RANDAL CHAO
Well-Known Member
Installed a 42" lightbar in front of the grill. So far pretty happy about the result.
If interested, I will share more details.
Cheers, -R
If interested, I will share more details.
Cheers, -R
42" Lightbar Installed
- Thread starter RANDAL CHAO
- Start date
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JEFF WISECARVER
Member
How do you have it connected?
OP
OP
RANDAL CHAO
Well-Known Member
The photo album is here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zcw9u6pgVgxbEga48
Brief Summary:
- Bolt brackets (facing inward) to plastic platform just under the grill. The plastic platform is hollow but two layers about 1" apart, Sturdy enough for the pretty light weight lightbar
- Light bar is not that deep, the curve hugs the grill curve pretty well. Leave enough space for the air flow. And not protruding the front bumper.
- Route the wire behind grill, tucked to the side, not in the way radiator shutter.
- Zip tie rest of harness in the engine compartment.
- Route remote switch wire through firewall using existing conduit. (Don't bother punching a new hole, such a pain).
- Super glue the switch next to DRL switch panel.
- Front proximity sensor works. So not an issue
- Tried several brand 42" light bar. This one fits well: 1. light weight 2. Only 1" deep from anchor bolt, so can be anchored to the platform just below the grill. 3. The brackets are reversible (with locking marks on both sides) Can be installed facing inward to sace space
- Total cost: $80 OEDRO light bar; $10 2.5" bolt/locking nut/washer accessories; 2 hours installation time.
Downside:
- Block the front camera a bit. So if you depend on front camera to feel the front space. This may not work.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zcw9u6pgVgxbEga48
Brief Summary:
- Bolt brackets (facing inward) to plastic platform just under the grill. The plastic platform is hollow but two layers about 1" apart, Sturdy enough for the pretty light weight lightbar
- Light bar is not that deep, the curve hugs the grill curve pretty well. Leave enough space for the air flow. And not protruding the front bumper.
- Route the wire behind grill, tucked to the side, not in the way radiator shutter.
- Zip tie rest of harness in the engine compartment.
- Route remote switch wire through firewall using existing conduit. (Don't bother punching a new hole, such a pain).
- Super glue the switch next to DRL switch panel.
- Front proximity sensor works. So not an issue
- Tried several brand 42" light bar. This one fits well: 1. light weight 2. Only 1" deep from anchor bolt, so can be anchored to the platform just below the grill. 3. The brackets are reversible (with locking marks on both sides) Can be installed facing inward to sace space
- Total cost: $80 OEDRO light bar; $10 2.5" bolt/locking nut/washer accessories; 2 hours installation time.
Downside:
- Block the front camera a bit. So if you depend on front camera to feel the front space. This may not work.
Last edited:
Got any night pics?
OP
OP
RANDAL CHAO
Well-Known Member
It will be too bright to take meaningful pictures. I can however take a video this evening and show the effect when turning this on/off compared to hi/lo beam. The light bar has very good coverage probably over 100 yard. Don't think it focus well beyond that. For the price, I am satisfied with the result.
OP
OP
RANDAL CHAO
Well-Known Member
Video comparison: Lo-beam vs Lightbar; Hi-beam vs Lightbar
Warning: Only use lightbar in off-road condition.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NEkEQX4qqQrBEyup7
Warning: Only use lightbar in off-road condition.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NEkEQX4qqQrBEyup7
Expedition Dave
Full Access Members
Nice one RC!
Neighbor be like: "Now my Dog will never poop, he's at it with the lights again..."
Neighbor be like: "Now my Dog will never poop, he's at it with the lights again..."
Anthony DeVor
Full Access Members
Nice job, I love the look of it - does anyone have any ideas for the same thing but on a 3rd gen (2017) expy my dad says no but I'm obviously going to put one since its my vehicle I just cant make up my mind for if I want to do a license plate mount one (22" like I had on my jeep), one behind the grille, or a slim light bar off of the roof racks. Any comments would be appreciated thanks
Big H
Full Access Members
I got mine from F-150 LEDs and it’s amazing. Also has a wireless module and strobe functionality. It’s pricey, but worth every penny. Took about an hour to install and wires up to battery.
It’s ignorantly bright, can be operated from outside the vehicle with remote, and the curve is perfect for the bumper. I also reverse mounted the brackets to make it tamper / theft proof and look better after install. Lights up the road in front over a football field length and very thin, doesn’t go past the lowest vent in grill.
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Big H,
I love your set up. Just looked it up. $340.00 is super cheap compared to Baja Design or Rigid. I was going to get the LGE-CTS bar that goes in the lower grill insert, but was concerned with the cooling since I tow all the time. This looks like a great place to have a good light, easy install and not a huge impact on airflow. Great find. Ordered one up. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I love your set up. Just looked it up. $340.00 is super cheap compared to Baja Design or Rigid. I was going to get the LGE-CTS bar that goes in the lower grill insert, but was concerned with the cooling since I tow all the time. This looks like a great place to have a good light, easy install and not a huge impact on airflow. Great find. Ordered one up. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
