A Jeep Wrangler symbolizes the epitome of an off-road and adventurous lifestyle, and where there is an adventure, there is a need for bright and powerful auxiliary lighting.
Dirt tracks and trails are not lit up, and though the stock headlamps provide a decent amount of illumination, nothing turns night into day like a good off-road light. Any seasoned Jeep owner can tell you that.
So, the question begs which light one should get?
There are enough options on the market to make one’s head spin. And that is putting it lightly. Everyone out there is trying to sell you their products. But let’s just take a step back. You need to get those lights that suit your needs and budget the best. Keep that in mind.
And keeping precisely that in mind, we are now going to go through the best off-road lights for Jeep Wrangler and highlight their features, pros, and cons to ensure you get the best product for yourself.
Table of Contents
- Best Off Road Lights For Jeep Wrangler Reviews
- 1. BLAZER C52CW 6.25” Round Off-Road Lights
- 2. CUTEQUEEN 1800 Lumens Cree LED Spot Lights
- 3. AUTOSAVER88 7” LED Offroad Pod Lights Bar
- 4. NILIGHT 2PCS 1260lm Spot Driving Fog Lights
- 5. Cutequeen 3600 Lumens Cree LED Spot Lights
- 6. KC HiLiTES 151 Apollo Pro 6” Driving Lights
- 7. HELLA 005750941 500FF Driving Lamp Kit
- 8. AUTOSAVER88 5″ Led Pod 4800LM Offroad Fog Driving Lights
- 9. Nilight 40001F-B Bar 2PCS 7” Driving Fog 3600LM Led Lights
- 10. Nilight ZH006 Bar 20” Spot Led Off Road Lights
- What to Look for When Buying Off Road Lights for Jeep Wrangler?
- Other Important Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Off Road Lights For Jeep Wrangler Reviews
1. BLAZER C52CW 6.25” Round Off-Road Lights
Round shaped Jeep off-road lights have been around for a long time and for a good reason. Not only do they enhance the rugged look of the vehicle, but they also provide excellent visibility thanks to their ability to reflect maximum light onto the road ahead.
What I like about them though is their simplicity and the BLAZER is quite a simple light. It installs easily, runs off the 12V supply, and needs only an ON/OFF flick switch to power it up. Moreover, you can easily find it at any grocery store or online shop.
Additionally, made of with a bright quartz halogen material, the lights can be used for not only normal situation but also with fog light bulbs to enhance the light output.
Last but not least, steel gauge housing and stainless steel rims provide that extra safety and maintain product longevity. It comes with the knowledge of the fact that your newly installed lights aren’t going to conk off within no time.
Of course, there are some drawbacks, as with all products but the amount of light is certainly not one. Under certain circumstances, these things can attract surface rust. Not much, but it will be visible, especially if you live in high salt and moisture areas.
Let’s see some more details.
Features
- Weight: 1.94 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 10 inches
- Type of Bulb: Halogen
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 100 W
- Amperage Draw: 8.3 amps
- Beam Pattern: Flood
- Good solid built
- Stainless steel housing and the wire sheath
- Simple installation
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Comparable to much more highly-priced products
- Value for money
- Chance of appearing surface rust – coat them with a can of clear spray paint
- Light only – no extra bits included
Overall, the Blazer C52CW 6.25” Round makes a great light at a great price and if you are looking for just that, you can’t go wrong with it.
2. CUTEQUEEN 1800 Lumens Cree LED Spot Lights
CREE LED light chips are highly favored by tons of users around the world for their superior quality and durability, and unsurprisingly. That’s the reason why the CUTEQUEEN utilizes them and they are favored by a large number of users.
As the name suggests, spotlights narrow their beam down onto the path ahead and assist in focusing on the road instead of illuminating the entire area in front.
What’s more, they do not blind oncoming traffic and can also be used on deserted and unlit highways at night.
Now, these lights come in a set of 4, and the 1800 Lumen they add to the headlamps is suitably sufficient for several scenarios. Also, their control can be configured as per the user’s choice whether to wire them up together or in pairs or individually, it depends.
Moreover, its expressive performance and long working life of 50,000 hrs that forced many customers to leave positive comments and reviews. It is reviewed that CUTEQUEEN CREE LED is bright, reliable and great at working!
