You want killer fog lights? Putco Optic 360 High Power LED Fog Lamps

hathaway65 · July 22, 2014

So the stock fog lights on my 2014 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE are kind of lame. A bit yellow, run very hot and don't add much value with my stock headlights.

So I searched high and low for some replacement bulbs. I stumbled on this site etrailer.com. Super friendly, great site with superb customer service with great prices and picked up a pair of these there: Putco Optic 360 High Power LED Fog Lamp Bulbs - H16 - 360 Degree - White - 1 Pair P250001W

WOW!

These are great. I put them in in like 10 minutes, they fit perfectly and throw unbelievable light. So much that I have to turn them on at night when no one is coming at me or I bet they will be pissed.

I would love to know if anyone else has tried these.

Just for giggles I put my laser heat probe on the lights. The bulbs on the original fogs were at 130 degrees while the new Putco LED's were only 90 degrees.

The front temperature is more warm than with the original ones that run very hot. A nice side effect.

Sorry, I just wish I took pictures of the before and after to post.

Anyone tried these? for $75 bucks they are a good deal and I recommend these and etrailer.com to get them.

Let me know

Luster · July 22, 2014

Is it just the bulb that gets replaced or is it a kit, with ballast, etc.? Same voltage/watts? I'm assuming white light output.

hathaway65 · July 22, 2014

It is just the bulbs. No ballast, nothing to do but un-plug the connection from the back of the bulb, squeeze the two clips and pull out the old bulb. The passengers side is a bear and you may need a flat head screw driver to push in one of the release clips since the space is real tight. Super Bright White

This is what I put in : http://www.etrailer.com/Lights/Putco/P250001W.html

Luster · July 22, 2014

You're right, the factory yellow fog lights don't do much. Post some pics when you get a chance. Definitely interested in these.

GMC-AT · July 22, 2014

Anyone else want to comment? I put in some VLED fog light bulbs in my Sierra.. they are better than stock, but still interested in something better... if these are in fact better...

GMC-AT · July 22, 2014

Are they better than these http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/5202-9009/5202-5k-10-xb.html

that's what I want to know... my guess is probably not.

CoasterCOG · July 22, 2014

These look like the same thing just cheaper. Also a choice of 5k or 6k.

http://www.kbcarstuff.com/5202-H16-9009-XenonDepot-LED-Fog-Light-Bulbs-p/xd-5202-led.htm

Knepp1bj · July 22, 2014

those do look a lot like the ones coastercog posted.

coaster, do you have those?

CoasterCOG · July 22, 2014

those do look a lot like the ones coastercog posted.

coaster, do you have those?

Nope just looked around since the $75/pair seemed high. usually e-trailer is pretty good on prices must be lots of markup from Putco in those.

Jon A · July 22, 2014

and throw unbelievable light. So much that I have to turn them on at night when no one is coming at me or I bet they will be pissed.

Yeah, unfortunately just replacing the bulb with an LED in the stock housing screws up the beam pattern so they're not really fog lights anymore and can blind other drivers. That's why I went with the PIAA LP 530's. They cost a lot more but they're true fog lights and much better than stock. If you just replace the bulb I'd suggest doing the diode mod described in the other section so the fogs only come on with the brights.

GMC-AT · July 22, 2014

Jon,

Did the PIAA mount right up in the factory spot with no modifications? can you explain..

hathaway65 · July 22, 2014

Thanks for all your reply's So if I want a more focused, bright, white light like a fog light and want to replace just my bulb's what are my choices? I don't think I am up for replacing my stock fog lights or augmenting with PIIA LP lights. I can switch my fogs on by pressing my light switch/button on my dash so I can toggle them on and off and use them on dark roads. The extra light is nice. Just like high beams, I turn them off when cars approach.

Anyone else want to weigh in on good fog bulb replacements?

Thanks to all for your feedback and suggestions

Jon A · July 22, 2014

Jon,

Did the PIAA mount right up in the factory spot with no modifications? can you explain..

I made new plastic brackets that hold the light and snap into the factory location and bezels that cover the different size of the light. Pricy but it looks factory.

Stars_Fan · July 22, 2014

Yeah, unfortunately just replacing the bulb with an LED in the stock housing screws up the beam pattern so they're not really fog lights anymore and can blind other drivers. That's why I went with the PIAA LP 530's. They cost a lot more but they're true fog lights and much better than stock. If you just replace the bulb I'd suggest doing the diode mod described in the other section so the fogs only come on with the brights.

Did you put them in place of your existing fogs or on the bumper?

GMC-AT · July 22, 2014

Yes he did.

I would like to see a detailed write up / pictures on how you did this. I just want a good set of fog lights in the factory spot.... especially now we can hack and use with hi beams. Don't want light bars and all that junk.