Understanding and Choosing a Truck Roof Light Bar

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Posted Oct 28, 2024

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Photo Of Graphic Lights
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A truck roof light bar can be a game-changer for off-grid adventures, providing a reliable source of light for camping, hiking, or working in the dark.

The first thing to consider is the type of light bar you need. LED light bars are energy-efficient and long-lasting, but they can be expensive.

For most users, a 20-inch LED light bar is a good starting point, offering a balance between brightness and size.

When choosing a light bar, think about the power source - some come with built-in batteries, while others require an external power source.

Explore further: Maverick Led Light Bar

Installation and Setup

Installing a truck roof light bar is a relatively straightforward process. With some 12 volt wiring experience, you can easily complete the installation with the help of step by step instructions and included hardware.

The Putco Hornet Amber Rooftop LED Lights, for example, come with comprehensive installation guides that make the process even smoother. This is a great feature to have, especially for those who are new to DIY car modifications.

The included hardware is also a major plus, as it saves you time and effort in sourcing the necessary materials.

Install

The roof of a building with a large glass dome
Credit: pexels.com, The roof of a building with a large glass dome

The installation process of these LED lights is relatively straightforward. You'll need some 12-volt wiring experience to get the job done.

Putco provides step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the installation process. These instructions will walk you through every step, from preparation to completion.

The included hardware will come in handy during the installation. Make sure to use the provided hardware to ensure a secure and safe installation.

With some basic electrical knowledge and the right tools, you'll be able to install these LED lights in no time. The key is to follow the instructions carefully and take your time.

Mounting Locations

Mounting locations for roof light bars can vary significantly depending on the vehicle make and model.

For trucks like Tacomas and Raptors, mounting brackets often get mounted into the rain gutter or sill of the vehicle.

Jeeps, on the other hand, typically mount down below the windshield and then rise up along the outer A-pillar for the proper height of the overhead light bar.

Another option, albeit less common, is for mounts to wrap around the truck body and then drill into and mount directly inside of the door frame of the vehicle.

Understanding Roof Light Bars

Credit: youtube.com, An Easy, Reconfigurable Way to Get Wiring to the Roof

The intent behind using roof light bars is to improve your visibility in low-light conditions, allowing you to see obstacles on the road or trail ahead. A spot and flood combo beam is often the best choice for roof light bars, providing both long-distance visibility and a wider beam of light.

Roof light bars are commonly used on trucks for off-road driving, emergency response, and work-site lighting. They provide a brighter, wider beam of light than traditional headlights, making it easier to see obstacles on the road or trail ahead.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a roof light bar:

  • Size: Measure the width of your truck and choose a light bar that is slightly narrower for proper fitment.
  • Brightness: Look for a light bar with a high lumen count to improve visibility in dark conditions.
  • Beam Pattern: Consider a spot and flood combo beam for the best coverage.

Aiming Your

Aiming your roof light bar is surprisingly simple. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Aim it intentionally too high and pointed at the sky/trees.
  2. Slowly aim it lower and lower until it overlaps the beams from your other lights by about 15-30%.

This method works for most vehicles, but there's an exception. If you're driving a UTV/Prerunner or something with a lot of suspension travel and power, you may need to lower the aim of the light bar a bit to ensure you have the light exactly where you need it when accelerating or traveling at your typical speed.

What Are They Used For?

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Roof light bars are commonly used on off-road vehicles for increased visibility in low-light conditions. They're a popular and practical addition to trucks, providing improved visibility and safety in a variety of driving conditions.

Light bars can be used for off-road driving, emergency response, and work-site lighting. They're also used as decorative accessories or to create a custom look.

Roof light bars are especially useful for enhancing long distance vision, making it easier to identify upcoming obstacles that are far off in the distance or approaching quickly.

The intent behind using roof light bars is to provide a brighter, wider beam of light than traditional headlights, making it easier to see obstacles on the road or trail ahead.

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Choosing and Evaluating a Roof Light Bar

Choosing a roof light bar for your truck involves considering a few key factors. Measure the width of your truck and choose a light bar that is slightly narrower for proper fitment.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Things To Know Before Buying A Light Bar

To ensure you have enough light, look for a light bar with a high lumen count. Check the specifications for lumens to get an idea of how bright it is. I've seen some trucks with light bars that are just too bright, but that's a topic for another time.

A combo beam pattern is usually the best choice for a roof light bar. This pattern combines spot and flood optics to provide both distance and horizontal width. In fact, it's the most common beam pattern used in roof light bars.

Choosing a Bar

Measure the width of your truck and choose a light bar that is slightly narrower for proper fitment. This ensures a secure and stable installation.

A high lumen count is crucial for improving visibility in dark conditions. Look for a light bar with a high lumen count to increase your safety on the road.

Consider a spot and flood combo beam for the best coverage. This beam pattern provides both distance and width, making it ideal for most off-road driving situations.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a light bar:

Remember, a light bar with a high lumen count and a spot and flood combo beam will provide the best coverage and visibility.

36" Extreme Stealth LED Combo Beam

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The 36" Extreme Stealth LED Combo Beam is a top-notch option for those seeking a powerful and versatile light bar. From the company's statement, it's clear that they have a strong focus on quality and performance.

Their LED light bars have surpassed those of the most respected players in the industry, setting a high standard for the market. This is evident in the design and functionality of the 36" Extreme Stealth LED Combo Beam.

This light bar is designed to provide both spot and flood lighting, making it suitable for a variety of off-road applications. The company's commitment to quality and performance is reflected in the product's ability to deliver on these promises.

LED Technology and Options

LED light bars are known for their brightness, making them ideal for off-road driving or low visibility areas.

Their energy efficiency is a significant advantage, using significantly less power compared to traditional lighting sources.

LED light bars are also more durable than traditional light sources, suitable for rough terrain and inclement weather.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing an LED light bar:

LED Worth It?

Credit: youtube.com, Top 5 Best and Brightest LED Headlight Bulbs in 2024 - GTR Lighting, Morimoto, SV-4, and Xenon Depot

LED light bars are a game-changer for off-road driving, especially in low visibility areas. Their brightness is unmatched, making them ideal for navigating through rough terrain.

LED light bars are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional lighting sources. This means you can enjoy long-lasting illumination without breaking the bank on your energy bill.

Durability is another key advantage of LED light bars. They can withstand rough terrain and inclement weather, making them a great investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Here are some key benefits to consider:

  • Brightness: Perfect for low visibility areas
  • Energy Efficiency: Saves you money on energy costs
  • Durability: Can withstand rough terrain and inclement weather

Offroad LED Bar

LED light bars are known for their brightness, making them ideal for off-road driving or low visibility areas. They're a game-changer for navigating through dark trails or construction zones.

These light bars are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional lighting sources, which means they'll save you money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint.

Their durability is another major advantage, as they're typically more durable than traditional light sources and can withstand rough terrain and inclement weather.

Credit: youtube.com, Are LED Light Bars and Aux Lights Legal? | Legality of LED Lights Explained

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an LED light bar:

Tom Tate

Lead Writer

Tom Tate is a seasoned writer and editor, with years of experience creating compelling content for online audiences. He has a talent for distilling complex topics into clear and concise language that engages readers on a deep level. In addition to his writing skills, Tom is also an expert in digital marketing and web design.

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