Exterior Off-Road Lighting - Where to get started

Yes, before you even say it - a lot of off-road trucks treat lighting like “bling.” Something non-functional to level up the aesthetics of your rig, without having to get into heavy duty work. To be clear - they can be, and if that’s what you’re looking for, we’re not judging. But if you’re looking for details on how to get functional off-road lighting that works when you need it, and looks good doing it - look no further. We’ve got the information you’re looking for to make the right choices for your Bronco build.

Great news - thanks to the handy auxiliary switch panel on the new Bronco, integrating aftermarket lights can be a clean and simple install - easy enough to manage in your own garage, without the sacrifice of looking like you, well, installed in your own garage. If you’re looking to add some switches for maximum modular options, check out the new Auxiliary Switch Kit from IAG I-Line - the install is easy, and getting accessible switches to run up to 8 different lighting systems or electrical circuits has never been easier.

Click here for auxiliary lighting options-

Not all lights are legal to operate in all places. Sometimes you have to keep them covered to be within the constraints of the law. These are laws that vary from state to state, and we can’t be responsible if you get in trouble for not handling that responsibly. Know the rules where you are, and stay on the right side of the law. With great lighting comes great responsibility.

View our exterior lighting options here-

In the last few years, the rise of pod lights has quickly outpaced the long-popular light bar, and for a few reasons.

While light bars offer a simple install, at least at face value, they don’t generally have the same versatility as a smaller pod light. You can get really creative with where you choose to mount pods, and we’ve got mounting options at the ready for whatever you can dream up

A good quality light bar like the Baja Designs 2021+ Ford Bronco Roof Light Bar Kit can generally offer a larger field of light than pods, but you may not need that. If you’re regularly blasting through open desert at 80 miles an hour in the dark, you might! Then again, it’s your truck, and your call - if light bars are the look you want - we got you!

There’s one major pitfall that light bar aficionados are familiar with - mounting locations. You need a good bit of real estate to properly mount on your rig, and if you go with a roof mount, adjustment can be finicky and time-consuming. When they’re NOT mounted and adjusted properly, the light will bounce off the good and straight into your eyes, as the driver. If you’ve got a white truck? Good luck with that glare. Proper adjustment is obviously achievable, but it’s not something you’re going to want to run trails with untested.

First things first - sizing. Bigger bar means more lights, and less mounting options. Light bars are generally best mounted in or on a bumper, grille, or roof. Take measurements and just be sure you’re not dreaming too big. After you get the width settled, think about how many rows of LEDs you want. More LEDs, more light - and usually, more money.

Whether you go curved or straight on a lightbar is almost entirely aesthetic, but curved bars may or may not work on a bumper or tucked into a grille, so take that into consideration before you make a choice. If you’re considering a new grille, check with the manufacturer and see if they have specs you need to keep in mind.

For more light bars and mounting options click the SHOP NOW button-

Pod lights can be used in tons of customizable ways, and thanks to that sweet auxiliary panel, you can mix and match a few to meet your needs.

Bumper mounted pod lights can be a great substitute for the same locations you might use a light bar, but they offer added versatility. If you know going in that you want a mix and match of amber and white lighting, this would be a great way to go. You can set them up to operate independently by color, or as a full panel - making them work for you in different scenarios.

Ditch light mounts from DV8 are an excellent way to easily mount exterior lights at the A-Pillar for bringing the light of day to the trails in dark or low-light situations, and they’ll keep the install looking clean and custom.

If you’ve never had a dust light on your rig, they can be a game changer when you’re out wheeling with groups. Even in daylight, a small amber pod like the Baja Designs S2 Pro Series mounted high on the rear of your truck will make sure that the drivers behind you can still see where you’re at - no matter the cloud of dust you’re spinning up behind you.

If you pull a trailer, or just want a little extra light when you’re setting up camp, consider adding some bumper or door-mounted pods. They’re an easy way to make setup more bearable, even when a long day on the trails has you setting up long after dark. Less struggle, more fun. Sounds like a win to us!

Click the SHOP NOW button to see more light pods-