Light Bar Length

[Clemitine]

I believe that I would still like it better at the bumper.

It does look nice and sleek the way you have it

Sponsored

 

[Clemitine]

In my case, no. On a major trip, I want the availability of a cargo box. Done my share of minimalist camping, and at 76 I want to bring a few comforts and conveniences. So that means a full-roof rack to mount it on.

Every decision has its compromises, starting with price. Trailrax (+ PackRax) is pricey, but I want full enjoyment in the 5-10 years (hopefully) I have of active living. I like the PakRax, but the wind noise is significant. Also, the full-length "TRMR" TrailRax is essentially a permanent install--you ain't taking the back roof section off, except for a lot of disassembly.
Think of what you expect to do, recreation-wise, but also of more ambitious off-road activities you might grow into later on. Go on group runs, ask other owners and check out their gear, and read the forums on both sites. Keep your head on straight--this can get awfully expensive!

Compromises, decisions, trade-offs. Shop, compare, think, decide. And don't fall into buyer's remorse!

Are a lot of roof racks the same for mounting light bars too? Or are there very specific brackets for each roof rack out there?

 

[Clemitine]

I have the 42” Stage Series from Diode Dynamics

Looks great! Does the roof rack have built in mounts for the light bar?

 

[routhless]

Looks great! Does the roof rack have built in mounts for the light bar?

it has the wind-fairing with a 40” cutout, which I had to widen, and then I just used the racks t-slot nuts in the front most extrusion for the mounts that came with the light bar.

 

[Clemitine]

it has the wind-fairing with a 40” cutout, which I had to widen, and then I just used the racks t-slot nuts in the front most extrusion for the mounts that came with the light bar.

a 40" too small for the look you wanted?

 

[BostonSasquatch]

Are a lot of roof racks the same for mounting light bars too? Or are there very specific brackets for each roof rack out there?

Trailrax works with Heretic Lights on a close basis, so those two product lines are compatible. Others, I can't comment on. Check with companies' websites, or consult with the product service reps. ALso look into hardware fittings, just to be sure. Most of the roof-mount lilghts seem to have a screw-stud on each end, and you would use a bolt or stud from the roof rack to attach. But check these things out ahead of time.

Also pay attention to amp draw for your lights. You have three different amps on your aux switches, each with different wire gauges. So plan it out carefully: don't waste a high-amp aux switch on a low-amp lamp or appliance.

 

[Patrickgault]

Any recommendations on a part number for the KC mirror mount aux lighting?

 

[Nick@ApolloOffroad]

I've got all the manufacturer specs. I was looking for some comparison pictures or video of those two bars specifically. I do appreciate it though and may hit you up when finally settle on one!

I do appreciate it, always happy to help!

Interesting... The current poll leader is a 40 in light bar. Is it a Texas thing to go for the max size? And what about a roof rack? Wouldn't it mean they can't put a roof rack on with a 50" light bar?

I think a lot of it comes down to the aesthetic, price, and fitment. It's all personal preference. For me, I knew we were going to go with Baja Designs for our Bronco build and all of their lights are full length across the vehicle. Aesthetically, I prefer the look of a full length bar. And a longer bar will have more LEDs so there's more output as well.

As far as mounting your setup with a roof rack, it will depend on the mounts in question. For example, DV8 Roof Racks are compatible with both their 40" and 50" light bar mount setups. It's just something you'll have to plan for.

Any recommendations on a part number for the KC mirror mount aux lighting?

I'm not sure exactly which kit you're after, but we do have these available from KC:

Pro6 Kit: Gravity LED Pro6 Wide-40 - 2-Light System - Ditch Light Kits - 21+ Ford Bronco 97160
SlimLite Kit: SlimLite LED - 2-Light System - Ditch Light Kit - for 21+ Ford Bronco 97161
Flex Era 3 Kit: FLEX ERA 3 - 2-Light System - Ditch Light Kits - Combo Beam - 21+ Ford Bronco 97157

Of course, we can also customize a kit for you with the KC mounts and the Flex Era 4 or any other lights you may be looking at. Feel free to send me a message if we can help.

Sponsored