How many lights is too many?

[LeoTheDragon]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get some additional lighting for the dark unlit roads I drive through frequently.. and for when I'm out in the boons just messing around. I have the LED package and the high beams just aren't really up to the task. After some research I'm leaning toward the Mopar 7'' LEDs up front on the bull bars I'm getting.

Is that 'enough'? I want to just get everything I need now so I don't have to deal with having to wire things again later on, but after digging through several threads and reading tons of reviews, I can't help but notice some people have enough lights to be seen from space.. Like, light bars on roof and one on the hood with 4 cubes on the pillars and fog lights and more on the front... Is there any functionality after that point? I am thinking about also getting a set of a-pillar lights too because it appears to be a common setup but is that going to even add additional benefits or are the 7'' lights up front enough?

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[Shenanigans]

If you can no longer see because the lights are physically blocking your view, you have too many lights. If you need sunglasses at night, you have too many lights.

 

[LeoTheDragon]

If you can no longer see because the lights are physically blocking your view, you have too many lights. If you need sunglasses at night, you have too many lights.

This is such a rich response :cwl:

 

[Cov]

lights are physically blocking your view, you have too many lights

This

 

[melendez69]

If you can no longer see because the lights are physically blocking your view, you have too many lights. If you need sunglasses at night, you have too many lights.

...and if you wear sunglasses at night, you're now Corey Hart (dated reference for many ).

 

[Shots]

For off road purposes, it's a matter of preference. On road, is a whole different story. Those dark unlit roads you referred to may have a limit on how many you can have. Check your state and local laws. Ohio limits us to 5 when on the road (ORC 4513.17).
Also make sure you do some research on the lights you buy. I've heard A LOT of people complain about the light bars whistling when they drive, which would drive me nuts. I've heard a few complaints about cube lights, but not many. Take you time and pick the right lights.

 

[MALL R8D]

I am adding nothing useful to this response since everyone already pretty much covered it. The question just reminded me of the constant debate about what is enough water flow for a reef aquarium. My favorite answer was, "unless your fish are plastered against the sides of the tank, you need more flow."

Lighting is crazy expensive, and I err on the side of "buy once, cry once." You can always add on, so start small and see if it is enough for your needs. As @Shots mentioned though, there are laws in many states regarding using additional lighting on the roads. I know some states even ticket you for having additional lights uncovered, even when they are not being used.

 

[LeoTheDragon]

For off road purposes, it's a matter of preference. On road, is a whole different story. Those dark unlit roads you referred to may have a limit on how many you can have. Check your state and local laws. Ohio limits us to 5 when on the road (ORC 4513.17).
Also make sure you do some research on the lights you buy. I've heard A LOT of people complain about the light bars whistling when they drive, which would drive me nuts. I've heard a few complaints about cube lights, but not many. Take you time and pick the right lights.

Thanks for chiming in! I did read about the whistling on the light bars and I'm actually trying to avoid those all together (at least for the windshield/hood).

My goal is to have a combination of spot/flood lights that will cover all my bases for the different situations.. So a set of spot lights and a set of flood, combined with the main headlights *should* provide enough coverage right? Anyone who has more than that, what functional reason do you have for that?

 

[InspiredEngineering]

The answer to this is very subjective. I've have seen vehicles where there is more light up front than anything else, and then there is stock. Something in the middle is where you want to be.

If you already have the OEM LED package then your lighting is already better than most. I would recommend a pair of A pillar lights at about a 20 degree outward to get some good spread, and a small (12-20") LED bar on the bull bar. A small light bar on the bull bar will take up very little space.

 

[47Jeepster]

You've got too many lights if ... the alternator grunts and your Jeep slows down when you turn on all the lights.

 

[TravisRogers]

When you get to the final level of the game and have to defeat the douchebag boss...

 

[mikej]

When you get to the final level of the game and have to defeat the douchebag boss...

There’s a part of me that wishes that wasn’t a photoshop.

 

[TravisRogers]

Google "light bar meme." The results are amazing.

 

[TxJeepers]

Some people are really scared of the dark...
If you are mall crawl, please get big cheap light across top of windshield so you can be easily identified...

Me, a pair of Baja Designs Squadron Pro or an Onx6 10", either in driving combo, will be all that I add to my existing factory LED headlights. They'll be wired up with a relay, triggered from my high beams. Plenty-o-light for dark two lane Texas highways.

 

[melendez69]

@TravisRogers … why did I listen to you,,,

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