Roof Light Bars Explained! Are They Worth It? | KC Academy
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- In today's academy lesson we are looking into roof light bars, or as we like to call them overhead light bars! Are they worth it? Why should someone buy and install them? Who are they for? And some other stuff you'll have to tune in to see!
If you'd rather read all about it check out the KC Campfire post!
www.kchilites.com/campfire/po...
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Where/how they are mounted
2:48 - Common light bar sizes
3:51 - Why would you use a roof mounted light bar?
7:11 - How to aim the lights
9:20 - What are the limitations of roof mounted light bars?
14:10 - Summary
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This is a great and informative video. Thanks Taylor!
Nice job guys. These KC Academy videos are great. I enjoyed watching that jack rabbit running, lol. I use my lights a lot driving around the backroads in Williams at night. The Rabbits, Elk and Deer are thick in numbers and always in the road. Especially on the back roads and the 180 at night. Seen a couple of porcupine also running around. The 180 is super sketch at night without extra lighting.
I’m glad you said your lights giggle a bit because I thought I mounted my PRO6 light bar wrong cus it has a small amount of wobble. Thanks for the info on the light placement also!
thank for the explanation. i just installed the pro6 gravity overhead led light bar on my jku
Really great video. I started with a set of Flex Era 4 combo for the a pillar of my 22 Bronco we'll see were it goes after that.
I prefer my lights on the bumper! I'm preparing to place a second pair of KC Era 4 lights on the bush bar! The combo lens really projects light far down the road!
I have a 2022 4wd sprinter. No roof rack. What bar do you suggest?
Awesome video buddy… I always get asked, “why so many lights”. I always say “is fully set up for, long range, mid range and close range”. Best of all worlds.
What’s up Adam! Slick rock tomorrow?
@@michaelkirkwood5393 I can’t, I gotta pour some concrete in the Bay Area today 😢
@@Oh_that_1_dude I went up and made it down the waterfall then my fuel pump died… so good thing…. Rain made it kinda fun though.
@@michaelkirkwood5393 Nice!! The rain can definitely make it more challenging.
That Pro6 has the distance and looks for sure. I'll always be a Pro6 fanboi. Loving my FE4s with amber caps as fogs though. The beam pattern on the FE4 is super wide all while throwing a very impressive distance.
Cool video. I’m kinda old school by age and likes. So yeah the light bar you have on display in front of you works for me. My major downfall is 8 individual covers which I’m gonna loose one or more. Plus the off and on aspect. Anyway to make a small motorized shield/cover that can be push button and it raises to allow for the lights to be used. Then when done push the button again and the shield / cover comes down and the lights are again protected from debris and such. Something built into the light bar itself. I prefer the round light design. Thanks for your time.
I’m sold. Been debating this setup for my truck.
I have a 2017 VOLVO XC60 T6 R design and I recently purchased the roof mounted racks so I can mount high powered lights for when we’re working on the farm at night. Any recommendations?
Yes they look cool
can KC custom make a Jeep bracket for the Gravity6 on a JLUR?
I have a hard enough time to see an overhead traffic signal in my Jeep without a light bar in the way
every Jeep owner I've seen that has these KC lights, have the top view of windshield partially blocked by the light bar
if KC could custom make the two brackets a few inches taller, then I would have a unobstructed view it would help
My buddy just bought a chevy 4door Silverado 4x4 with fiberglass wide bed sides and front fenders.. plus a set of 8 kC Highlights..... 38" tires .. he's putting back to stock..
How much should he ask for price wise to sell the light bar with the mounts..?..?
How about some more accessories for the m rack?
Does KC make a set of Roof Top brackets for a 2013 (4th Gen) Ram 2500 for the 8 Light bar?
I don’t have KC’s, but RI’s on my bullbar. They’re great. Can’t compare between the 2 brands obviously.
But, we have trucks that travel along the main road (unlit) we’re idk 200m from the road. At night, the trucks (18 wheelers) with stupid bright lights mounted up top, Wow, the distance and brightness of their lights is crazy. I’d love some roof lights.
Great video. Impressive. tThe bummer is I now know these lights are not for me.
Would like to see more with the Bronco RAPTOR
What is the wind noise like with All those lights?
Whether light bars are legal depends on the state and the situation:
Off-roading
Light bars are often used for off-roading because they provide extra visibility and can help you see obstacles. However, some states consider it dangerous to use light bars on public roads and have made them illegal. Even when off-roading, it's considered polite to turn off your light bars for 15 seconds when another vehicle approaches.
