Ditch light brackets put a pair of small LED pods near the base of the windshield, aimed out toward the sides of the trail. Here are straight answers to the questions owners ask most, from fitment and pod choice to switches and cost, using the Cali Raised LED bracket kits sold at Overland Junction as the reference.
Quick answer: Ditch light brackets are vehicle-specific mounts that bolt near the A-pillar and hold one LED pod per side. For a Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner or Ford Ranger, the simplest route is a matched kit: the 2016-2022 Tacoma low profile ditch light brackets kit at Overland Junction runs $59.99 for brackets only, $159.99 with a pair of pods and $176.99 with pods plus an OEM-style switch.
What are ditch lights?
Ditch lights are auxiliary lights mounted low on each side of the windshield, usually where the hood meets the A-pillar. Instead of pointing straight ahead like a light bar, they are angled outward. Cali Raised LED describes its mounts as placing the lights at roughly a 45 degree angle away from the vehicle, so the beam lands on the edges of the road or trail rather than the center.
The name comes from the shoulder or ditch they light up. On a narrow forest road or a two-track at camp, that side coverage is what many owners are after when they add them.
Which vehicles have ditch light brackets at Overland Junction?
The brackets are cut for specific vehicles, so start with the year range in the listing title. These are the current Cali Raised LED options on Overland Junction that cover the brands overlanders ask us about most:
- Toyota Tacoma 2016-2022: a low profile kit with bracket, pod and switch options.
- Toyota Tacoma 2005-2015: a matching kit for the earlier generation.
- Toyota 4Runner 2010-2022: the 2010-2022 4Runner ditch light brackets kit with the same combo options.
- Ford Ranger 2019-2022: low profile Ford Ranger ditch light brackets, sold as a pair.
- Others: separate listings exist for the Tundra, Lexus GX 460 and Chevy Colorado/Canyon.
We did not find a Subaru ditch light bracket in the current catalog. If you drive an Outback or Crosstrek, ask Overland Junction directly before buying anything universal, and see our guide to rock sliders for Tacoma, 4Runner and Subaru owners for Subaru-specific armor the store does carry.
Will a bracket fit my truck if the years are close?
Do not assume it will. The Ranger and 4Runner bracket listings both state that fitment cannot be guaranteed on anything other than the vehicles named. If your model year sits on the edge of a range, or your truck has an aftermarket hood or windshield trim, contact the store with your exact year and trim before you order. We would rather you spend two minutes on a question than return a bracket.
What comes in a ditch light kit?
The Tacoma and 4Runner kits are built around two choices on the product page:
- Combo deal: brackets only, or brackets with a pair of pods. Pod choices include 3×2 18W white pods, 3×2 18W amber pods and 27W side projecting pods, and the 2016-2022 Tacoma kit adds a 2×2 20W pod option.
- Add OEM switch: yes or no.
The bracket-only listings note that they are sold as a pair, include mounting hardware, and that the wiring harness is included when you buy them with Cali Raised LED pods. Cali Raised LED lists a 2-year warranty on its mounting brackets, and the brackets are powder coated in a black semi-gloss texture.
How much do ditch lights cost?
Prices below were read from Overland Junction on November 8, 2026. Check the product page before you order, since prices can change.
| Option | 2016-2022 Tacoma kit | 2010-2022 4Runner kit |
|---|---|---|
| Brackets only | $59.99 | $59.99 |
| Brackets only + OEM switch | $81.99 | $76.99 |
| Brackets + pair of pods | $159.99 | $159.99 |
| Brackets + pods + OEM switch | $176.99 | $176.99 |
The Ford Ranger 2019-2022 brackets are $59.99 for the pair. If you buy pods separately, the 3×2 18W amber pod lists at $59.99 and the 20W flood compact pod at $54.99, and the compact pod listing notes that lights are sold individually with wiring sold separately. For most Tacoma and 4Runner owners, the combo kit is the cleaner buy because the pods, harness and brackets arrive matched.
Should I pick white, amber or side projecting pods?
This is mostly about how you drive and what you like to look at. Here is what each listing actually states:
- 3×2 18W amber pod: six 3W CREE LEDs, die-cast aluminum housing, PMMA lens, IP67 rating and a 10-30V DC operating range. The lens is clear and the light output is amber.
- 20W flood compact pod: listed at 2,200 lumens with an IP68 rating, 2.75 by 1.75 inches, and a wide flood pattern.
- 27W side projecting pods: sold as a pair and designed to throw light sideways.
Amber is a popular pick for dust, rain and fog, and many owners simply prefer how it looks against the paint. White flood pods spread a broad, bright pattern for camp and slow trail driving. Side projecting pods suit owners who want the widest spread at the edges. None of these is wrong; match the pod to the driving you actually do.
Do I need the OEM-style switch?
You need some way to turn the lights on. The Cali Raised LED Toyota OEM style “DITCH LIGHTS” switch is $16.99 on its own, with amber or blue backlighting, and is made to fit existing factory switch openings for a stock look. The listing is clear that you will need to make the electrical connections yourself, and it pairs with a wiring harness. Adding it to the kit keeps everything matched and avoids a dangling aftermarket rocker switch.
How hard is installation?
The listings describe the brackets as easy to install and point to installation videos for a step by step walk-through. In practice, mounting the brackets is basic hand-tool work, while running wiring and a switch through the firewall takes more time and patience. If you have never wired a 12V accessory, a professional installer or a friend who has done it before will save you an afternoon.
Can I use ditch lights on public roads?
Rules on auxiliary lights differ by state, and many limit off-road lights on public roads. Think of ditch lights as trail and camp lighting, keep them off when there is oncoming traffic, and check your own state’s vehicle code before using them on pavement.
Our recommendation
If you drive a 2016-2022 Tacoma or a 2010-2022 4Runner, the Cali Raised LED ditch light kit at Overland Junction is the straightforward choice: vehicle-specific brackets, your pick of pods, an optional factory-style switch and a 2-year bracket warranty, all on one product page. Ford Ranger owners can start with the bracket pair and add pods. Other lighting brands make ditch light kits too, but this one lets you build the whole setup on a single product page.
FAQ
Are ditch light brackets universal?
No. The brackets are cut for specific vehicles and year ranges. The pods themselves are universal and the bracket listings say they work with just about any LED pod.
Do ditch light brackets come in pairs?
Yes. The Cali Raised LED bracket listings state they are sold as a pair with hardware included.
Is a wiring harness included?
The bracket listings say the harness is included when you buy the brackets with Cali Raised LED pods. Pods bought on their own, such as the 20W compact pod, list wiring as sold separately.
What does a full Tacoma ditch light setup cost?
On November 8, 2026, the 2016-2022 Tacoma kit with a pair of pods and the OEM-style switch was $176.99 at Overland Junction.
Some of the brands mentioned in this article may have a prior working engagement with this publication.
