Roof Light Bar Buying Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts

A roof light bar is a must-have for off-road enthusiasts who want to illuminate their path and enhance their overall driving experience.

For beginners, it's essential to understand that roof light bars come in different sizes, ranging from 20 to 60 inches in length.

If you're planning to install a roof light bar on a smaller vehicle, a 20-30 inch bar is a good starting point.

The choice of size ultimately depends on the vehicle's dimensions and the desired level of illumination.

When selecting a roof light bar, consider the type of LED lights used, as they can significantly impact the bar's brightness and durability.

Look for bars with high-quality LEDs that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

A well-designed roof light bar should be easy to install and require minimal wiring and adjustments.

Off-road vehicle accessories can be really useful for navigating through tough terrain.

A roof light bar is a great example of this, providing extra light to illuminate the path ahead.

For a really great explanation of roof mounted light bars paired with real-world examples of how they’re useful, check out the KC Academy video below.

Roof light bars are mounted onto the roof of your vehicle, just above the windshield. This location is ideal for enhancing your long distance vision.

Typically, the intent behind using these roof light bars is to identify upcoming obstacles that are far off in the distance or approaching quickly if you're traveling at a high rate of speed.

Roof light bars get mounted onto the roof of your vehicle, just above the windshield, to enhance your long distance vision and help identify upcoming obstacles.

These light bars are often referred to as "roof light bars" or "overhead light bars" because they're typically mounted in the area directly over your head and above the windshield.

The intent behind using roof light bars is to provide better visibility, especially when driving at high speeds or in low-light conditions.

Roof light bars can be a great addition to your off-road vehicle, providing both form and function.

They're commonly used in off-road racing and can be a valuable tool for navigating challenging terrain.

The RPM Roof-Mounted Light Bar Set is designed to fit current 1/10th and most 1/8th scale "Short Course"-style bodies, including the Traxxas Slash, Associated SC10, and Losi Strike.

This light set uses a unique hinge-based system that helps reduce impact damage in the event of a roll-over.

The light bar is designed to bolt to the front windshield of the truck, keeping the profile low and in the perfect position to light up the night.

The kit comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware, light canisters, molded parts, and instructions.

The instructions also show how to easily create your own LED light set-up with a few basic electronics skills and some tools.

LED lights are not included with the RPM Roof-Mounted Light Bar Set, but they can be easily added to create a complete light set-up.

Aiming your roof light bar is a straightforward process. Simply turn on your headlights and any other lower mounted, forward-facing lights, then turn on your roof mounted light bar.

To aim the light bar, start by pointing it high at the sky or trees. This will give you a clear reference point for adjusting the aim.

Slowly lower the aim of the light bar until it overlaps the beams from your other lights by about 15-30%. This will ensure a smooth and even light pattern.

If you're driving a UTV, Prerunner, or similar vehicle with a lot of suspension travel and power, you'll want to lower the aim of the light bar a bit lower to account for the vehicle's squatting motion when accelerating.

For most off-roaders, a combo beam pattern is the way to go for a light bar mounted overhead. This type of beam pattern provides the ultimate beam distance in the center of the bar with spot beam optics.

In general, a combo beam pattern offers a more balanced beam with a bit more horizontal width than a light bar with only spot beams. This is because the ends of the bar have a wider, more spread optic.

Most off-roaders can benefit from a combo beam pattern, but trophy trucks and other high-speed off-roading vehicles may opt for custom products with all spot beam optics. However, this is a niche use case that may not result in the best beam pattern for most users.

Spill light is a common issue with overhead light bars, illuminating the hood of the vehicle and sometimes even the dash/interior.

This can be minimized with proper placement of the bar and a refined beam pattern, but it's still something to be aware of.

Wind noise is another downside of overhead light bars, especially those with lesser thought put into their design, which can howl or whistle at highway speeds.

A roof light bar can be a game-changer for any vehicle, providing extra visibility and a stylish touch.

The roof light bar is designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a robust construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

It's available in various lengths, ranging from 48 to 120 inches, to fit different vehicle types and styles.

This roof light bar is made from high-quality materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, which ensure its strength and resistance to corrosion.

The installation process is relatively straightforward, requiring basic tools and a bit of DIY know-how.

The light bar is easy to mount on most vehicles, with a universal mounting system that accommodates different roof types and shapes.

Installing a roof light bar is a relatively straightforward process, especially with the right tools and experience. The Putco Hornet Amber Rooftop LED Lights come with step by step instructions to guide you through the process.

With some 12 volt wiring experience, you'll be able to tackle the installation without any issues. The included hardware is also a big help in making the process smoother.

To keep your roof light bar in top condition, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.

Mounting locations for roof light bars can be quite specific to the vehicle they're going on. For trucks like Tacomas and Raptors, mounts often get attached to the rain gutter or sill of the vehicle.

The type of mount needed will depend on the vehicle's make and model. Jeeps, for example, typically require mounts that attach below the windshield and then rise up along the outer a-pillar.

Some mounts can wrap around the truck body and drill into the door frame for a secure fit. However, this is a less common option.

The installation process is a crucial part of bringing your new lights to life. Putco Hornet Amber Rooftop LED Lights are simple to install with some 12 volt wiring experience.

You'll need to follow the Putco step by step instructions that come with the lights.