Auxbeam V-Ultra 5-Inch Amber LED Pod Lights: features, specs and who they suit

The Auxbeam V-Ultra Series is a pair of 5-inch round LED pod lights with amber lenses, made for trucks and off-road vehicles. Each light combines a long-reaching spot beam with side shooters and an amber daytime running light ring, controlled from one switch. Here is what the listed figures mean and what to check before mounting a pair.

Lumens, lux and reach

Auxbeam lists 172W of power and 20,400 lumens of output from P8 LEDs and 2835 SMD chips. Lumens measure the total light a lamp produces, while lux measures how much light lands on a surface at a given distance.

The reach figure is given as 1,896 feet (578 m) at 1 lux. One lux is a very low light level, so this number describes the outer edge of the beam rather than how bright the trail looks at that distance. It is still a useful way to compare how far a beam is focused. Most of the useful light for driving falls much closer to the vehicle.

Spot beam plus side shooters

The front of each light uses a deep spotlight cup to push light down the trail. Side shooters on both edges spread light out to the sides, and Auxbeam lists up to 270° of total coverage. The side light helps on tight, twisting trails, where corners and the trail edges matter as much as distance.

The amber lenses give a warm colour, listed at 3000K. Many drivers prefer amber light in dust, fog and snow, because it tends to cause less glare from particles in the air than cool white light.

Three modes and the switch

A switch on the wiring harness selects three modes: the main light with side shooters, the amber DRL on its own, or everything on at once. Auxbeam notes that the switch in recent batches is labelled "DRL", while earlier ones were labelled "ON/OFF", and says both work the same way.

The harness uses DT connectors, with a relay and an inline fuse shown in Auxbeam's wiring diagram. A relay lets the switch control the lights without carrying their full current, which is standard practice for auxiliary lighting.

Housing, sealing and cooling

The housing is aluminium with thick heat sinks, which matter because LEDs lose efficiency and life when they run hot. A breather vent lets pressure equalise as the light heats and cools, which helps limit condensation inside the lens. Auxbeam lists the lights as sealed to IP68, the second number meaning protection against continuous immersion under conditions set by the maker, along with an anti-fog design.

Each light is about 5.0 x 5.5 inches (127 x 139 mm) across the face and 3.1 inches (79.9 mm) deep, according to Auxbeam's diagram.

In the box

The box holds two lights, two black covers, a DT wiring harness, a mounting kit, a user guide and a sticker. Auxbeam lists a 24-month guarantee. The covers snap over the lenses to protect them from scratches when the lights are off.

Who they suit

They suit trucks, SUVs and off-road vehicles used on trails and back roads at night, especially where dust, fog or snow are common and a wide spread of light is useful.

What to check before you buy

• Local rules: rules on auxiliary and off-road lights vary by place, and many restrict their use on public roads or require covers. Check yours.
• Mounting spot: confirm you have a bumper, bracket or pillar mount that fits two 5-inch round lights.
• Wiring: plan the switch location and power connection, and follow the installation guide.
• Beam pattern: decide whether you want a focused spot, a wide spread or both.
• Colour: consider whether amber or white light suits the way you drive.

The short version

• A pair of 5-inch round amber LED off-road lights, model ZD000821-VE.
• Listed at 172W and 20,400 lumens, with a reach of 1,896 ft (578 m) at 1 lux.
• Spot beam plus side shooters for up to 270° of coverage; 3000K amber light and an amber DRL.
• Aluminium housing with heat sinks, a breather vent and IP68 sealing.
• Comes with two covers, a DT harness with switch and a mounting kit.

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