Street driving
In most states, it's illegal to drive on the street with an LED light bar turned on because of how bright they are. Some states also require you to use an LED light cover on the highway to prevent the lights from distracting other drivers.
State laws
Because each state has different rules, it's important to know your state's laws regarding light bars. For example, in North Carolina, it's illegal to drive a motor vehicle on the highway with a light bar lighting device, with some exceptions. In Georgia, on the other hand, it's legal to have light bars installed on your vehicle. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, and excluding vehicles described in subsection (d) of this section, and excluding vehicles listed in G.S. 20-130.1(b), no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the highways of this State while using a light bar lighting device.
Alabama
Off-roading lights limited to two glare-free cowl or fender lamps.
Alabama Legal Information
Alaska
The front of a vehicle is limited to four lights. No part of a high intensity light can strike the road.
Alaska Legal Information
Arizona
Any light greater than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens) must be directed so that no part of the beam strikes the road 75 feet from the vehicle.
Arizona Legal Information
Arkansas
No auxiliary driving lights may be used on pubic roads.
Arkansas Legal Information
California
When on public roadways, off-road lights must be off and covered with an opaque cover.
California Legal Information
Colorado
Auxiliary lights are limited to two, and the beams must be directed to the left side less than 100 feet away from the vehicle.
Colorado Legal Information
Connecticut
No more than four lights on the front of a vehicle. They cannot exceed 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens).
Connecticut Legal Information
Delaware
Allows two spotlights and two headlights. Light bars must be off while on the road.
Delaware Legal Information
D.C.
All lights greater than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens) must be directed so no part of the beam hits 75 feet away from the vehicle.
D.C. Legal Information
Florida
Only four lights are allowed in front of a vehicle, and must adhere to existing light laws.
Florida Legal Information
Georgia
Only one spotlight, not to be aimed at any approaching vehicle. One "auxiliary driving light" is allowed but must be mounted between 16 and 42 inches from the ground.
Georgia Legal Information
Hawaii
Lights are not allowed to exceed 2,400 candlepower (30,168 lumens). Light bars must be turned off on roads.
Hawaii Legal Information
Idaho
If any of the front lights have a light with greater than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens), then only four lights are allowed.
Idaho Legal Information
Illinois
No more than four lights on the front of a vehicle may be lit. All lights must be dimmable and aimed away from other drivers' eyes.
Illinois Legal Information
Indiana
One auxiliary driving lamp is allowed, but must be mounted between 24 and 42 inches from the road's surface.
Indiana Legal Information
Iowa
Any bright light must be directed away from the eyes of other drivers. Only three auxiliary driving lamps are allowed on a vehicle.
Iowa Legal Information
Kansas
All lights must be directed so that no part of the high intensity beam strikes the roadway more than 75 feet out from the vehicle.
Kansas Legal Information
Kentucky
Illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on.
Kentucky Legal Information
Louisiana
Illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on.
Louisiana Legal Information
Maine
No auxiliary light can be brighter than the standard lighting equipment.
Maine Legal Information
Maryland
No more than two auxiliary lamps mounted between 16 and 42 inches above ground level.
Maryland Legal Information
Massachusetts
Illegal to drive with LED light bars turned on. Strict regulations on all aftermarket lighting.
Massachusetts Legal Information
Michigan
No more than four forward facing lights.
Michigan Legal Information
Minnesota
May have up to two auxiliary driving lamps between 16 and 42 inches above a level surface.
Minnesota Legal Information
Mississippi
Two auxiliary driving lamps allowed, but must be mounted between 12 and 42 inches above a level surface.
Mississippi Legal Information
Missouri
Up to three auxiliary driving lamps mounted between 12 and 42 inches above a level surface.
Missouri Legal Information
Montana
Light bars may not be used on public roadways.
Montana Legal Information
Nevada
Two auxiliary lamps mounted between 16 and 42 inches above a level surface.
Nevada Legal Information
New Hampshire
Up to three auxiliary driving lamps mounted between 12 and 42 inches high.
New Hampshire Legal Information
New Jersey
May use a light bar as long as it is low profile and sits lower than the headlights.
New Jersey Legal Information(PDF Download)
New Mexico
One auxiliary driving lamp mounted between 16 and 42 inches above the ground. Must be able to be turned off at least 500 feet from approaching vehicles.
