2021 GMC 3500 HD Denali - Headlight Output and Upgrade

nutdriver · January 3, 2022

I tried some searches but did not find a past topic that seemed to answer my questions. I am curious about what my options are to increase headlight output on a Denali 3500HD truck. In looking at the GMC sales brochure the listed configuration for my truck states

"HIGH-INTENSITY LED HEADLAMPS" as my current headlight option.

In searching for headlight upgrades that would increase output I found the diodedynamics site that lists this HID bulb upgrade. I talked with their tech and they stated this is not an option for my truck if I have LED bulbs. If not on a Denali, what trucks actually have factory HID bulbs?

https://www.diodedynamics.com/replacement-oem-hid-bulbs-for-2016-2021-gmc-sierra-2500-3500-pair.html

Has anyone found an alternate LED bulb option that would accomplish a goal of increasing light output?

Dunn · January 4, 2022

I believe you have to change out the whole housing unit

GM led lights aren't replaceable......its the whole assembly.....kinda sucks but that's the way they do it

Add extra lights possibly idk

nutdriver · January 4, 2022

39 minutes ago, Dunn said:

I believe you have to change out the whole housing unit

GM led lights aren't replaceable......its the whole assembly.....kinda sucks but that's the way they do it

Add extra lights possibly idk

Thanks Dunn! Yes that does kinda suck. On a positive note I presume the OEM LED bulbs have a long life.

January 5, 2022

Behind the grill will hold up to a 40" double row light bar.
i have a 40” Curved Black Oak in my 2021 and put a 40” Curved Rough Country in my brothers 2021 for his birthday.

Edited January 5, 2022 by Phobby
Comment

Mic_ · January 6, 2022

On 1/5/2022 at 11:32 AM, Phobby said:

Behind the grill will hold up to a 40" double row light bar.
i have a 40” Curved Black Oak in my 2021 and put a 40” Curved Rough Country in my brothers 2021 for his birthday.

any preference between teh two and why?

also any install pics or tips to share?

Mic_ · January 6, 2022

following

It's Tim · January 6, 2022

"Subclinical AMD is the earliest detectable stage of age-related macular degeneration. The first warning sign comes in the form of trouble seeing at night. Many people blame poor night vision (caused by impaired “dark adaptation”) on the normal aging process and don't report the symptom to their doctor."

I see more and more peeps with these excessively bright headlights and really feel sorry for them. Going blind must be horrible.

Edited January 6, 2022 by It's Tim

January 9, 2022

On 1/6/2022 at 1:04 PM, Mic_ said:

any preference between teh two and why?

also any install pics or tips to share?

differences-

Black Oak 40” -expensive, claims 44k lumens, chrome reflector, American, family owned, veteran company, stainless steel hardware.

Rough Country 40”- half the price, 36k lumen claim, black series reflector (brother preferred), all their product come prepackaged from some country(can’t send you a spare part), all mounting hardware etc are aluminum.

Never took photos- truck was stolen.

Which one is better- never put the two beside for comparison. Meant to at night with the drone.

tips- we removed two of the grill shutters where the light bar mounted, they pop out. Also the light bar blocked the gap anyway.

Edited January 9, 2022 by Phobby

January 9, 2022

On 1/6/2022 at 2:22 PM, It's Tim said:

"Subclinical AMD is the earliest detectable stage of age-related macular degeneration. The first warning sign comes in the form of trouble seeing at night. Many people blame poor night vision (caused by impaired “dark adaptation”) on the normal aging process and don't report the symptom to their doctor."

I see more and more peeps with these excessively bright headlights and really feel sorry for them. Going blind must be horrible.

I live in the country and drive in a lot of rural areas. Very bright lights are a lot cheaper than deer, cows, potholes, and debris in the road to my truck. Farther I can see anything like that at night the better. My light bar also triggers with high beams.

nutdriver · January 10, 2022

On 1/6/2022 at 1:22 PM, It's Tim said:

"Subclinical AMD is the earliest detectable stage of age-related macular degeneration. The first warning sign comes in the form of trouble seeing at night. Many people blame poor night vision (caused by impaired “dark adaptation”) on the normal aging process and don't report the symptom to their doctor."

I see more and more peeps with these excessively bright headlights and really feel sorry for them. Going blind must be horrible.

While loss of night vision may be caused by Macular Degeneration it is also something that happens normally with age.

Similar to Phobby, I frequently am driving on back roads with minimal traffic. My interest is not in blinding oncoming traffic but to simply see further down the road to identify road hazards and wandering animals.