How to Install a Light Bar on Roof of Your Vehicle

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Posted Nov 15, 2024

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First, make sure you have a compatible roof rack system, as mentioned in the "Choosing the Right Roof Rack" section. This will ensure a secure and stable base for your light bar.

Measure your roof's dimensions to determine the correct size of the light bar and mounting hardware. As explained in the "Measuring Your Roof" section, this is crucial for a proper fit.

Choose a light bar with a sturdy mounting system, such as a clamp or bolt-on design, to withstand the elements and rough handling.

See what others are reading: Tacoma Roof Rack Light Bar

Installation

The installation of a light bar on your roof can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and knowledge, it's definitely doable.

Every light bar installation is different, as it depends on the vehicle and the type of roll bar you have. Vision X includes brackets in their kit to give you different mounting options, which should cater to most applications.

You'll want to consider the amount of wiring you'll need, as this can vary depending on where you mount the bar. Vision X's rubber vibration isolators can help reduce the amount of shake the bar creates when on the road and in the wind.

If this caught your attention, see: Steel Roof Ridge Cap Installation

Parts

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Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant tiki cocktails with bokeh lights in a cozy bar. Perfect for festive gatherings and exotic drinks.

For the "Parts" section of your installation project, you'll want to gather the necessary components. The 52″ 300W Spot and Flood Combo Light Bar is a crucial part of this setup, priced at $44.99.

You'll also need a reliable power source, which can be achieved with the SPDT 12V Relay, costing $14. This will allow you to control the lights with ease.

A 4″ Flood Light is another essential item, priced at $16.52. This will provide the necessary illumination for your installation.

In addition to these components, you'll need some wiring and connectors. The Ancor Marine Grade Duplex Wire 10 AWG Flat is a good choice, priced at $86.95. This will ensure a secure and reliable connection.

Here's a list of the necessary parts:

  • 52″ 300W Spot and Flood Combo Light Bar – $44.99
  • SPDT 12V Relay – $14
  • 4″ Flood Light – $16.52
  • Ancor Marine Grade Duplex Wire 10 AWG Flat – $86.95

Installation

Every light bar installation is unique, requiring different roll bars from various manufacturers and varying mounting options.

Vision X includes brackets in their kits for different mounting options to cater to most applications.

Red Neon Light Decor
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Rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce shake from the bar on the road and in the wind.

These vibration insulators are positioned for total adjustability.

Black brackets can be mounted to either end of the light bar with two bolts, allowing for up and down adjustment.

Professionals often install our entire catalog, so if you need help, inquire about a wholesale account.

You'll need to consider the amount of wiring required, depending on where you mount the bar.

Before drilling holes for the light bar, mark the spots with a center punch for accuracy.

Drill carefully, and use a shop van to vacuum metal filings while drilling to avoid a mess.

Running the wiring outside of the rack makes it easier to access in the future.

Marine-grade 10 AWG duplex wire inside black wire loom is a good choice for wiring.

To seal the wire entry area, use a generous amount of Dicor Lap Sealant to ensure it's water-tight.

Relays can be used to wire the lights to upfitter switches, even if they don't use much power.

A fresh viewpoint: Gauge Wire

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Wiring lights to the house power system allows you to use them while camping without draining the vehicle batteries.

If the lights draw more power than the upfitter switches support, use relays to connect them.

A GMC specification mounting bracket can be used for a specific application.

Spacers can be added to raise the bar's height to shine over the top of the truck.

Use washers and a 10mm nut to hold the light bar and bracket together.

Don't fully tighten the nut until you've adjusted the light to your ideal position.

Adjust the light by turning the screw on either side of the bar with an Allen key.

Switch Installation

To install the switch, you'll need to decide which wire to use. We chose to use the red wire from the high beam wiring.

First, test the wires with a voltmeter to ensure you're not splicing wires that don't need to be spliced. This is crucial to avoid any electrical issues.

See what others are reading: Wire Lights

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You'll need to cut the white plastic connector from the main wire. This is a necessary step to prepare the wire for soldering.

The Vision X switch can be unplugged from the button at the connector, so you won't need to cut any wires at this point.

After soldering your wires, use zip-ties to secure them in place.

For your interest: Run Wires

Vehicle Setup

Vehicle Setup is a crucial step in installing a light bar on your roof. Every vehicle is different, so be prepared to adapt.

To mount the light bar bracket, you may need additional spacers if your roofline is high, like ours was. We utilized another set of spacers to mount our light bar bracket to the roll bar.

Make sure to measure your vehicle's roll bar to ensure a secure fit. This will prevent any damage or slippage during the installation process.

Joel Sims

Lead Writer

Joel Sims is a passionate writer who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He has been writing for several years and has covered various topics, including technology, lifestyle, and health. Joel's writing style is engaging, informative, and easy to understand.