IIHS 2019 Ram 1500 Safety Rating - Headlights LED vs. Halogen

[Troop2865]

I know a while back there was some discussion regarding LED headlights versus halogen headlights. I know we all have our preferences, but I wondered if there was any objective testing. A Google search resulted in finding IIHS safety testing of the new 2019 Ram. They test the vehicles in crashes, but also look at things like headlight ability/quality.

When testing the Ram, both halogen and LED, all were given a marginal rating. Some of the rating was due to side illumination and lack of the headlights turning to illuminate around curves in the road. What I found interesting is that the halogen headlights out performed the LED reflective headlights when using low beams. The LED's had a slight advantage when using high beams. Using both low and high beams, the differences were nominal. The LED projector headlights did better than the LED reflective headlights or the halogen headlights on low beam, but did not do as well as them on high beam. I guess the bottom line is there is no silver bullet when it comes to Ram headlights.

Anyway, here is a link to the testing. I find this stuff interesting.

https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/ram/1500-crew-cab-pickup

 

[Jordan2929]

IMO I think there's no comparison to the light output of rams led and halogen. The biggest problem is from the factory they come adjusted much to low, I've adjusted mine up and have absolutely no complaints.

 

[Troop2865]

I adjusted mine up also.....2.5 lift and 35's. They are perfect now.

 

[Horkn]

I read the iihs article and then I read about people's thoughts on the LED headlamps here on the forum. I then dismissed what the iihs report said.

Then last night, on my way home, a new ram, big horn or Laramie, as it wasn't a rebel, and not a longhorn or LTD, pulled out on the highway behind me. The headlights were on low, and it was bright, and cast nice and wide, but didn't blind me either. I'm sure they are just fine.

 

[DeanKing]

IMO I think there's no comparison to the light output of rams led and halogen. The biggest problem is from the factory they come adjusted much to low, I've adjusted mine up and have absolutely no complaints.

I didn’t adjust mine and already deal with a lot of people flashing me because they think my brights are on. Which is ignorant cause you can’t have fog lights and brights on at the same time. Then I go to flash my highs back at them but the auto high beams prevents me from doing that. By then the offending flashing car is past and I am aggravated I could not educate another automotive Ill-informed idiot. Clearly I let stupid things bother me way too much but I digress. I find the LED headlights fine without adjustment.

 

[Horkn]

I didn’t adjust mine and already deal with a lot of people flashing me because they think my brights are on. Which is ignorant cause you can’t have fog lights and brights on at the same time. Then I go to flash my highs back at them but the auto high beams prevents me from doing that. By then the offending flashing car is past and I am aggravated I could not educate another automotive Ill-informed idiot. Clearly I let stupid things bother me way too much but I digress. I find the LED headlights fine without adjustment.

Some vehicles do allow the fog lights to be on when the high beams are on. Right from the factory.
My Audi is that way.

 

[RockJock]

I drove a Limited in the dark just to see the lights in action. I thought they were great.

 

[DeanKing]

Some vehicles do allow the fog lights to be on when the high beams are on. Right from the factory.
My Audi is that way.

I am very surprised by this. I have owned many makes of vehicles that did not allow this. But never owned an Audi. You sure you aren’t referring to the DRLs? Or do you mean you can have both high beams and fog lights by manually pulling the stick back and holding it? Most vehicles I have owned will do that.

 

[Chill72]

I don’t know what they used to get their measurements but LED lights are substantially better than the halogen variants. It isn’t even close.

 

[2019REBEL]

I can get the high beams on my 2014 with foglights too. Just use the "flash to pass" instead of on permanently.

 

[Horkn]

I am very surprised by this. I have owned many makes of vehicles that did not allow this. But never owned an Audi. You sure you aren’t referring to the DRLs? Or do you mean you can have both high beams and fog lights by manually pulling the stick back and holding it? Most vehicles I have owned will do that.

Yes, I'm talking fog lights, not DRL. It will also leave the low beams on with the high beam, and the fog lights.

 

[Ortiz7983]

How do you adjust them?


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[DeanKing]

How do you adjust them?


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This has continued to bug me as something I have never heard of and started googling. Is your Audi an originally sold US model? Were you the original purchaser new?

 

[Neurobit]

This has continued to bug me as something I have never heard of and started googling. Is your Audi an originally sold US model? Were you the original purchaser new?

My MB was also like this. I could have fog lights and highs at the same time.
Anywho. The LEDs on my Limted are the best headlights I’ve had on any vehicle. Period.

 

[Horkn]

This has continued to bug me as something I have never heard of and started googling. Is your Audi an originally sold US model? Were you the original purchaser new?

It's a us model, but very rare 4.2 v8 allroad. Only 800 were made in 2 model years globally.

 

[Dgulia]

I love the reflective LEDs on my Laramie. I think no comparison with halogen there. But I did have to adjust to them as they reflect off the stuff differently. Also once fog lights are turned on you get the sides/ wide light too.

 

[PTRAM]

I have a Big Horn with premium LED Lighting Group and have just driven once in the dark. (retired and don't do a lot of night driving-just had it for two weeks) But I did think the lights were a little low and didn't project the distance I thought they should. When I turn without my fog lights already on, they come on when I am making my turn lighting up the turning area great. I am going in for a tonneau cover install this Friday and will have them check the lights for proper setting. They are a lot better than halogens even the way they are aimed currently. Of course I don't want them aimed too high blinding vehicles coming toward me so maybe they are okay .