New Mexico Legal Information
New York
While not technically illegal, all auxiliary lights cannot exceed 32 candlepower (402 lumens). There are no light bars made with less than 32 candlepower.
New York Legal Information
North Carolina
Light bars must be off while driving on public roads.
North Carolina Legal Information
North Dakota
No part of the light can hit the ground 75 feet from the vehicle.
North Dakota Legal Information
Ohio
No more than five front-facing lights. No high intensity beam may strike the roadway 75 feet from the vehicle.
Ohio Legal Information
Oklahoma
Off-road lights may not be used on roadways.
Oklahoma Legal Information
Oregon
Off-road lights may only be used off-roads.
Oregon Legal Information
Pennsylvania
Off-road lights must be off and covered while on public roads.
Pennsylvania Legal Information
Rhode Island
All lights with more than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens) must be directed so they don't hit the roadway more than 75 feet in front of the vehicle.
Rhode Island Legal Information
South Carolina
All lights with more than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens) must be directed so they don't hit the roadway more than 75 feet in front of the vehicle.
South Carolina Legal Information
South Dakota
All lights with more than 25 candlepower (314.25 lumens) must be directed so that no part of the beam hits the level surface 50 feet in front of a vehicle.
South Dakota Legal Information
Tennessee
No more than two auxiliary lights allowed, and no portion of the beam may be directed where it can strike oncoming drivers.
Tennessee Legal Information
Texas
Two auxiliary driving lamps are permitted, but must be mounted between 16 and 42 inches above a level surface.
Texas Legal Information
Utah
Any light with greater than 300 candlepower (3,771 lumens) must be directed so that no portion of the beam strikes the roadway.
Utah Legal Information
Vermont
Aftermarket lights must be DOT approved.
Vermont Legal Information
Virginia
Any lights mounted higher than factory headlights must be covered. May have 2 uncovered lights in addition to headlights. Uncovered lights must be set to turn off if brights are turned on.
Virginia Legal Information
Washington
Two auxiliary lights are allowed, but must be mounted between 16 and 42 inches off the ground.
Washington Legal Information
West Virginia
All lamps mounted higher than 42 inches off the ground must be covered.
West Virginia Legal Information
Wisconsin
No more than 4 forward facing lights.
Wisconsin Legal Information
Wyoming
Light bars are not legal on public roadways
Wyoming Legal Information
Be honest, was this copy and pasted from ChatGPT?
I got is bar on my 01 Chevy Tahoe and this bar is worth the money
You know I like my Pro6 light bar ;)
What might be my options for gx470
Any of your pro gravity 6 bars work flr the ram trx?
Informational for sure. Looking at lights like this for my X3 for higher speeds. But I have to say for your everyday truck it’s impossible to combat the windshield glare unless you mount your lights further back (light a roof rack application). Light bars over the windshield never work. Like you said your better off investing money on on bumper and grill instead of overhead. Big money just to look cool.
Unless you wheel at night and want to see how deep the holes are in front
This sounds like somebody who doesn't know why they bought their light bar lolol
@@jf8138 sounds like someone who hasn’t driven at high speed off road after sunset;(
F250 2020 bar recommendations?
Why is KC moving away from the full sized trucks. The M-rack is amazing and not being built for the Raptors as of late...I've been searching for one for my 2018 Raptor...It's a bummer and KC hasn't indicated if they plan on making them again for the full sized trucks....
We have been hard at work prototyping the next iteration of the M-Rack, don't worry its coming! - Jacob
You put lights over the hood of your truck you're going to get a lot of blowback glare.
I know California law requires that anything above your stock headlights be covered when you're on the road
What bracket is holding the bar down on the thumbnail picture? Like I'm looking for a link. Thanks!
Right here! www.kchilites.com/pro6-gravity-led-light-bar-50-ford-bronco-overhead-roof-8-ring-91338.html
🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏
Price??
Thank you for sharing
I got my light bar on my hood up front , in fog ,dusty conditions I aim it downwords. At slow crawling speed I aim it straight up in the air as a marker light so others at a distance. Can see me in the sky.. lol
I purchased the Pro6 for my 2022 Ford Bronco Everglade. This package comes with a factory roof rack. The roof rack doesn’t work with the KC brackets. So, I returned my Pro6 kit. Have you guys at KC looked into this issue?
I’d too have a pro6 on my 2017 raptor
@@kchilites maybe one day I’ll have one for mine!!
