Hey there campers and welcome to my post where we will discuss my three best 4×4 LED light bars to light the night with this year. When driving at night in the country or in an off-road situation, there can be a number of hazards that pop up such as pot holes, dips or even wild animals.
And unfortunately many of these hazards are not as easily seen with the stock standard headlights that come on most 4WD vehicles – even on high beam. This is where a good LED light bar can definitely make a difference however as usual there are a number of options out there to choose from.
So as usual to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three good options below. Let’s check them out…
My three recommended 4×4 LED light bars
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Product Image | Product Name / Primary Rating / Price | Primary Button |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
What are 4×4 LED light bars?
LED light bars are a versatile auxiliary lighting option for off-road, 4×4, car, motorcycle, ATV, agriculture and other related vehicles. Made of rows of LED lights, they radiate light outward and are a more robust and convenient option when light quality and reliability are required.
For 4×4 varieties, most are made using premium casings to ensure the LEDs are not damaged by water, sand, and other elements.
Note: in this case we are discussing longer bars of LED lights as opposed to spotlights, which do the same thing, but are generally round or square instead.
What should you be looking for?
Below outlines some factors to consider as you look around for a good LED light bar.
- Type
- Brightness
- Watts
- Beam pattern
- Size
- IP rating
- Additions
Type
In terms of shape, 4WD LED light bars could either be curved or straight.
- Curved: LED light bars with curved shapes distribute light over a larger area. These are an excellent choice for lighting up a broad space however such a shape sacrifices distance as curved light bars do not illuminate as far as straight bars.
- Straight: They provide a high light output that shines straight ahead due to their flat design. These are ideal for spotlights, especially when off-roading, but lack the peripheral lighting abilities of curved options.
Brightness
Lumen is the scientific unit for measuring the quantity and brightness of visible light. The brightness of most lights will typically range from 10,000 to 100,000 lumens depending on the number of LEDs and the size of the LED light bar. In general, a higher lumen light will provide brighter illumination.
LED light bars with high lumens are however generally more expensive so I recommend choosing the light bar that would suit your budget and need.
Watts
As above, Lumens are used to check the brightness whereas Watts are used to measure the light bar’s power. There is a bit to this however in simple terms the higher the wattage, the more power it will need to reach the lumen levels mentioned above.
Hence, a 100Watt light bar will need 100watts of power from the battery to produce the required levels of light. When it comes to LED Light bars, most pundits will recommend a minimum 120 watts for general off-road driving or around 60 – 80 for country roads.
Beam pattern
LED light bars come with different beam patterns as follows:
- Spotlight: The beam pattern is intended to cast as much light as possible.
- Floodlight: The beam pattern is designed to cast light in a broader spectrum.
- Combo beam patterns: The beam pattern combines the feature of a spotlight and floodlight.
- Scene patterns: The light bar is designed to project light more broadly (widely spread) than a floodlight.
- Driving patterns: This beam casts the light slightly further to cover further along the road or track.
Size
LED light bars are typically available in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 52 inches long. Practically speaking, before choosing any model, ensure that it will fit perfectly on your vehicle.
The best way to find the suitable size model for your vehicle is to measure the area you intend to mount the LED bar and then choose the appropriate option from there.
IP rating
Offroad driving involves taking on dusty, cold, damp and occasionally wet situations. Due to this fact, ensure that the light bar you will purchase can withstand the unforgiving nature of offroad driving.
The Ingress Protection (IP) scale measures how durable LED light bars are against the outdoor elements. A higher IP rating ensures that the lighting device will withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains, ice, snow, and dust.
IP scale works by using two numbers following “IP.” The first number refers to the dust resistance, while the second is for the water resistance. The dust resistance here ranges from 0 to 6, with a 6 rating ideal for dust proofing. While water resistance ranges from 0 to 9, 7 or higher is ideal for waterproofing. Hence, a lighting device with a rating less of around IP67 would be perfect for most off-road needs.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Mounting options: Certain LED light bars are attached to the vehicle’s bumper, while others go on its roof. Whatever mounting option you decide to choose, the product must be a perfect fit.
- Beam angle: Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust the rise of the LED light bar. Here, I advise buying light bars that can be turned to a 45-degree angle.
- Number of lights: This is subjective and totally depends on the setup you are trying to create.
FAQ
Are LED lightbars legal?
As always, check with local authorities but un general they are legal as long as they are fitted so that they shine downwards and are centered evenly on the vehicle. In many areas, they must also be installed so that they only operate when the high-beam headlights are in operation and automatically turn off when the high-beam headlights are turned off as well.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Zmoon Signal Row LED Light Bar
This first LED light bar is an entry-level type that provides impressive illumination with a decent number of LED lights and has a standard IP rating. This product is definitely an ideal option for budget buyers. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Zmoon
- IP rating: IP67
- Brightness: 8000 Lumens
- Watts: 80
- Beam patterns: 30° spotlight & 170° floodlight
- Dimensions: 15.39 inches x 2.2 inches x 1.65 inches
- Weight: 12.6 ounces
Other inclusions it has:
- Adjustable bracket
- Heat dissipation system
- 3D optical design
Why have I chosen it?
Despite being a low-cost LED bar, this product provides for an IP67 water resistance rating and aircraft grade aluminium build for added durability. The 80-watt wattage rating is maybe a little low for extreme off-road work however the resulting light output of up to 8000 LM will handle most country roads and light tracks. This is a great option for those looking for some extra light for a good price.
2. Northpole Combo LED Light Bar
This second 4WD LED light bar is a longer option that emits a very bright light. The housing of the LEDs is durable enough to endure the punishment of any off-driving course and it is also extremely straightforward to install. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Northpole
- IP rating: IP67
- Brightness: 10500 Lumens
- Watts: 126
- Beam patterns: 60 degree Flood beam and 30 degree spot beam
- Dimensions: 19.88 inches x 2.55 inches x 3.14 inches
- Weight: 6.29 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Black painted high quality aluminum housing
- Mounting tools
- Eco-friendly
Why have I chosen it?
This light bar is housed inside die-cast aluminum and is intended for off-road use on trucks, SUVs, and ATVs. The product has an IP67 waterproof rating and can brighten your path for up to 30,000 hours. It comes in a complete package: a 12-month warranty with adjustable mounting brackets, shatterproof lenses, and installation hardware. This is a great option for those looking go head a little further off-road in most conditions.
3. Nilight Triple Row Combo LED Light Bar
The last LED light bar comes with durability and versatility to meet your required lighting needs every time you are off-driving. It can provide reliable brightness for up to 50,000 hours and comes with two small LED pod lights as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Nilight
- IP rating: IP67
- Brightness: 6000- 6500K
- Watts: 420
- Beam patterns: Spot, flood, combo beam
- Dimensions: 20.2 inches x 2.6 inches x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 6.49 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Water-resistant fuse holder
- Relay
- Heat dissipation system
Why have I chosen it?
With an IP67 rating, this lighting equipment is dust proof, waterproof, and can withstand corrosion. This LED bar has a large reflective plate on both sides, allowing for multi-angle refraction and the design incorporates a high-quality heat conduction silicone gel and a redesigned aluminum alloy housing, resulting in a superior cooling effect. There is not much that this light cannot handle in any conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.99
|
N/A
|
|
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best 4WD LED light bars that will surely light your path. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