Many people use it on their ATVs, skid steers and backhoes or even for something unusual like wiring 2 of them to 12 volt power and then, light them up outside of their houses. You’ll know how durable CUTEQUEEN CREE LED is after leaving it work outside from dusk till dawn, rain or snow.
Not many shortcomings besides the fact, some defective pieces can get water ingress into them. So, make sure to seal yours with a good sealant no matter what. And look for better quality mounting screws available at any hardware store.
Let’ take another look.
Features
- Weight: 1.76 pounds each
- Overall Dimensions: 3.8 x 5.2 x 2.8 inches each
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 10V-30V
- Power Output: 20 W total
- Amperage Draw: 2 amps total
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- Tough glass
- Can withstand abuse
- Easy to install
- Look good
- Stainless steel mounting bracket
- Die-cast aluminum housing
- Cheap with 4pcs of lights
- Low amperage draw means no expensive wiring
- Water ingress or fogginess possible – seal with sealant before installing
- Mounting bolts included not the best quality – visit your hardware store
- No switch or relay harness kit included
Though CUTEQUEEN has its flaws, it nevertheless makes for some decent Jeep Wrangler off-road lights at a reasonable price.
3. AUTOSAVER88 7” LED Offroad Pod Lights Bar
Imitating expensive lights well is not easy but this pair pulls it off with comparative ease. They are sleek, stylish and good looking for such a pure white light product.
Rated at IP68 waterproofing , so almost all of them do keep the water out, and their sleek dimensions free up a lot of installation space.
Dust-proofing is also a bonus feature for this product, which implies its durability to work in different conditions, even the harsh ones. With this item, you can completely get rid of foggy & unclear lenses.
Moreover, they do advertise as spot beams and not as flood but in real life, the lights fall somewhere in between the two. However, that still works out well for a lot of people.
The downside to these lights is their thin coat of paint that leaving them susceptible to stone chips and scars. In the long term, moisture does tend to build up in them, but then it does in pretty much all lights exposed to varying degrees of weather.
Let’s summarize.
Features
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 7 x 9 x 2 inches each
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 56 W total
- Amperage Draw: 5 amps total
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- Sleek and attractive
- Affordable price
- Color option of black or red
- Mounting brackets included
- IP68 rated
- Thinly powder-coated – get that clear coat can out once again
- Switch and relay harness kit not included
Do they put out as much light as the former? Well, they aren’t too far behind when you consider how cheap they are to buy. These lights are middle of the road with their beam pattern and literally. They don’t cost much but look like they do and almost function like common off-road lights as well. Go ahead and grab these without too much worry.
4. NILIGHT 2PCS 1260lm Spot Driving Fog Lights
Another pair of 18 watts LED driving lights and what makes them different from the earlier ones you may ask.
To be honest, not a lot besides the fact that they are slightly brighter and that does help for when you are off road, little details can make a difference.
They are cheaper than most Wrangler average off road lights. Again, not by too much. But if you buy four or five you do save a bit.
Besides, what makes it more preferable than other light beams is Nilight has the mounting bracket that can be adjusted for about 45 degrees. In this manner, we can easily change the light beam direction and get perfect results we wanted.
They are inexpensive, they come as a pair, they can last a year or two, so you won’t mind busting one against a rock when you go off-road. That means you can mount them really low.
Just a drawback that the light is not very bright, but this product is intended to augment the main lamps, not replace them. Plus, these lights still a good choice since they can make great low-slung lights and reverse lights.
In most cases, don’t expect a long life out of them. Especially, if you rough it out a lot. But be sure that you will get decent value for money.
Let’s do the features, pros and cons.
Features
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 4 x 4.3 x 2.6 inches
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 12 W total
- Amperage Draw: 1 amp total
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- Dirt cheap – do what you like with them
- Small-sized – install them anywhere
- IP67 rated – won’t let water in easily
- No powder coating
- Comes with mounting brackets
- Mounts, nuts, bolts will surface rust
- Fogging can result due to temperature fluctuation
- No switch or relay harness kit included
Think about what you want lights for and if you want something not very bright and cheap, then go for these!
5. Cutequeen 3600 Lumens Cree LED Spot Lights
The CUTEQUEEN CREE LED Spotlights put out 36 watts of brightness on to the road.
They have a superior CREE LED chip that lasts a long time and is highly recommended by most users. I found that they brighten up the road pretty well and offer good bang for the buck.
