Project Shadowfax

[Rich Pune]

So a bit of an update on my lighting plans. Originally I wanted the Baja Designs dual fog pocket light kit:

Ford Squadron SAE/Pro Fog Pocket Light Kit - Ford 2020-22 F-250/350 Super Duty - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

Baja Designs offers high performance LED lights and light bars for off road trucks, UTVs, and ATVs. Baja Designs is The Scientists of Lighting, contact us today for more info!

www.bajadesigns.com

After living with the truck for a year and a half, though, I just don’t think I can justify the cost of the dual lights and am leaning heavily towards the single light kit:

Ford Squadron SAE Fog Pocket Light Kit - Ford 2015-20 F-150; 2017-22 F-250/350 Super Duty - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

Baja Designs offers high performance LED lights and light bars for off road trucks, UTVs, and ATVs. Baja Designs is The Scientists of Lighting, contact us today for more info!

www.bajadesigns.com

That’s $700 less expensive! The LED headlights on the truck are fantastic. There’s no way I’m out driving them.

But I still want actual fog lights on the truck (factory ones don’t count) so the single is perfect. And less wiring to run, which is a bonus.

Throwing this out there before purchasing in case someone has a reason to spend the extra $700. But I’m just not seeing it right now.

I have these ones: https://www.diodedynamics.com/ss6-led-fog-light-kit-for-2020-2022-ford-super-duty.html

They are on my to do list, so can’t say if I like them or not. I purchased a wiring harness so I can use my roof switches.

 

[ccw]

I have these ones: https://www.diodedynamics.com/ss6-led-fog-light-kit-for-2020-2022-ford-super-duty.html

They are on my to do list, so can’t say if I like them or not. I purchased a wiring harness so I can use my roof switches.

That is interesting as another option. The factory look is appealing, though I’m concerned about the possible light output given how small they are. Obviously advertised as more than stock, but that’s a pretty low bar to exceed.

 

[Modman]

The factory look is appealing,

I like the integration better than the Baja's which are way more obvious. That can be a pro or con depending on your personal viewpoint. Looking at both websites the Baja's state 2420lm and the DiodeDynamics are 2280lm although lumens don't always tell the entire story depending on their measurement technique. I'm guessing that since they both comply with SAE J583 (fog light pattern and horizontal cutoff plane) they will perform in a similar fashion.

 

[ccw]

I like the integration better than the Baja's which are way more obvious. That can be a pro or con depending on your personal viewpoint. Looking at both websites the Baja's state 2420lm and the DiodeDynamics are 2280lm although lumens don't always tell the entire story depending on their measurement technique. I'm guessing that since they both comply with SAE J583 (fog light pattern and horizontal cutoff plane) they will perform in a similar fashion.

Good point about the appearances, and the listed output. Hmm. The DD are also notably less expensive, especially considering they have a Memorial Day sale still on.

Was going to go ahead and buy them, but those savings are minimized by the fact that shipping is $35. And only $11 away from free shipping.

 

[Rich Pune]

Good point about the appearances, and the listed output. Hmm. The DD are also notably less expensive, especially considering they have a Memorial Day sale still on.

Was going to go ahead and buy them, but those savings are minimized by the fact that shipping is $35. And only $11 away from free shipping.

Lol. I took issue with the shipping too. If I get them installed soon, I’ll follow up.

 

[ccw]

Lol. I took issue with the shipping too. If I get them installed soon, I’ll follow up.

Right? Shipping is 10% of the price! I guess others are just hiding the shipping cost in the price of the item?

Please do follow-up. Though I very well might have them ordered by the time you do lol.

 

[Gunslinging_Patriot]

So a bit of an update on my lighting plans. Originally I wanted the Baja Designs dual fog pocket light kit:

Ford Squadron SAE/Pro Fog Pocket Light Kit - Ford 2020-22 F-250/350 Super Duty - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

Baja Designs offers high performance LED lights and light bars for off road trucks, UTVs, and ATVs. Baja Designs is The Scientists of Lighting, contact us today for more info!

www.bajadesigns.com

After living with the truck for a year and a half, though, I just don’t think I can justify the cost of the dual lights and am leaning heavily towards the single light kit:

Ford Squadron SAE Fog Pocket Light Kit - Ford 2015-20 F-150; 2017-22 F-250/350 Super Duty - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

Baja Designs offers high performance LED lights and light bars for off road trucks, UTVs, and ATVs. Baja Designs is The Scientists of Lighting, contact us today for more info!

www.bajadesigns.com

That’s $700 less expensive! The LED headlights on the truck are fantastic. There’s no way I’m out driving them.

But I still want actual fog lights on the truck (factory ones don’t count) so the single is perfect. And less wiring to run, which is a bonus.

Throwing this out there before purchasing in case someone has a reason to spend the extra $700. But I’m just not seeing it right now.

I did the Baja Designs SAE and Pro kit and could NOT be happier. Below is a link to my post with pictures comparing the illumination in a field and in the woods and the pictures don't do the lights justice. I turn on my Pro's whenever I can because the additional illumination is much less fatiguing driving at night.

