Ditch light recommendations

[Uplandr365]

I’m wanting to add ditch lights. I would prefer to stay on the more compact side with a tight secure mount. Suggestions and pics appreciated!

 

[Tremor14]

I’m wanting to add ditch lights. I would prefer to stay on the more compact side with a tight secure mount. Suggestions and pics appreciated!

I bought these. Getting them installed next Thursday. https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage-series-backlit-ditch-light-kit-for-2021-2023-ford-f-150.html

 

[SDTremor]

Lots of options out there depending on what you want to spend and how much light output you want. Biggest issue is how you decide to deal with antenna clearance. Mounting position varies with the different brackets and the lights themselves mount more forward or back as well so you have to find the combination that works for you.
My solution was the Baja Designs Squadron Sports on some amazon brackets with a slimline antenna. KC, Heretic, DD and BD all make similar lights in the 3x3 form factor which isn't too imposing and can put out some actually useful light. Most of them have a more expensive version with higher output in the same form factor depending on your desires.
Spend a little time searching around the forum as there are lots of pics of the various solutions to give you an idea how they look and how much light they put out.

 

[RedTailRay]

I searched for awhile and did a bunch of research settling on Heretic studios BA-2s and putco brackets from American trucks.
I didn't want the interference with the antenna or something really big.
Heretic studios is one of the only light bar manufacturers I found to fully design and build their stuff in the USA which I also wanted to support.
Customer service was top notch as well.

 

[RedTailRay]

bracket link - https://www.americantrucks.com/f150-luminix-hood-mount-light-brackets-2222.html

 

[Tremor14]

I would have gone with Rigid, but was also concerned about antenna interference so went with the smaller Diode Dymamics SS3 that sit awy from the antenna and also allow the hood to open all the way.

 

[Uplandr365]

How about some nighttime pics/vids of the coverage area with both clear and amore lights thanks

 

[MidlandTremor]

I went with diode dynamics sc2 amber backlight & combo lens

Love the low profile & they put out some serious light for such a small light

 

[BigTremorEnergy]

Another vote for Diode Dynamics. I went SS3 but was very close to getting the SC2. The install was a breeze, all their hardware and the wiring harness was top notch. I did put some electrical tape between the truck bracket and the light bracket as the finish is slick enough to allow some play no matter how tight I got it, since then with the added friction they haven’t moved.

 

[LukeAngel]

I bought these. Getting them installed next Thursday. https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage-series-backlit-ditch-light-kit-for-2021-2023-ford-f-150.html

These are great lights ! Only thing, the mounting bolt does not look so good, too long and not powder coated black, really stands out after it is mounted.

 

[Tremor14]

These are great lights ! Only thing, the mounting bolt does not look so good, too long and not powder coated black, really stands out after it is mounted.

I agree with you on the hardware. I'll probably paint it.

 

[Cheif2Slo]

I agree with you on the hardware. I'll probably paint it.

I bet ACE hardware has a black rubber cap that’ll slide over it for less than a quarter.

 

[Rabidtastic]

do yall get crazy hood glare or are most brackets high enough/your outward angles wide enough to clear for the most part?

 

[SDTremor]

I have the Amazon brackets that are probably the closest in and with a slight outward angle the reflection off the hood is not bad at all. If I actually aimed them as ditch lights, it would be no problem at all, but I use them as extra forward lighting combined with a 10" bar below the license plate.

 

[Rabidtastic]

I have the Amazon brackets that are probably the closest in and with a slight outward angle the reflection off the hood is not bad at all. If I actually aimed them as ditch lights, it would be no problem at all, but I use them as extra forward lighting combined with a 10" bar below the license plate.

Leaning towards a couple of floods and figure that, aimed right, would be somewhere between "thanks i hate it" and "this is fine" levels of glare. If spots were painful I might rethink the pattern lol

 

[jonesy23]

Highly recommend DD ditch lights. Love amber back light and then super bright led with the combo set up! FYI Just have backlight on.

 

[Rabidtastic]

Highly recommend DD ditch lights. Love amber back light and then super bright led with the combo set up! FYI Just have backlight on.

How are the brackets?

 

[Tremor14]

How are the brackets?

I did the amber with amber backlight. I also added the smaller lights to the bracket. Even with both, I don't see any vibration in the brackets.

 

[Dfris]

I did the amber with amber backlight. I also added the smaller lights to the bracket. Even with both, I don't see any vibration in the brackets.
View attachment 17719

Is there a kit to add the smaller lights or does it just use the base and nothing more?

 

[jonesy23]

How are the brackets?

Brackets are perfect and so far no issues. Love again amber backlight on separate aux switch from high beam.