As they put out more light, these work out pretty well with brighter and clearer visibility. And of course, it comes with a price but still affordable. So, if you have space on your Wrangler and want some more off-road Jeep lights, then you can certainly go for these since you will get double.
However, don’t expect precision when it comes to light measurement, and estimates are the norm to stick to.
Yet, there are several drawbacks. With their larger area that offers more wind resistance, so it is better to install them in the front rather than on top unless you wish you hear some wind.
Plus, there can be radio interference along with the odd light not working out well due to not that great quality control.
But those are risks and features associated with buying cheaper aftermarket accessories, and more often than not, they do work out well for most if one manages one’s expectations.
Let’s see some pros and cons below.
Features
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 3 inches each
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 40 W total
- Amperage Draw: 3.3 amps total
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- Good pricing
- Sufficiently bright
- Mounting brackets included
- Will cause noise at high speed
- Possible radio interference
In a nutshell, if you want some significant added brightness without burning a hole through your wallet, then the CUTEQUEEN CREE LED 4x36W kit makes a strong case for itself.
6. KC HiLiTES 151 Apollo Pro 6” Driving Lights
Now we leave the cheaper brands behind and step into the world of expensive lights and big names, and they don’t get bigger than KC.
KC makes all sorts of lights and light bars but the HiLite is one of their best selling products due to its simplicity and practicality.
The name KC is splashed in bold all over the stone guard cover that protects the glass casing from road debris and flying stones. That’s another way to get noticed in case the legendary Jeep grille wasn’t enough.
They might charge you more than twice but they do include a switch, a wiring relay harness, and the stone guard switch that we just mentioned. These people aren’t cutting corners or taking chances.
Besides, the seller gives purchase options in terms of beam style and kit amount. It is more accessible and convenient for buyers to have a suitable choice per their budget & needs.
Having had said that, do not expect miracles for no matter the brand. This particular model has had a few complaints of the mounting kits not doing the job well enough and – believe it or not – lights fogging up. So, make sure you check, re-check and test your install – and that goes for all lights from all brands – or you may end up wasting your money.
Let’s move on to the summary section to get a better idea of the product.
Features
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 6.75 x 6 x 3 inches each
- Type of Bulb: Halogen
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 100 W
- Amperage Draw: 8.3 amps
- Beam Pattern: Optional selection for Spot / Fog / Spread
- Reputed brand
- Stylish stone guard with KC in bold makes it eye-catching
- Comes with a relay harness, switch, mounting brackets
- Good spread pattern
- Mounts susceptible to loosening
- Fogging can occur
- High price
Now, if you are keen on adding KC HiLites to your beloved Wrangler, our suggestion is to do a professional job. And if you remain uncertain, get a professional to do it for you. No one wants an expensive light sagging or worse dangling. Not only does it waste money, but it also very embarrassing.
7. HELLA 005750941 500FF Driving Lamp Kit
When HELLA says kit, they offer all in one purchase. Including two 500FF Series halogen driving lamps, two white protective stone shields with HELLA logo, two H3 12V/55W bulbs, 1 complete plug-and-play wiring harness, 1 illuminated switch, 1 relay, and a step-by-step mounting instructions handbook.
So, in essence, these are two extra headlamps with pretty much the same output as most Wrangler halogen headlights. That makes complete sense because not only can you use them off-road, they can nicely light up a regular road.
If they are installed at the correct angle, so will be no discomfort caused to drivers going the opposite way. Nevertheless, do check whether it’s legal in your place, though.
Their selling price is a key factor that makes it becomes a strong buy, surely. Yes, they are still almost twice as expensive, if not more than so many aftermarket LED lights.
But then they do have German engineering behind them, none cheap lights can boast of. And being HELLA, they probably will outlast most other brands by years.
Yet, the biggest negative about this item is that the mounting brackets are made out of plastic. It seems companies have to cut costs some way so that a little DIY is necessary.
Down below section is to give you a closer look.
Features
- Weight: 4 pounds, total
- Overall Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.4 x 2.6 inches each
- Type of Bulb: Halogen
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power Output: 100 W
- Amperage Draw: 8.3 amps
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- HELLA quality lighting
- Brackets, relay, switch are included
- Nice and bright
- Good spread pattern
- Moderately priced
- Mounts are made of plastic – suggest replacing by some strong mounts.
