Fog or Driving for Roof Mounted AUX lamps?

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:23 pm

I'm planning on putting 4 lights on the roof of my KK and I wanted to get some feedback regarding Fogs vs. Driving lights..

I'm currently looking at the Hella 550s, I like the rectangular style and since I'm a skier I want to keep the profile low so I when they are mounted they will sit below the top bar of my roof basket and allow clearance for the skis/ski box. I've seen some varying discussions regarding the effectiveness of lights depending on the height, and I've read that its better to mount driving lights farther apart. As always, functionality is key. I want to get some good lights that will perform.. that said, I really do like the look of the Hella 550s and I definitely want a roof mounted solution since I'm planning on the backbone winch for the bumper. I do a lot of driving on the backroads in Michigan's Upper Peninsula so I'm not too concerned with having a street legal option(and I'm pretty sure any roof lights aren't street legal, right?). Since I plan to mount 4 lights I'm thinking about getting 2 fogs in the center and 2 driving on the outside.. I've seen some reviews that say the fogs aren't as powerful so stick with driving lights, but I've also read that some people think the fogs are better for driving through big snow covered areas.

Anyone have experience with AUX lights, or roof mounting?

infernicus · **Posted:** Thu Nov 11, 2010 5:02 pm

A "fog" light pattern will have a wider throw, but not as far. A "driving" light will shoot light much further.
If you're mounting on the roof, I don't think a FOG pattern will benefit you, it will probably cause too much glare on your hood.
I think any lights on the roof should be a driving light.

http://www.autoanything.com/lights/50a22a132a4.aspx

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Thu Nov 11, 2010 9:08 pm

Thanks for the link!

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 12:06 am

Fog lights to do any good at all have to be as low as possible to shine under the fog
As for mounting them on the roof, it will be a waste of the lights
Better to look at different style of driving lights, wide beam or spot
Two spots in the center with a wider beam on the sides works well, wire the insides together and the outsides so you won't have to run all 4 at once if you don't want to
Not the best pic but her's mine wired that way, outer ones are aimed slightly out so you get good side of the road lighting

jslibby · **Posted:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 12:10 am

if you put fogs on your roof the will only shine as far a your hood

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:16 pm

Good to know guys! Looks like I'm sticking with driving lights. Maybe I'll end up getting some fogs and mount them on the bumper..

nightdrv · **Posted:** Sat Nov 13, 2010 1:58 pm

I've physically tried both, in the same foggy night. 4" square fogs vs. 3" round drivers. (both in the same mounts, on top of the roof rack). The fogs just made a nice big glaring light, where as the drivers actually "punched through" some of the fog (bad weather is where this really helps: rain, snow, etc). I saw that they help to see the reflective road signs from farther away in nasty conditions, and help light up a tree-covered trail a little farther than the garbage OEM headlights. BTW, I was using 4 of each light type.

Fog or Driving for Roof Mounted AUX lamps?

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