Gunslinging Patriot's Build Thread

I finally got her back from the detailer last night! :D I snapped a few pictures before it got dark out. I'll upload better ones once the sun comes out next week (we're supped to get 3" of rain Friday through Sunday). Here's a list of everything that was done a lot of which is to finish Ford's...

www.fordtremor.com

 

[ccw]

I did the Baja Designs SAE and Pro kit and could NOT be happier. Below is a link to my post with pictures comparing the illumination in a field and in the woods and the pictures don't do the lights justice. I turn on my Pro's whenever I can because the additional illumination is much less fatiguing driving at night.

Gunslinging Patriot's Build Thread

I finally got her back from the detailer last night! :D I snapped a few pictures before it got dark out. I'll upload better ones once the sun comes out next week (we're supped to get 3" of rain Friday through Sunday). Here's a list of everything that was done a lot of which is to finish Ford's...

www.fordtremor.com

Thanks! Ya the pictures don’t show a big difference, and I fully recognize that’s a camera limitation.

So you’re saying the pros are worth an additional $700 (or compared to the Diode Dynamics option, $800)?

That’s a lot of extra money that I could put towards something else. Especially when I have never been disappointed by the factory high beams in 1.5 years.

I’m not saying they provide no benefit. I just struggle with getting enough practical benefit to justify the cost.

 

[Alpoba]

@ccw i said this is in multiple other threads, but for me the biggest differentiator for DD is that their kit comes with running/backlighting feature at no extra cost, all else being the same between the brands. Isnt it awesome to be to be able to have extra running lights on when you’re not using your off road lights? for feature and esthetics both.

 

[ccw]

@ccw i said this is in multiple other threads, but for me the biggest differentiator for DD is that their kit comes with running/backlighting feature at no extra cost, all else being the same between the brands. Isnt it awesome to be to be able to have extra running lights on when you’re not using your off road lights? for feature and esthetics both.

Yep, that’s been in the back of my mind. I like it, but it’s not a deciding factor for me. Just a nice bonus.

Though I’m not sure the SS6 kit even has that feature. It’s not talked about anywhere on the product page, and it’s not one of their standard lights.

 

[ccw]

Ok, signed up for their newsletter and got a discount code for free shipping. I'm on the edge of getting the SS6 kit. Under $300 before tax is a pretty awesome price.

 

[ccw]

Well, after some more deliberation and realizing that @Nick@ApolloOptics sells Diode Dynamics (no idea how I missed that), went ahead and ordered the SS6 kit from Nick. Nick has the Memorial Day pricing, as well!

Can't wait to get them in and installed!

 

[BroncOh]

Awesome. Be sure to post install pics and details.

 

[ccw]

Awesome. Be sure to post install pics and details.

You know I will!

 

[modified]

These lights look great! I'd normally wait for a review but with the current Memorial Day sale, I decided to pull the trigger and place an order from @Nick@ApolloOptics as well. I think they'll work well with the DD S2 lights I have mounted below the factory fogs.

 

[Nick@ApolloOff-Road]

Well, after some more deliberation and realizing that @Nick@ApolloOptics sells Diode Dynamics (no idea how I missed that), went ahead and ordered the SS6 kit from Nick. Nick has the Memorial Day pricing, as well!

Can't wait to get them in and installed!

These lights look great! I'd normally wait for a review but with the current Memorial Day sale, I decided to pull the trigger and place an order from @Nick@ApolloOptics as well. I think they'll work well with the DD S2 lights I have mounted below the factory fogs.

Thank you both! Nice work getting in on the last day of our Diode Dynamics discounts. Glad we could get y'all dialed in!

 

[Rich Pune]

Well, after some more deliberation and realizing that @Nick@ApolloOptics sells Diode Dynamics (no idea how I missed that), went ahead and ordered the SS6 kit from Nick. Nick has the Memorial Day pricing, as well!

Can't wait to get them in and installed!

It was raining today so I got around to installing them. Took a bit longer than expected. I've still got some fine tuning to do. I need to find a spot to adjust them. Tip: if you don't have a 2" 8mm socket, go and get one. It will save some time.

 

[ccw]

It was raining today so I got around to installing them. Took a bit longer than expected. I've still got some fine tuning to do. I need to find a spot to adjust them. Tip: if you don't have a 2" 8mm socket, go and get one. It will save some time.

View attachment 122090

That’s awesome! Thanks for the tip!

Have you had a chance to have them on at night with your low beams? If so, are they bright enough to actually contribute? Any other thoughts on them when in action?

 

[ccw]

For sure! We'll start from the base and work upwards, then outwards.

Onto the BuiltRight mount, I attached two RAM® Diamond Ball Base - C Size:

RAM® Diamond Ball Base - C Size

The RAM-238U ball base consists of a 1.5" C size rubber ball connected to a 2.43" x 1.31" diamond plate. The diamond plate features two holes that measure 1.912" from center to center, matching the industry-standard AMPS hole pattern. This diamond ball base is compatible with a wide variety of...

rammount.com

I chose the C size to have lots of weight headroom, since this is the foundation of the platform. While I'm not mounting anything super heavy to the PVC, I do intend to mount at the ends of the PVC which is quite a large lever.