If you are a person who still values halogens over LEDs and doesn’t mind spending a little more to get quality, then the HELLA 500FF Series Driving Lamp Kit could be the one for you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you about the mounts.
8. AUTOSAVER88 5″ Led Pod 4800LM Offroad Fog Driving Lights
Advertised as “military-style” with a unique hexagonal shape and diagonal aluminum mesh, the AUTOSAVERS88 does look different.
They are 48 watts, but only when combined. But even that does add to the overall light that goes onto the road from my Wrangler and I find driving off road easier.
But they are bright enough and will show you more about where you are going. They are IP68 rated but it is recommended not to exploit too much on it, as case moisture does manage to find a way through. Most often than not, prevention is better than cure and investing in some clear silicone isn’t a bad idea at all.
Added to that is the usual stuff. Take care of the mounting and if the provided mounts feel flimsy – which they might – improvise.
One more look at the AUTOSAVERS88 5’ Led Lights:
Features
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches each
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V / 24 V
- Power Output: 48 W
- Amperage Draw: 4 amps
- Beam Pattern: Spot
- Style and design
- Diagonal grille
- Cheaply priced
- Work from 12 to 24V
- IP68 rated
- Two-color options to choose from – red and black
- Advertised to work from 12 to 60 V – in real life, don’t load them with more than 24 V
- LED Chip quality does not seem very good
In brief, these lights don’t offer much besides looks and if that’s not important to you, then look elsewhere. However, if you are sold on their design, then mount them as high as possible. That way, they will stay dry and possibly last longer. And don’t rely solely on them.
9. Nilight 40001F-B Bar 2PCS 7” Driving Fog 3600LM Led Lights
Sold as a pair and a break off from the other designs that we have seen so far, these lights are shaped as thin and long rectangles for mounting under bumpers to not lower the ground clearance too drastically.
They do provide a respectable amount of light provided one installs 2 pairs and they make for great backing up lights.
After all, the stock reverse lights on a Wrangler are nothing to write home about, and the last thing one needs going reverse in the dark is to get a tire stuck in a ditch.
Unlike many other lights, the mounting brackets for these are strong enough and two different types of mounting brackets are included. Although much cannot be said about their ability to remain moisture-free, so, do try to seal them up best you can in case you end up getting these.
The NILIGHTS 7” are available either in spot beams or in flood beams. However, the flood beams have no cut off point to speak off and will blind oncoming drivers and probably even get you pulled over in case you unwisely happen to use them on a regular street.
Hence, strictly use them only on the dirt track.
Features
- Weight: 3.15 pounds, total
- Overall Dimensions: 9.4 x 3.9 x 3.2 inches each / 9.4 x 1.9 x 3.2 inches each with 2nd mounting option
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V / 24 V
- Power Output: 30 W
- Amperage Draw: 2.5 amps
- Beam Pattern: Flood / Spot
- Available as flood or spot beams
- Available with two mounting options – versatile
- IP67 rated
- Inexpensive
- Strong mounts
- Low amperage draw
- No switch or relay harness
- Susceptible to moisture entry
10. Nilight ZH006 Bar 20” Spot Led Off Road Lights
A light bar with a combination of flood and spot beams often is the best choice when out in the wilderness.
The spots allow you to see what’s down the trail, and the floods provide a view of the sides of the trail. No animals are suddenly running out into your path and colliding with your Wrangler and ruining your day.
The 20” width makes for a good Jeep YJ off-road light as it goes well with its squared looks. As far as its brightness goes, it’s not amazing, but it is sufficiently bright as long as you aren’t trying to take off.
Speed plays a vital role in staying safe and no amount of light can compensate for reckless driving.
It’s rated at 126 watts but that should be taken with a pinch of salt. A 10’ relay harness kit with a switch comes included, but do check out whether that fits your Wrangler in case the battery is on the passenger side.
Swivel this light towards the ground and that won’t just keep other people from scorching their retinas, but it will keep your eyes safe as well by not reflecting all that light into your eyes. Its called backscatter.
Let’s move on to the pros and cons of the Nilight 20” LED light bar.
