[baglock1]

The urban legend of potentially melting a grill due to offroad lights being mounted directly behind it has been around for at least 25 years (that's about when I first heard it) and probably longer. However with the typical 5"-6" 55w lights, I think it's probably more likely that you'd melt your map light first.

With that said however, I've got a set of 8" Daystar (currently 55w, may upgrade them to 135w down the road) that I'm considering putting behind the grill. I've verified that they'll fit but as I stood staring at the massive lens sitting directly behind the grill, the old stories started popping back into my head.

I'm not terribly worried about the 55w bulbs, but I'll admit, the 135w have me a little nervous right now. So has anyone ACTUALLY seen evidence of offroad lights overheating a grill, or is this a pure fantasy that has never actually played out?

 

[Silvery13]

What is the benefit of mounting behind the grille instead of in front or even in the grille? Isn't the grille going to cut down on the useful light?

 

[Erki]

I doubt they will melt the grill. Especially if you have atleast a little air movement.

 

[texan_z71]

Im running 55W behind mine right now and it doesnt even get hot, warm but not hot. so im pretty sure you will be fine as long as you leave some space between them.

 

[baglock1]

What is the benefit of mounting behind the grille instead of in front or even in the grille? Isn't the grille going to cut down on the useful light?

Primarily it's just a cleaner look. I've done the huge bumpers with piles of lights on the front. I want something a little cleaner with this one (for now).

I doubt they will melt the grill. Especially if you have at least a little air movement.

My main concern is when stationary. While moving down the road, I agree. There should be plenty of air movement to keep everything cool. However... (see next comment)

Im running 55W behind mine right now and it doesnt even get hot, warm but not hot. so im pretty sure you will be fine as long as you leave some space between them.

With the 8" lights, there isn't that much room. It's probably about 1.5"-2" of spacing, which isn't much for, essentially, a pair of spot lights.

At this point, I think I'm going to mount one and temporarily wire it in. I'll then mount a thermocouple on the grill directly in front of the light and hook up a datelogger to it to see what I'm looking at. Honestly, I think it's going to be the only way to verify this.

 

[retg]

I doubt it, even if running 130W halogen bulbs. I have seen light covers melt with large bulbs, but I have never heard of a grille melting...

 

[Erki]

post back with your info, curious to see what the results are.