takes about 5 minutes per side to add the new bracket.

 

[The Evil Twin]

@The Evil Twin The biggest difference is heat tolerance. I printed @Toxophilite first few models in PETG which has a heat deflection temperature of around 150 F, that material is a great material to use in nearly all applications, the only time I have had an issue with it was on a thin walled Yeti adapter for my car's cup holder, here in Texas. It did not melt, it just deformed shape from the pressure of the fingers of the car's cupholder pressing on it while it was hot. I don't believe the outside of the vehicle (especially inside that pocket) will get hot enough to deform the plastic.
For those concerned with 150F, PET-GF has a heat deflection temp of 250F, and has a lot more structural strength due to the glass fiber in the material.

Awesome, thank you for the info!

 

[bugeyedmonster1]

Forgive my ignorance, what is the purpose or application for the lights to be mounted in the side step pockets? I could understand a smaller rock light or similar, but I'm trying to understand the application of a S2 there.

 

[Alpoba]

I understand the need for this solution if one is dead set on using BD S2s.

But is it the best solution in 2026?

Nacho came out with Nanos that are
A. More compact but higher in lumens than S2 and other similar pods
B. Offer a backlighting option
C. Swivel in place 20 degrees up and down and solve the exact problem other flush mounted pods suffer from.

 

[OmahaBravo]

Forgive my ignorance, what is the purpose or application for the lights to be mounted in the side step pockets? I could understand a smaller rock light or similar, but I'm trying to understand the application of a S2 there.

provides side light throw while maintaining a (subjective, i might add) clean, stock-look.

I didnt think i'd ever need/want side throw light until i installed Broncohs S2 bracket on my mirrors. Now its something i have to have. Dont have to back up the truck and angle it just to get light on something in the ditch.

 

[NightForceFan]

I understand the need for this solution if one is dead set on using BD S2s.

But is it the best solution in 2026?

Nacho came out with Nanos that are
A. More compact but higher in lumens than S2 and other similar pods
B. Offer a backlighting option
C. Swivel in place 20 degrees up and down and solve the exact problem other flush mounted pods suffer from.

View attachment 253562View attachment 253563View attachment 253564

Baja Designs fanboy here, but I am liking the application of some of these Nacho lights. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CaseyJ]

Just looked in to the Nacho Nano, very cool concept, priced well at $199 for a pair.

From what I am seeing in their own marketing:
Nacho Nano: 2100 Lumens 20W 1.14 A $199/Pair
-Nano does not require a wiring harness but does require an additional flush or surface mount bracket which is $30 as well
S2 Pro Flush: 2245 Lumens 23.5W 1.74A $205 Each
-The S2 requires a wiring harness for another $30
S1 Flush: 2320 Lumens 19.5W 1.42A $135 Each

Nachos are a great deal. for the price. To get a pair of the S1's in flush mount with the wiring Harness you're looking at $255.

 

[bugeyedmonster1]

provides side light throw while maintaining a (subjective, i might add) clean, stock-look.

I didnt think i'd ever need/want side throw light until i installed Broncohs S2 bracket on my mirrors. Now its something i have to have. Dont have to back up the truck and angle it just to get light on something in the ditch.

I wish there was a ditch light kit for the 23-26 models. These I can understand. And now that you mention it, I can see why the SD would need front and back ditch lights lol.

 

[Alpoba]

Just looked in to the Nacho Nano, very cool concept, priced well at $199 for a pair.

From what I am seeing in their own marketing:
Nacho Nano: 2100 Lumens 20W 1.14 A $199/Pair
-Nano does not require a wiring harness but does require an additional flush or surface mount bracket which is $30 as well
S2 Pro Flush: 2245 Lumens 23.5W 1.74A $205 Each
-The S2 requires a wiring harness for another $30
S1 Flush: 2320 Lumens 19.5W 1.42A $135 Each

Nachos are a great deal. for the price. To get a pair of the S1's in flush mount with the wiring Harness you're looking at $255.

I understand lumens and pricing is subjective and relative. It comes down to mounting options, this is where nacho really came through solving a problem with up and down swiveling. At the moment i have 14 of their pods combined between white, amber and red lens options; 4 new ones will go on the sides of my Leitner roof rack.

 

[OmahaBravo]

I wish there was a ditch light kit for the 23-26 models. These I can understand. And now that you mention it, I can see why the SD would need front and back ditch lights lol.

i REALLY wanted to design a replacement fender badge (its angled perfectly on the 17-22s) and integrate an S1/S2 but theres not enough depth behind it to make it work without impeding the opening of the door.

The 23+ trucks, on the other hand, might have the needed clearance to have something built into the badge (since it sits more flush with the side. I dont have a 23+ to look at but that location is prime for a light to be placed for side throw while maintaining clean lines/look.

NOTE: I adapted this from an idea @that_Kyle_guy had with his truck.

 

[CaseyJ]

I wish there was a ditch light kit for the 23-26 models. These I can understand. And now that you mention it, I can see why the SD would need front and back ditch lights lol.

I am working on one of those too, it is a slow process, as I keep changing what I have thought of with the project.

 

[CaseyJ]

The 23+ trucks, on the other hand, might have the needed clearance to have something built into the badge (since it sits more flush with the side. I dont have a 23+ to look at but that location is prime for a light to be placed for side throw while maintaining clean lines/look.

I like that Idea, I had my fender badge off the truck to hyperdip it, I took pictures, let me see if I can find it...