Features
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Overall Dimensions: 20 x 4.5 x 5 inches each
- Type of Bulb: LED
- Voltage: 12 V / 24 V
- Power Output: 126 W
- Amperage Draw: 11 amps
- Beam Pattern: Combo
- Sturdy built
- Bright
- Die-cast casing
- IP67 rated
- Wiring relay and switch included
- Adjustable angle
- Price
- Mounts not very strong – some adjustments/adaptations needed
- 20 inches is the overall length – not the length of the light
- Radio interference
Considering it is a light bar, the Nilight makes a strong case for itself at its price point even after one takes into account its shortfalls.
What to Look for When Buying Off Road Lights for Jeep Wrangler?
Off-road lights have gotten better, brighter, cheaper. But that does not mean you blindly pick up the cheapest set of lights available or the most expensive ones, come to that. Always know what you want and then consider what to get and how much to spend on it.
Let’s see the following points one must consider when going for off-road lights.
LED Manufacturer
LED chips are the driving force behind LED lights. And the better the chip, the longer the light will last. There’s no arguing that. Chipmakers such as CREE® and OSRAM® are the best in the business and any off-road light using these chips should be a priority.
Product Range
Any decent manufacturer will try and launch a product in all ranges. That shows their commitment and how serious they are about their business. Obviously, the more the products, the more sales they will get.
The Product Package
A good off-road light comes with mounting hardware, relay wiring harness, and an illuminating dash switch.
It shows the thoroughness of the manufacturer, and it also avoids mishaps where the installers use inappropriate wires and cause electrical faults. Even if you don’t end up using the harness kits, it at least shows as to how serious someone is about their product.
Your Jeep Make and Model
Whether you own the latest Wrangler or an older version, always check before ordering. Like any good carpenter who measures twice and cuts once, measure twice and order once.
That way, you not only save time and money but also thwart off disappointments which can lead to lower morales. And no one wants that. Everyone wants you to grab hold of an off-road light that suits you the best and install it correctly!
Types of Lights
The three main types of beam patterns are the Combination beam, Spot beam, and the flood beam. This is for LED lights. Halogens follow a similar nomenclature where they call the spot beams driving lights and flood beams floodlights.
No matter what you choose, LED or halogen, keep in mind the beam pattern that you desire. And if you want something that does both jobs, then go for a combination beam off-road light bar.
The same applies when choosing between an LED or a traditional halogen. Yes, LEDs are much more power-efficient and last longer, but they also blind more.
Furthermore, if you drive your Wrangler in areas of high dust or run, stick with the halogens for they pierce dust, snow, and rain much better. An LED would simply bounce back off the particles and end up in your eyes.
Lumen Output and Wattage
Lumen is the amount of light that comes out and wattage is the amount of power that is drawn to make that happen. It is simple, really, but one has to take into account both.
Of course, in today’s world, there probably exists no light with a heavy wattage draw and poor Lumen output but one should still be aware as to what one is purchasing.
Another point to keep in mind is the fact that several LED lights overstate their wattage on purpose. It’s a marketing gimmick to compare them to the same amount of light given out by a halogen bulb. So, beware and don’t get gulled.
IP Rating
IP stands for Ingress Protection, which rates a product’s susceptibility to the elements such as dust, rain, etc. Higher ratings mean better and more protective housing. Most lights are either IP67 or IP68. Make sure to look for one of those before ordering any products.
Size and Number of Lights You Need
Off-road lights light come as individual lights or bars where several bulbs are clubbed together to form one gigantic source of illumination.
Now, not every situation demands to go for the biggest. As bigger often means more expensive lights and relays and a heavier draw on the battery, which can wear the battery down faster.
Choose where you wish to install the lights and their purpose, and order accordingly.
Warranty and After-Sales Service
Although many manufacturers provide a warranty, the fact is that it remains very difficult to get in touch with most. All these sellers are online and often hold no physical address.
So, do your homework and always go through a major and trusted e-marketing website. They will make the sellers and/or manufacturers accountable and there is no chance of you ending up with something that does not work.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is an Off-Road Light for Jeep?
Off-road lights are powerful auxiliary lights that you install on your Jeep so that you can see better at night when traveling off-road.
Stock headlamps are for streets and highways that are lit. But they often prove insufficient on dirt tracks and forest roads. That’s where off-road lights come in and illuminate the way.
Due to their special properties and beam patterns, off-road lights help with different needs. Also, some of them can cut through rain and dust to help you see what’s down the road.
