The Top Off-Road Lights for Trucks

Summary

• KC Hilites, Baja Designs, and Rugged Ridge are some of the best off-road light brands on the market.
• When choosing an off-road light for your truck, it helps to list your needs, measure the space available, and set your budget.
• Preparing the necessary tools, measuring twice before cutting, and tying up loose ends are useful tips on how to install off-road lights.

An off-road adventure wouldn’t be complete without running into uneven terrain, unpredictable weather, and low-light conditions at least once. While these challenges can sound daunting, the good news is that off-road lighting can make a huge difference. As long as you invest in the right off-road lights, you can safely conquer these obstacles on your next adventure.

Best Off-Road Lights for Your Truck

Here are the best off-road light brands you’ll find on the market today:

KC Hilites

When it comes to off-road truck lighting, you can’t go wrong with a KC Hilites light kit. This top-rated brand sells different types of lights, such as halogen lights and LED lights. You can choose from single-beam lights, LED light bars, and more.

KC Hilites light kits are expertly engineered, easy to install, and offer amazing light output and efficiency.

Baja Designs

Baja Designs has consistently released high-quality lights, so it’s no surprise that it’s among the most recommended brands for off-road lights. You can choose from their catalog of cube pods and light bars.

Baja Designs’ laser lights can throw up to 3.5 times farther than most off-road lights, making them perfect for drivers who need long-distance visibility.

Rugged Ridge

Rugged Ridge light kits are great for off-roaders on a budget. For just $140, you can get a high-quality off-road light kit, complete with wiring and other hardware necessary for installation.

Rugged Ridge also offers lights in different styles, sizes, and bulb types, which all undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand vibration, corrosion, and submersion.

How To Choose the Right Off-Road Light

Choosing the right off-road lights for your car can be hard, especially with so many great options on the market. To help narrow down your choices, here are some factors you should consider:

List Your Needs

Do you need bright lights for off-roading and dimly lit trails, or are you looking for lights to upgrade your truck’s aesthetic? Listing your needs gives you a better idea of what type of off-road light you should get.

Measure the Space Available

Space is often a limiting factor when it comes to choosing your off-road lights. Decide where you’d like to mount the lights, and measure the space available. If you plan on mounting them on the A-pillar, you probably only have space for small ditch lights.

On the other hand, if you want to mount them to your truck’s roof or front bumper, then you can get larger lights, such as an off-road LED light bar.

Set Your Budget

The exact price of off-road lights can vary depending on several factors, such as your vehicle’s year, make, and model. You can find high-quality off-road lights for as low as $140, but some kits can cost around $2,410. Set a budget to avoid overspending. This will also help you narrow down your choices.

Tips on How To Install Off-Road Lights

Installing off-road lights by yourself can get complicated, especially if this is your first time wiring lights. Here are helpful tips to make the entire process easier:

Prepare the Necessary Tools

Preparing everything you need before you begin can save you a lot of time later on. Most off-road light kits come with a wiring kit. This typically includes wiring, relays, switches, fuses, and connectors.

Aside from these items, however, you’ll also need tools such as ratchets, sockets, and a power drill. Zip ties and a measuring tape can also come in handy.

Measure Twice Before Cutting

Plan and measure where the wires will run before cutting them. This will help you make fewer mistakes and give you a better idea of how to install it.

After running all the wires and hooking up the lights, make sure everything works before you start using zipties to tidy up the wiring in case there is a problem.

Disconnect Your Car Battery

Never, ever work on any electrical systems without first disconnecting the battery. This lessens the risks of an electric shock or other accidents while you’re installing your lights.

Tie Up Loose Ends

After successfully wiring your lights, don’t forget to tie up any loose ends. Hanging wires can overheat or get tangled, so keep your eyes peeled for any loose wiring. You can use zip ties to neatly secure them.

Test and Aim Your Lights

Reconnect your battery, and give your lights a go. Park your truck around 20 to 25 feet away from a wall, and adjust the angle of your lights accordingly.

Where To Get Off-Road Lights To Upgrade Your Truck

With a better idea of how to choose and install off-road lights, you’re now more than ready to buy your first off-road lights. The only question that remains is where to shop?

The answer to that is simple: the JC Whitney Performance Hub. Complete with all the best off-road, Jeep, and truck accessories, the JC Whitney Hub is the new one-stop shop for all your off-roading needs. Visit the JC Whitney Performance Hub now to find all the top brands in off-road lights and more.

If you plan on installing your new off-road lights yourself, don’t forget to invest in the right tools as well. Luckily, JC Whitney’s premium tools are designed for your garage. From socket sets to specialty tools, JC Whitney has everything you need to install your new lights and other future projects. Shop at JC Whitney tools today.