E1

What is the difference between one that states off road use and one that doesn't a wider pattern? Looking for ones like the Pilot PL-800 series in size and shape. For snow, rain, foggy back road driving. Also am I correct in saying the amber beams are still the best way to go over regular white light?

Rick F.

If you're truly looking for a fog light to function as a fog light and not just for looks, then a short, wide beam with a color towards the warm (yellow) end of the spectrum is best for reducing glare. The intent is that the lower the frequency of the light, the less scatter (or glare). You'll also find that amber provides better contrast than cooler (whiter) light. Also, the lower the beam is to the ground the better for fog. Since I don't off-road, I can only assume that off-road lights would be mounted high and provide distance via a long, narrow (as in a driving light).

Don't expect a fog light to "pierce" deep into the fog. It's purpose is to help you see the edge of the road while not blinding you with glare. It amazes me the number of people that complain when their 100 watt Superwhites don't work for ˟˟˟˟˟ in crappy weather...

4mydogs

What Rick said. Read up on the dif between fog lights and driving lights. Fogs = low and wide, driving = distance (like high beams). I don't have any off road lights, but I would think that they just try to illuminate everything.

I installed my fog lights for rain and fog, and I've been very pleased with them. My wife, who thought I was just trying to dress up my truck with them, now loves them.

EnolaGaia

I 'third' what's been posted above... I believe the Hella website has some very good FYI materials (including illustrations) on the differences among lamp categories - what they are, what they're for, what they do, etc.....

E1

I fully understand the basic difference my apologies for the miscommunication. There was a set of fog lamps by Pilot I think and the were listed for off-road use so I wanted to know what was the difference? I will get one with a yellow beam, and it will be for fog/bad weather use. PIA, Hella, and Pilot

dibble9012

If you have not ordered them yet, just get the clear lenses, and get yellow-star bulbs, I think it offers more flexibility, thats my opinion anyways

90vetteman

I'm running PIAA 940 Twin Beams. These offer both true fog lamps and driving lamps in the same housing. The wiring is a snap to install and also comes with dual relays. INHO I think these are well worth the cost. Make sure that you mount them as low as you can so that the fog lamps are at their most effective height. Anything over 12-16" high is best as anything higher and you will just be lighting up the fog and helping to blind yourself.

DavidA

I changed my factory Hella bulbs (clear) for Yellow/amber bulbs and love them in bad weather, they make a huge difference in rain and fog. I strongly recommend what dibble said.

frodin1

I also went ot the amber bulbs and it made a big noticeable differrence.They probably are stating "offroad use only" because of wattage.You don't want be on the receiving end of a pair of KC daylighters,hellas etc.that are intended for off road!I currently have 85watt ambers in my 00'limited.I didnt want anything heavier because of power requirements and blinding other people on the road .Stock is 55watt.

Rick F.

Here's a link for an outfit that I purchased my Hella Yellowstar bulbs from to replace the standard H3 bulbs in my Hella Micro DE's:

http://www.rallylights.com/

The Yellowstars are coated and have a mild red shift.

E1

Installed a set of Pilot PL-203W Fog lamps 4" round white beam. Coldn't find much about them on the net but they seem good? They were around 40$ but I want to see how many rock chips they pick up before I invest in some better ones? Installed using exsiting holes in bumper, and used supplied harness and switch. Took about 1.5 hrs to hook up, and it started raining on me near the end but I had to fininsh. I eyeballed the alighnment with the 25' rule in mind so I will see how they do...