Installing auxiliary lights without bull or nudge bar

[Roger and Belinda]

As our GC is primarily a caravan tow lug, we are not keen on installing a nudge or bull bar.

That said are pretty dissatisfied with the headlights (even after upgrading the D3S bulbs), We only need to strengthen the width and length of usable light by a few hundred meters. Accordingly, have shortlisted Stefi 4 inch work lights for their low profile and being narrow can potentially be abutted against the grille and won't protrude past the bumper bar.

A number plate light bar on a previous vehicle, lasted a few weeks until some idiot backed into it, and have also discounted mounting a light bar behind the lower grille due to potential issues with the sensor and being a honeycomb design the front grille would impede any light mounted behind. The curve of the bumper limits options to mount a light bar that does not protrude past the bumper.

Am now exploring mounting options for the work lights. The bumper appears to be inadequate to support any weight, so am now thinking whether a bracket can be affixed behind the grille with an arm extending through the grille to which the work lights are mounted.

Surfing the web has failed to find any specific bracket, so this may mean a trip to Bunnings for same plate or angle and then some minor fabrication,

So, my questions to the brains trust sit around is it possible & practical to mount pod lights this way and, if not, are there better solutions that don't involve installing a nudge or bull bar with the auxiliary lights keeping behind the bumper bar,

[FARWEST]

Hey Roger...check out the HEADLIGHT UPGRADE TO LED thread started by GeoBW....lots of info on that thread including some schmick set ups...re: timsarg lightbar mounted under roofrack and a rather clever mounting by troutman...just a suggestion....GOOD LUCK.....If I had the ability I'd tag/link the thread for you...its very current and appears on the same 'group' as your thread when selecting....New Posts

[Roger and Belinda]

Thanks Farwest. The post started by Geo BW was definitely a worthwhile read.

[FARWEST]

Originally Posted by Roger and Belinda

Thanks Farwest. The post started by Geo BW was definitely a worthwhile read.

Totally understand where your coming from....my biggest gripe with these lights is the 'lack of' HI Beam....low beam is great..no issues...but the Hi beam on mine is not much more then the extra light on the dash !...I believe, from reading this forum, that others arent experiencing the same lack of performance I am....and being mine is an older bus, it may well be a case of needing to renew the bulbs/globes...however....I'm going down the JTM Nudge Bar track with 2x Driving Lights and a Light bar attached.....to quote the Scottish Truck Driving Father of an old mate....."I like to see what Im hitting"

[LeCheese]

I and many others have mounted a light bar or spotties behind either the upper or lower grille - still very effective and a huge improvement, but as you said, it limits spread a touch.

I've seen a few people do similar to the image attached, including with slightly larger lights than just the 2x2 cubes.

Be mindful though that a work light probably won't get you the distance you're after, as that's not their primary function. If the measurements work out, I'd be looking at something like a couple of the 7" Stedi single row ST3K light bars in the grille slots, or the 8" double row ST4K. Still won't be as good as a larger light bar, but I'd suggest it'll be better than a work light.

[FARWEST]

Thanks LeCheese

[Roger and Belinda]

Change of direction...picked up a FREE (yes that's right FREE) 31 inch LED lightbar and roof rack brackets from Facebook Marketplace.

Came off a Nissan Pathfinder that rego was being transferred from NSW to Vic where apparently roof mounted lights are a no-no.

So new harness and a few other goodies and in the next few days my lighting woes should be a distant memory. And yep every LED on the lightbar works.