To each ball base I attached a RAM® Composite Double Socket Arm - C Size Short:

RAM® Composite Double Socket Arm - C Size Short

The RAP-201U-B, short double socket arm, has a socket at both ends that accommodates 1.5" ball bases. This socket technology allows for almost infinite adjustment and perfect viewing angles.

rammount.com

I went with the short arms as I want to keep the pipe as low as possible to minimize potential visibility obstruction.

(Above is what I've mounted to the truck so far, and showed in the picture in the previous post.)

Next is two RAM® Torque™ Large Rail Base - C Size, which will mount to the pipe and the short arms:

RAM® Torque™ Large Rail Base - C Size

The RAM® Torque™ handlebar and rail mounting base has a 1.5” rubber ball and accommodates bars 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” in diameter. Sizing inserts are included to provide a snug fit and protection of the rail. The mount utilizes nylon-insert lock nuts to prevent loosening in high vibration environments.

rammount.com

These mounts were originally intended by Ram Mounts for handlebars and roll cages, but no reason they won't work with PVC pipe.

That has the pipe mounted, so next it's accessories. Each accessory is light, so to reduce weight, cost, and bulk I downsized to "B" sized balls and mounts.

Each accessory gets a RAM® Torque™ Large Rail Base - B Size for the rail:

RAM® Torque™ Large Rail Base - B Size

The large version of the RAM® Torque™ handlebar mounting base features a 1" B size RAM® rubber ball and is compatible with rails 1 1/8” to 1 1/2" in diameter. Sizing inserts are included to provide a tight fit while also protecting the mounting surface. The large RAM® Torque™ mounting base also...

rammount.com

The phone and GPS mounts get RAM® Double Socket Arm Adapter with Medium & Long Arms - B Size, to have enough length to reach past the dash, as well as have some flexibility to follow the dash and reduce their height (again, visibility):

RAM® 10.5" Double Socket Arms - Long & Medium B Size

The RAM-B-201-201U-C consists of a standard-length double socket arm, long-length double socket arm and double ball adapter that joins the two arms together. A single spring inside the arm opens the end sockets, allowing you to pivot the ball and socket connection. This socket technology allows...

rammount.com

And lastly, the phone and GPS mounts to attach to those arms:

RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder with Ball - B Size

The RAM® X-Grip® Universal Phone Holder (RAM-HOL-UN7BU) is a rugged, spring-loaded phone mount designed to securely hold a wide range of phones—with or without a case. Featuring the signature four-leg “X” design, the cradle expands and contracts to provide a strong, open-air grip that keeps your...

rammount.com

RAM® Spine Clip Holder with Ball for Garmin Handheld Devices

With the Garmin spine mount adapter, make any Garmin handheld device featuring an integrated spine connection RAM® Compatible™. This spine mount adapter easily clips into the integrated spine connection on a wide variety of Garmin devices. For use in nearly any application, the included B size...

rammount.com

Worth noting I didn't get any Ram Mounts for the speakers yet. Strongly considering screwing those directly into the PVC, but we'll see.

Ok, finally got the right size pipe in and thus some things installed! (Phone not in picture as it was taking the picture.)

Initial thoughts:

Overall idea is sound. Positioning of phone and InReach are perfect, as is the mounting flexibility. Visibility loss is minimal, exactly as I wanted.

Problematic is the flexibility of PVC pipe. Even at over 1” OD it bounces a fair bit while driving. And it’s clear it’s the pipe, not the mounts.

Two possible solutions to that:

1. Add a suction cup mount at each end to support the pipe. Upside is forces from the weight become even less of a concern as the ends are supported. Downside is further visibility loss around the A pillars.
2. Move to metal pipe. Pro’s and con’s are the opposite of the suction cups. Pipe will be notably heavier, thus increasing forces on the mounts. But visibility will be retained.

Not going to rush to a solution as it’s functional as-is, but I will improve it in the future.

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

Ok, finally got the right size pipe in and thus some things installed! (Phone not in picture as it was taking the picture.)

View attachment 122492

Initial thoughts:

Overall idea is sound. Positioning of phone and InReach are perfect, as is the mounting flexibility. Visibility loss is minimal, exactly as I wanted.

Problematic is the flexibility of PVC pipe. Even at over 1” OD it bounces a fair bit while driving. And it’s clear it’s the pipe, not the mounts.

Two possible solutions to that:

1. Add a suction cup mount at each end to support the pipe. Upside is forces from the weight become even less of a concern as the ends are supported. Downside is further visibility loss around the A pillars.
2. Move to metal pipe. Pro’s and con’s are the opposite of the suction cups. Pipe will be notably heavier, thus increasing forces on the mounts. But visibility will be retained.

Not going to rush to a solution as it’s functional as-is, but I will improve it in the future.

What do you think about going with aluminum pipe?

Not sure what shipping would cost, but a piece of pipe doesn't look too pricey: https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy...le-40-aluminum-pipe-6061-t6-extruded/pid/1221