Yes, actually aux lights were part of my original plan. I now think I'm leaning more towards replacement low beams paired with some lights affixed to my Yakima basket or a light bar....which I have yet to purchase. Probably wire whatever I get to come on when high beams do. I too live around some long, dark country roads. Any reccommends for aux lights? Something smaller in size would be preferable.
W.
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I've been quite happy with Hella FF series lights. The FF is supposed to include some better reflector technology that helps make the most of the bulb's output. Mine are Halogen lights, but you might want to get something in the LED or xenon range if budget allows. They'll draw less current, which might be pretty key when the battery is so often experiencing cold temps. Mind you, mine have been fine on colder Quebec nights well north of Ottawa. I'm sure it's not quite the same as NWT, but I've never had problems, and always keep on top of battery maintenance.
I know some guys who have the Xenon FF200, and they're quite small, and very bright. Ebay shows the halogen version for around $150, and the Xenon for $700. The FF700s are bigger, but only around $110 on ebay. Club vendors might do better, but I typically buy locally in Toronto and just use ebay to get a ballpark price.
The nice thing with Aux lights is that you can aim them. I keep them pointed slightly out from straight, to hit the shoulders/ditches. It helps on twisty roads, and lets me spot wildlife. Obviously, when I come across traffic, I can turn them off, so as not to blind anyone.
If you find yourself in traffic with a lot of stones kicked up, the roof mount should be ok, but you can also get clear lexan covers to protect the lenses. I've never bothered, and never had a light broken, but I do leave the stock covers on most of the time. Those DO get cold and hard though, so a clear cover you can leave on all the time might be a good idea - though if they seem really brittle, I leave them on, turn on the lights for a short period to warm them up, and never have had a problem.