AuxBeam Vehicle Lighting and Switch Control: What to Buy and How to Set It Up

AuxBeam offers a complete ecosystem for auxiliary lighting and clean power control. Use this guide to choose the right lights, size wiring correctly, and configure a reliable setup for daily driving, trails, job sites, or overland travel.

What AuxBeam Makes

• Light bars (straight/curved; single/dual row)
• LED pods and cubes (spot, flood, combo, fog)
• Fog and driving lights (including selective yellow options)
• Scene and work lights (wide, even illumination)
• Rock lights (single color and RGB)
• Chase and whip lights (rear visibility and identification)
• LED headlight conversion bulbs
• Switch panels (multi-gang), relay modules, fused distribution blocks
• Harnesses, mounts, brackets, lens covers, and accessories

Who This Brand Fits Best

• Overland and trail builds needing zone control and weatherproof wiring.
• Work trucks and vans requiring reliable scene/work lighting with simple serviceability.
• UTV/ATV riders who need compact, high-vibration-resistant lights and quick mounts.
• Daily drivers wanting compliant fog/driving options plus clean installs.

How to Choose Your Lights

Key Specs to Compare

• Lumens vs candela/lux: Lumens = total output; candela/lux indicate usable distance and intensity. For distance, prioritize candela and beam shots.
• Beam distance: Look for a 1 lux distance rating (e.g., 300–600 m) to compare reach.
• Power and current draw: Many bars/pods draw 2–15 A per circuit at 12 V. Confirm before sizing wire and fuses.
• Voltage range: Most auxiliary LEDs run 9–32 V for 12 V/24 V systems.
• Ingress protection: IP67/68 indicates dust-tight and water-resistant/submersible designs.
• Color temperature: 2700–3500 K (selective yellow) aids foul-weather contrast; 5000–6500 K (white) looks crisp in clear air.
• Compliance: For road use, look for markings that indicate relevant standards (e.g., SAE J583 fog, SAE J581 driving). Use non-compliant products off-highway only.

Quick Build Recommendations

Daily Driver + Weekend Trails

• SAE fogs in selective yellow in factory locations
• Compact ditch pods (flood) on A-pillars
• Slim single-row combo bar in grille for minimal wind noise

Overland & Camping

• Combo-beam bar low on bumper or rack for slow trail work
• Rear scene lights for camp setup and reversing
• Rock lights (white or amber) for obstacle spotting and steps

Work & Utility

• High-output scene/work lights on rack sides and rear
• Chase light for roadside visibility
• 6–8 gang switch panel to zone control by task (front, side, rear, underbody)

Wiring and Control Basics

• Switch panels: Commonly offer 6–8 circuits with fused, relay-controlled outputs. Typical per-channel limits are 10–30 A; check your panel’s rating.
• Fuse placement: Place the fuse within 6–12 inches of the battery feed on each circuit or at the distribution block.
• Wire gauge: As a rule of thumb at 12 V—up to 10 A use 16–14 AWG, 10–20 A use 14–12 AWG, 20–30 A use 12–10 AWG; increase gauge for long runs to reduce voltage drop.
• Connectors: Weather-sealed DT/Deutsch-style or equivalent; strain relief and loom reduce failures.
• Grounding: Use clean chassis grounds or a ground bus. Star washers help bite through paint; apply dielectric grease.
• Vehicle electronics: Some vehicles monitor bulbs (CANBUS). For headlight conversions or DRLs, use decoders or resistors when needed to avoid errors or hyperflash.

Installation Checklist

1. Plan circuits and switch labels (front spot, front flood, fog, side, rear, underbody, chase).
2. Measure mounts and confirm bracket compatibility before ordering.
3. Size wire and fuses per current and run length; route away from heat/motion.
4. Drill and mount with thread locker; isolate dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion.
5. Aim lights on level ground at night; set fogs low and wide, bars slightly below horizon.
6. Function test each circuit and wiggle-test harnesses before final loom and tie-down.

Maintenance

• Clean lenses regularly; dust film can cut output dramatically.
• Re-torque mounts every 3–6 months; check for cracks or fatigue.
• Inspect loom for chafe points; replace damaged sections and re-seal connectors.
• Use covers where required by local law and to protect lenses from debris and UV.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Aiming too high, causing glare and reduced ground detail.
• Under-fusing or placing fuses far from the power source.
• Sharing undersized grounds between high-draw circuits.
• Ignoring voltage drop on long roof-rack runs; size up wire.

Legal Use, Courtesy, and Safety

Auxiliary lights can dazzle other drivers if misused. Verify local rules for on-road use, mounting height, color, and covers. Use compliant fog/driving lights when required, and switch off off-road lights around traffic. Responsible use keeps roads and trails safe and open.

FAQ

Are AuxBeam lights street-legal? Some fog and driving models may be offered in compliant versions. Check the product’s markings and your local laws. Use non-compliant bars and pods off-road only.

Do I need a relay if I use a switch panel? Most multi-gang panels include built-in relays and fuses. Add an external relay only if a circuit exceeds the panel’s channel rating.

What wire size should I use? Base it on current and length. Example: a 15 A front bar with a 12–15 ft run generally suits 14 AWG; if mounting on a roof with longer routing, use 12 AWG to minimize voltage drop.

Will LED headlight bulbs work in reflector housings? Use bulbs designed for your housing type and re-aim after install. If the pattern scatters or produces glare, revert to a compliant option.

How do I reduce wind noise from a roof bar? Use wind deflectors, mount behind a fairing or crossbar, and angle the bar slightly to disrupt whistling.

Bottom Line

Start with the lights you’ll use most (fogs and ditch pods), add a combo bar if you need more reach, and manage everything through a labeled switch panel. Size your wiring carefully and aim correctly for bright, courteous, and dependable illumination year-round.