Wifey Doesn’t Like My Raptor Lights

I used to hate on ditch lights. I thought "who wheels at night anyways"

Until I found myself handing my wife a flashlight to look out of the passenger side window while I did the same out of the driver window... trying to find a camp site in the middle of Kaibab national forest. We arrived very late due to poor route planning and excessive optimism.

Got home and saw CaliraisedLED's 27W ditch lights were going for $175 complete with brackets, wiring and an OEM style switch.
They work very well and I've used them many times off road. I'm happy to have them.

I still hate on raptor lights... but honestly who cares? It's your truck, your money. If you like them for looks or for functionality rock em. Life's too short to care about other people opinions!

Edit* Except maybe the wife's opinions lol

 

This phrase had me laughing!

I run into similar situations occasionally, due to me expecting everything to go smoothly.

 

Your wife?

 

I don't like what the ditch lights look mounted just like I don't like external Tach's on pre 72 muscle cars. But they serve a function & it's not my vehicle either. Do they make a "Fisheye" light bar that would light up where the ditch lights do?? Like I previously stated I thought they were 90* pointed directly into the ditch
Now for more I also love the Pro Roof Rack. Maybe because I had 2 FJ's W/that style.

 

Yes, they make light bars with combination, spot and spread, patterns.

 

I personally would go that route IF I needed that type of lighting.

 

My little light bar in the bumper has a spot/ flood option but it's still aimed forward so it can't quite cover what side projecting ditch lights can.

Maybe a roof mounted/ curved one like your describing could get close? Although I'm not a fan of big light bars on the roof personally. I find they create a lot of glare on the windshield.

 

Ah I found a photo that kind of shows the beam pattern on my rig. Forgive me as I was in a parking lot just testing out the new lights. (not a national forest or trail) lol

I've since pointed the ditch lights a little more to the side.

 

Not gonna lie, wiring keeps me from all kinds of things...

 

I know most of the reputable brands offer different beans patterns, and combinations. I'm not sure that any combination would totally duplicate what you get out of something like what I am using, though. My ditch lights project pretty far forward, but they also make it feel like broad daylight for about 50 ft and 90° to the side.

I want to get a better picture this year, because I really don't even think this does justice. But, at least you can see how much light I get off to the sides. I was also in a bit of a low spot, so it makes it look like it cuts off closer than it actually does.

 

In Kaibab National Forest, ditch lights = elk lights.

 

Helluva setup for seriously off roading! I do all my major off roading on this

 

That's some serious lighting!!

 

Wiring's not a big issue seriously. Just do a little homework & you'll be surprised once you start that it's not hard at all. Main thing is have the proper quality tools 1st & foremost as W/any Mx project.! Heck I'm not a Tweek ( avionics in aviation) but I got through all the FSI electrical courses for the S76 & GIV-V to get master tech achievement. Even the Advanced 2 week S76 course & being the ONLY 1 in the class W/no one else to answer instructors questions!! I even found a fault on the trainer that the instructor didn't know about & would use that in future courses.!! SO don't be skeptical to learn & try!!! Just plan & proceed as accordingly. There's all kinds of info here & on the web for what you want to do, you're not the 1st believe to do a mod (unless it's something wacked the F Out) You'll be glad WHEN you complete it!!!! P.S. you're in Me. Are you from Me.? I'm from Portland, Mom from ( born in Augusta just found out after her passing last Nov.)Bath. Dad from Freeport, grew up W/LL Bean founder.

 

Those are rad night shots
I’d be interested to capture a photograph of that too
Ya’ll gotta double up for double the ditch power!

 

That’s hilarious
I didn’t specify, did I

I have to take back saying my wife thinks I’m an a-hole. I just came home to new camouflage Crocs she bought for me (never had Crocs, wow) lol

 

I'm betting that the Rigids will hold their own against your setup.

 

I believe those Crocs make you officially an old man. Once you're willing to wear those, you officially don't give a shit what other people think anymore.












I might have a pair around here somewhere.

 

Hah!
Absolutely.

I didn’t go the big name or well known brand route cuz of their exorbitant costs, though high output. I’m jealous of other folks

My ditches look OK and run 52w 4600Lm/side

 

100%! Lol

I already had the baldness and back hair

 

The price tag was definitely hard to swallow at first. But, I belong to a support group on Tacoma world where we encourage each other and help each other get rid of extra money.

I'm losing it on top, as well. I avoid looking at my back, so no idea what the situation is there. I'm afraid to look at this point.

 

Update: Hey y’all, a public service announcement- My Raptor light kit is gone. It’s been sent to another member on the board here. I’m only mentioning this because I’ve had multiple private messages here requesting them. First come first served. Thanks.

 

Who got it so we can torment him?

 

This truck is lol.. every lighting checkbox completed, including fang lights

 

In the back woods of Maine, ditch lights = deer and moose lights...

 

In Council Bluffs, IA, ditch lights = methhead lights

 

THE most entertaining thread so far I have seen here.
So fun.....three posts make you think this place is full of DB's and the next five make you laugh your ass off! Rinse repea.
Who cares about "raptor light"...
But @dj.... NO SOCKS WITH CROCS
That is all...

 

Exactly. No reason to let peer pressure dictate which mods you do. I just like giving people shit.

 

Yup, I'm in Maine. I work in Freeport, grew up in the Lewiston area.

I'm sure I could figure it out, it's just something I've not ever done. The first one is always the most nerve wracking. Thinking I'll have the 4Runner paid off by the end of the year, that frees up mod money. I've got a list of mods but the next mod is the Title mod.

 

The ole raptor lights came in handy this morning when I noticed the wife drove in the wrong lane to pick me up from the airport. I walked over to the outside curb so she wouldn't have to do another hot lap around the airport.