👌👌👌
So none for vans?
I bet a KC light bar would look great on both of my Jeeps! 😏
@@kchilites daaaannngggg proof is in the pudding boys! It was said here first! I guess I know where my next pay check is going. I’m just gunna write “attention Jacob, take my money!”
Wish you worked with Australian laws yo have a pass for them to be legal here. Sadly not legal....
I'll bring this up to our PD team and see what it'll take! - Jacob
Hey there, looking for an overhead light bar to mount onto my GOBI Ranger rack, What do you have for that? My vehicle is a 2021 4Runner.
@@kchilites thank you very much, I will look for that.
Can I use it on the road as my high beams?
Legally? No, illegally? Sure!
We don’t recommend it though as since it’s mounted higher than your roofline people are more likely to see your light bar before you see them! Most states will allow bumper lights, or lights level with or below your head lights to be used in conjunction with your high beams! Hope this helps! - Jacob
@@kchilites okay, fair! I just don't have a front bumper, so can't really add lights below :(
When you wil do for hilux
All those lights are only really useful if you can independently aim them. Otherwise you're better off buying just a couple individual lights.
@@kchilites I disagree. Six lights pointing at the same spot doesn't improve coverage. Aiming a couple high keeps light reaching out when the nose of the rig dips down, for example. I'm not talking about turning them 45 degrees or anything. Just spreading the beams a bit while keeping them overlapping.
If anyone have a roof vintage light bar please contact me I will buy asap for k5 blazer 1975
No even cheap ones suck they’re loud and screw up your pillars and yes I’ve had one for 8 years and took it off and 4 years because I had to have the windshield replaced and found all the damage from the bar
I had a roof mounted light bar 1 time.......never again, the glare horrible. Most of your light should be below the hood line
@@kchilites 👍👍🤘🤘
These KC round light bars look better than current led light bar.
Can you send me a free setup for my FJ Cruiser 😆.
Just bought the light bar, my imaginary wife is going to kill me
4th disadvantage is the loss of Gas Mileage..
In my world I see inexpensive to make lights at 8x50=$400 for lights plus an $80 metal bar going for only $2500. Somehow my math is off.
You clearly look at the harbor freight light bars and expect this to be the same price lol. Gtfo why even complain about it if you can’t afford it.
@@Crowd_Killer210 Didn't know Harbor Freight sold light bars. Is that where you bought yours? Oh wait you don't even have one and your all butt hurt.
Let me know when you make light bars,as good as these,for $480.00. I would love to see them.
I use these lights. I have friends who use the cheap lights. You get what you pay for! There’s don’t last, are anywhere near as bright and constantly rattle loose and knock the lights out. And the wiring is garbage too! I and my family have used KC since the 70’s. We’ve never had an issue. Not once! I have this exact light bar along with other Gravity Pro 6’s and other KC lights and they are all amazing! They’ve run is 40 below zero cold to severe snow, to desert heat, to rock crawling to high speed desert running and they don’t come loose, have the lights knock out or stop working, have wiring issues or ever give me any problems. And the customer service at KC is amazing as well!
You cannot be serious. That is like saying a 10 dollar 1w Rayovac flashlight would be the same performance as something 10w or whatever. This is the most noobish thing I have read here lol
Had my light bar for less than a year , water got in and the wires right by the part that screws in ripped off wire and all now I have to wire them in my self and add strong adhesive so they stay put . 4 of the 9 are all doing the same thing so I’ll just reinforce all of them . Cheap material for the price I payed for these “good” lights . Not happy I don’t recommend
Woah definitely not your average experience. I’ve been running my Pro 6 for well over 2 years now and I’ve had no issues with water at all, reach out to our customer service team so we can get that sorted for you!
Where I am usually WAY overpriced and the guy’s that buy them end up never using them and they be come a Bug catcher
Lost me at "fairly well equipped Jeep." Good to hear I don't need these since my Jeep is very well equipped. $2500 for that light bar is stupid, and the wind noise will drive you insane. Plus, he admits the are useless other than they look cool.
Over head lights, look cool facing upward in fog, rain very dusty conditions. .. let's everyone know we're you are.. lol..
Not for 2000$
Is it worth it? Depends whos whos selling them obviously lol.
Lol I see where you're coming from but we try and stay as unbiased as we can when it comes to educational videos! - Jacob
Prison in the hell
Meh looks weak compared to rigid