Off-Road Lights & Accessories

Why do you need off-road lights?

Are you a fan of off-roading? Do you like to take your car or truck out on the open road and explore? If so, then you know how important it is to have a good set of off-road lights.

Off-road lights are designed to help you see in low light conditions, and they can be a lifesaver when you're driving in the dark. But with so many different types and brands of off-road lights on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are right for you.

So, what do they do? In fact, off-road lights serve two main purposes. First, they help you see where you're going when it's dark outside. Second, they allow other drivers to see you, which can be important in low-light conditions or when you're driving on a remote road. Finally, if you are not on the pathless trip and ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere, your off-road lights can also help you signal for help.

The importance of the off-road lights for your vehicle cannot be overstated. But why can`t you simply use an ordinary headlight, fog light, or other types of auxiliary lights? After all, they are also designed to help you see in low-light conditions.

The answer is that off-road lights are specifically designed to provide more light than other types of auxiliary lights. They are usually much brighter, and they often have a wider beam pattern. This means that they can illuminate a larger area, which can be helpful when you're driving in the dark or when visibility is limited.

Note, that the brightest off-road light is not necessarily the best option. Yellow and amber lights are more visible in bad weather since, unlike white light frequencies that bounce off of water rather than penetrating it, they allow for superior vision in rain, and fog, and be able to more accurately assess puddles. This means that you can avoid driving into water that may be too deep for your vehicle to cross safely.

So, if you're looking for a good set of off-road lights, make sure to keep these things in mind. And remember, the best off-road lights are the ones that fit your needs and driving style.

Off-Road Lights terminology and definitions

How many lumens do you need for off-road riding?

At around 200 lumens, an average trail rider will be fine; 250-400 is ideal. Some riders can ride offroad at night very fast, but we discovered that anything more than 400 lumens doesn't help us go faster but instead uses up battery life quicker.

Is amber light better for snow?

Off-road amber light is great for fog and snow. It cuts through the haze and illuminates the trail ahead. The issue is that yellow or amber lighting usually isn't as bright as white light and in snowy weather conditions, you want as much light as possible.

Are light mounts effective?

Off-road lights are a great way to improve your visibility while driving on rough terrain. But do they actually work? In fact, there is no conclusive evidence either way. However, many experts believe that light mounts can be quite effective in certain situations like when driving in dense fog or during a dust storm.

Are there different types of off-road lights?

As a pathless trip lover, you are probably wondering what types of off-road lights are available on the market.

The most popular type of off-road light is the LED light bar. LED light bars are long and thin, and they offer a wide beam pattern. They are a great option if you're looking for a lot of light, and they're also very durable.

Another option is the HID light bar. HID light bars are similar to LED light bars, but they use a different type of technology. HID light bars are usually more expensive than LED light bars, but they offer a brighter light output.

If you're looking for something supplementary, consider auxiliary or driving lights. They are used as additional lighting, and they are often mounted on the front or rear of the vehicle. They can be a great option if you're looking for more light, but they're not as bright as light bars.

Next, light mounts and brackets are usually not as popular but are still an option. There are many different types of mounts and brackets available, so you'll need to decide which one is right for you.

But if you're looking for a way to mount your lights without drilling holes in your vehicle, this may be the way to go. Light mounts would be beneficial if you frequently take your vehicle off-road and need a quick way to mount and dismount your lights.

Finally, there are off-road fog lights. You know, they are regularly used when driving in foggy conditions. But they can also be used as off-road lights. Fog lights are usually mounted on the front of the vehicle, and they offer a wide, low beam pattern. This makes them a great option for lighting up the area in front of your vehicle.

Now that you know more about off-road lights, you may be wondering which ones are right for you. So, let`s find it out!

What cars can you put the off-road lights on?

You can put off-road lights on most cars, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs. However, some vehicles are not well-suited for off-road lights because of their design. For example, sports cars typically have low ground clearance and may not be able to accommodate the larger off-road lights.

Similarly, vans and other tall vehicles may also have difficulty fitting off-road lights due to their height. Ultimately, it is best to consult with a professional to see if your car is compatible with off-road lights.

Also, let`s talk a little bit about their usage in the city. Off-road lights are not permitted on roadways (Only off-roads may be illuminated with off-road lights). While on public thoroughfares, off-road lights must be turned off and hidden.

All lighting with a candlepower rating of more than 300 must be aimed so as to avoid striking the roadway more than 75 feet in front of the car. That is because, when off-road lights are used on the road, they can dazzle and temporarily blind other drivers, which creates a safety hazard.

So, in case you use off-road lighting on your SUV and forget to turn them off while driving in the city – be aware that you may get pulled over.

The authorities will most likely issue you a warning, however, if you continue to use your off-road lights in violation of the law, you may be subject to a fine. In some states, the fine for using off-road lights on the road can be quite high, so be very attentive!

Buying guide

After you go on and start inspecting different stores that offer off-road lights, it is essential to know what characteristics to look for while choosing the right product. Here are some factors you should consider before making your purchase:

- Beam pattern – The beam pattern is how the light is distributed in front of the vehicle. There are three main types of beam patterns: spot, flood, and combo. Spot beams have a narrow field of view but provide long-distance visibility. Flood beams have a wide field of view but don't provide as much distance visibility. Combo beams provide both long-distance and wide-field visibility.

- Light output – The light output is measured in lumens, and it indicates how bright the light is. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light will be.

- Light color – The light color is measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the light will be. The higher the Kelvin rating, the cooler the light will be.

- LED or halogen – LED lights are more expensive but have a longer lifespan and use less energy than halogen lights. Halogen lights are less expensive but don't last as long and use more energy than LED lights.

- Mounting style – There are three main types of mounting styles: surface-mounted, flush-mounted, and recessed-mounted. Surface-mounted lights are mounted on top of the vehicle's surface. Flush-mounted lights are mounted flush with the vehicle's surface. Recessed-mounted lights are mounted below the vehicle's surface.

- Material – The most common materials used for off-road lights are plastic and aluminum. Plastic is less expensive but not as durable as aluminum. Aluminum is more expensive but more durable than plastic.

- Waterproof rating – The waterproof rating is how well the light can withstand being submerged in water. The higher the waterproof rating, the better the light will be able to withstand being submerged in water.

Use these tips and you will surely choose the best option for your vehicle! But, wait, there is one more aspect to pay attention to.

How can you install off-road lights?

While some people might say that installing off-road lights is a piece of cake, we would like to disagree. If you have never done it before, the installation process can be quite tricky and time-consuming.

That is why we recommend that you consult with a professional or read the instruction manual carefully before attempting to install off-road lights on your own.

But in case of drivers decided to set up these units alone, here is a brief step-by-step instruction on how to do it smoothly.

Step1. Find a suitable location for the lights.

The first step is to find a suitable location for the lights. Keep in mind that the location should be close to the electrical system of the vehicle and easy to reach.

Step 2. Drill holes for the mounting brackets.

Once you have found a suitable location, the next step is to drill holes for the mounting brackets. Make sure that the holes are big enough to accommodate the screws.

Step 3. Attach the mounting brackets to the vehicle.

After drilling the holes, attach the mounting brackets to the vehicle using screws or bolts.

Step 4. Connect the wires.

The next step is to connect the wires of the light to those of the vehicle's electrical system. Make sure that the connection is tight and secure.

Step 5. Mount the light.

The last step is to mount the light on the bracket. Make sure that the light is securely in place before driving off-road.

If you follow these steps, you will surely be able to install off-road lights on your own!