How To Choose The Right LED Light Bar For Your Truck

It is common for most truck owners and off-road enthusiasts to make some changes to their vehicles before off-roading. Many of them install different performance-enhancing truck parts that elevate the capabilities and reliability of their trucks when handling harsh terrain. They usually start the upgrades with off-road wheels and tires, suspension, and body protection. However, lighting solutions deserve as much attention as the parts mentioned above.

Going off-road requires a reliable light source to illuminate and spot obstacles easily on the trail at night. Stock headlights are inadequate in this kind of off-road setting when no street lights, lampposts, or even establishments provide extra lighting. This is why you need to consider upgrading or adding new sources of light to your vehicle.

LED light bar is a perfect addition to your vehicle to navigate the challenging terrain at night. It drastically improves visibility so you can easily comprehend and perceive the surroundings of the route you’re taking.

LED lights are all energy-efficient. They can produce a lot of light without generating too much heat using only a small amount of electricity. LED lights became popular because they are cost-effective in the long run due to their lifespan of 50,000 hours compared to halogen lights with only 5,000 hours. You can also use LED light bars to boost your ability to see in bad weather and provide ambient lighting for the outdoor base and campsite.

Choosing The Right LED Light Bar

Automotive markets offer a variety of LED light bars with different features that cater to your needs. It is important to have an idea or a list of features you consider necessary to choose the most appropriate light bar.

Take note that every state has various laws and regulations regarding the usage of LED light bars. Spend some time learning what is and is not allowed before making a purchase. You can ask your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), off-road drivers and enthusiasts, and even your acquaintances with knowledge about the matter. To give you an idea, here are some of the features you need to consider to find the specific LED light bar that you need.

• Size

You need to consider the size of the LED light bar that you’re going to buy. Larger sizes include more bulbs that produce a substantial amount of light. Smaller sizes can still create a significant and satisfying amount of light. Sizes of LED light bars range from 4 inches to 50 inches. But keep in mind, the bigger the size you choose, the higher the price will be.

• Shape

There are only two shapes of LED light bars available. You can only choose between a curved or a straight LED light bar. The difference comes from the appearance and beam pattern. The straight one concentrates the light directly to a single point, illuminating a specific field of view effective in small areas. It is aesthetically compatible with vehicles with square and boxy frames. The curved one disperses the light in a broader range allowing you to see more with a wider field of vision best for illuminating large areas. It is suitable for vehicles with curvature frames and bumpers.

• Rows

You can choose between a single row or a double LED light bar. The double row produces more light, but it is generally more expensive. The single row is a popular choice for those who want to keep a low-profile upgrade but still want an effective source of extra light.

• Beam Pattern

Choosing a beam pattern depends on how wide you want the beam of the light to be. Spot beam pattern is narrow but can reach far distances, ideal for on-road driving. A flood beam pattern can cover a wide area in close proximity and is best for off-roading. The combination beam pattern is the most expensive option that offers both spot and flood beam patterns. KC lights have a variety of options for spot, flood, and combination beam patterns.

• Resistance

LED light bars that offer water, dirt, and wind resistance are essential for off-roading in harsh environments. You should take durability into account to ensure that your light bar will last long. Choose one with a high protection rating and weatherproofing.

• Connector Type

Make sure that you have the appropriate connectors to the light bar that you’re going to choose. You need to know the compatible connector type, adapters, and cable to guarantee that the lights will work properly.

Deciding On Mounting Location

You also need to consider where you are going to mount the LED light bar. Mounting depends on your need and planned usage. To help you decide where to mount the light bar, here are the different locations for truck LED light bar mounts and the benefits of their mounting spot.

• Front Bumper

The front bumper is the usual choice for mounting because this is the location of the points of connection for the wires. Most bumpers already have holes to attach the light bar. You can freely choose the size of the light bar since there are no other components that will get in the way of visibility. The only drawback to this spot is that it has the same direction as your headlight, limiting the range of the light you have while driving. You need to choose a light bar that can disperse a wider range of light to solve this.

• Windshield

The installation of an LED light bar on your truck’s windshield is more complicated than putting it on the bumper. Most drivers install low-profile LED light bars below the windshield, so it won’t get hit by branches and damaged by roll-overs. LED light pods are a good alternative to this setup. They’re shorter and square but can point the lights at distinct angles to help you see your surroundings on both corners. Above the windshield is an excellent spot for better range and angle and it is the only spot where you can mount the largest light bars for maximum visibility. Be sure to have bracket gaskets or clamps to secure the light bar properly. Some of the installations may require drilling.

• Roof

The roof of the truck is another common spot to mount LED light bars. This spot offers the same optimal visibility and illumination as an above the windshield set up. You can use brackets to accommodate the light bar to make it up and off the roof, making the position more usable. Remember not to mount the light bar directly to the top using supplied brackets. You might also need to get a vehicle-specific roof mounting kit and do some drilling for the wiring.

Acquiring the right LED light bar doesn’t always have to be challenging. Picking the light bar that matches your preferences and your vehicle will be easy, as long as you know what you need. You don’t have to limit your off-roading experience during the day. Take the challenge of off-road obstacles at night with the help of an LED light bar.