If you often find yourself taking detours into the wild, you just have to have off-road lights. Not only do they assist with safety, but they also enhance the value of your Jeep by providing a rugged look which appeals to almost everyone.
How does It Work?
There are several places to install an off-road light on your Jeep Wrangler.
If you find yourself struggling for ideas, then just Google search Jeep JK off-road lights or Jeep TJ off-road lights. Then you will find yourself staring at a host of possibilities which include but are not limited to different styles and types of off-road lights and different places of mounting.
Lights can be mounted on the front fender, below the front fender, on the hood, on the top bar facing front, on the top bar facing the rear, on the rear fender, below the rear fender. There are lights and bars to fit almost any and every configuration.
But no matter what style or type you end up choosing, all lights will be controlled by a switch or a set of switches in case of multiple lights from the interior. This set up is just conveniently placed for driver usage.
The power is often taken directly off the battery using special relay wire harnesses that often come with the lights. In case they don’t, you can always buy them separately. Be sure to measure the length and amount of cable you need before ordering.
Who is This for?
Of course, traditionally, off-road lights were mostly used by regular 4×4 Jeeps and other vehicles. However, off late, there has been an upsurge in the number of people using these lights. From sedans to motorcycles to boats, almost everyone is in love with these things.
Every year cars become faster and there are always more cars on the road. Safety has become paramount and though manufacturers have steadily increased the brightness and technology of their headlamps. Still, a lot of users have opted upon a pair of auxiliary lamps to assist them in driving at night.
Boat owners find them extremely useful for purposes such as fishing at night, and for motorcyclists, these lights are heaven-sent, especially when you consider that most bikes only have one headlamp which more often than not is not up to the job.
What are The Different Types of Jeep Off-Road Lights?
The types of off-road lights are categorized as per their light beam pattern. They include spot, flood, fog, combo, driving light, diffusion and scene beam.
- A spotlight is a straightly focused light beam that illuminates the object directly in front of it some distance away. Its beam angle is between 10° and 30°.
- A floodlight just throws out light at the largest angle it can while trying to cover almost everything. Its beam angle is between 40° and 60° and often this light does not travel very far.
- A combo light provides a combination of spotlight and floodlight beams, which makes it the most popular within the off-road community.
- A fog light is installed lower on the vehicle to minimize the reflection of the beam from raindrops, dust particles, snowflakes or fog. Its beam angle ranges between 60° and 100°.
- A diffusion or scene light beam is used to brighten a wider area within a short distance. Its beam angle is often 120° or more, which provides a significant daylight effect.
- A driving light is very often a spotlight with a beam angle of between 30° and 40°. Halogens are the most popular choice as they do not blind oncoming drivers when mounted low and angled towards the ground. They help to avoid bumps and debris on the road at night at high speeds.
If you consider the size, off-road lights come in all sizes and shapes, from as small as 4 inches to as wide as 52 inches. They can either be purchased with a halogen bulb or with LED to suit almost any given purpose on any vehicle.
LED lights offer much more diversity when it comes to spreading patterns and beams, color, and intensity. Consuming far less power than their halogen counterparts, they throw out much more light and don’t get as hot. In spite of all that, halogens refuse to go away, given that on many occasions, halogens remain the better choice.
Advantages and disadvantages of Jeep Wrangler off-road lights
If you still can’t decide whether or not to go for an off-road light, let’s go through the entire process stepwise and arrive at a conclusion.
- Significant increase in visibility
- Simple installation, fool-proof relay harness kits
- Assists the headlamps which can prove insufficient at times
- No more running into a deer
- Can be installed by a professional
- Enhances looks and increases the value of your Jeep Wrangler
- Increases cool factor
- An increased amount of glare if mounted high and/or not angled correctly
- Blinding to other drivers going the other way – never use on busy roads and turn off when you see someone coming down the opposite way.
- Failing to do so might prove extremely dangerous
- A non-aerodynamic installation often leads to wind noises at higher speeds
- Long LED light bars can whistle due to their design of heat dissipation
- Several LED light bars cause radio interference
- Some states require you to cover your off-road lights. Check local regulations.
Now, if you feel that the pros outweigh the cons (and they do in most cases), you should get yourself some off-road lights. And don’t worry too much about the installation.
There are several videos on the internet and if you still remain doubtful, scores of auto shops are willing to do it for a reasonable fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Most Trusted Jeep Off-Road Light Brands?
Some of the most trusted and popular Jeep off-road light brands on the market are Hella, Nilight, KC, Yitamotor, Turbo SII, Black Oak, Rigid, Whelen and Federal Signal, to name a few. The right one for you depends on your needs and how much you are willing to shell out.
Many Jeep owners buy cheap lights and change them out every two years. Their theory is that the way they use them, the expensive brands were going to take a hit and break as well. So, why pay more for them time and again?
Others that install their lights higher up and don’t rough them out, prefer to go for a quality set of lights that last long.
Even if you go for the cheaper lights, you don’t need to worry about installing the wiring harnesses all over again for most harnesses to last a long time.
How to Install and Use?
You will need a few tools and some basic skills and electrical knowledge before you take on the challenge of installing your off-road lights.
What all you will need:
- Lights
- Mounting brackets (come with lights)
- Mounting hardware
- Rubber lining
- Wiring harness
- On/off switch
- Relay
- A spray can of clear coat paint
- Multimeter
- Tools such as screwdrivers, a drill set, sockets and wrenches, electrical tape and connectors, double-sided tape, silicone tube, etc.
Bear in mind that although it is a simple process that needs to take precautions and know what you are doing. The time it takes will depend upon the size and complexity of the job, your mechanical and electrical skill, and experience, and the type of tools that you possess or are able to borrow from any parts store.
Each light or brand will vary slightly in the way they design their products and mounting kits. Also, some manufacturers will have better mounts and for others, you shall have to fidget around and improvise until you achieve a perfect install.
The general steps are:
- Step 1: Unpack the lights and neatly lay them down on a table or workbench along with mounts and bolts
- Step 2: Place the mounts on the surface or fenders to ensure that they will fit and not shake or break loose after a while
- Step 3: Hook up the relay harness to the battery and check with the multimeter
- Step 4: Connect the lights to the harness and try them out in different angles
- Step 5: Once satisfied, turn off the ignition, disconnect the relay harness and start measuring and marking
- Step 6: If holes need to be drilled, then make sure you paint them before installing the lights
- Step 7: Install the mounts and the lights
- Step 8: Hook up the relay harness and check the lights
- Step 9: Adjust the lights and tighten them. Seal the lights with some silicone, ensuring not to cover any vents.
- Step 10: Place the switch in a location easily accessible to the driver
- Step 11: Take your Jeep out for a test to see if all okay. Try hitting as many bumps as you can.
Of course, use common sense and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where to Buy?
Always buy your lights from a store or a retailer that is willing to stand by the products and give you a full refund in case of defective goods.
Amazon is a very good and popular choice. So is eBay. Other outlets such as Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot and good auto stores are also perfect for those wanting to see the product before the purchase.
Alternatively, if you’re a novice when it comes to auto accessories, several stores will do the job for you and you can look and learn as they do.
What is The Warranty?
Manufacturers often provide a year or two of warranty. Some LED lights come with lifetime warranties as well. However, how accessible those warranties are is a grey area. That’s why it is best to stick to good retailers who hold the manufacturers accountable.
How to Care and Maintain?
Caring for and maintaining the lights is a simple and easy process. Calcium, rust, and paint-flaking are the top enemies.
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Detach lights and clean with a damp cloth
- Step 2: Check mounts and respray with paint if necessary
- Step 3: Remove and replace rusting bolts
- Step 4: Disconnect terminal from battery and clean with a toothbrush and electrical terminal cleaner
- Step 5: Check wiring harness and relays for cracks. Replace if necessary.
- Step 6: Dry thoroughly and remount.
- Step 7: Keep lights covered when not in use.
Never wash lights with nozzles pointed directly at them. Letting the water runoff them is fine as most lights have either IP67 or IP68 ratings. Also, avoid getting contacts and wiring wet.
Conclusion
An off-road light is a great boon and if used correctly and properly, can easily be one of the best upgrades that you ever carry out on your Jeep Wrangler. Just make sure to keep all the points that we discussed in mind and always get what is right for you.
Hopefully, the next time you take your Wrangler out, it will be adorned by a pair or two of some choicest and best off-road lights for Jeep Wrangler.