With the increasing popularity of new LED light bar technology it seems that almost every second 4wd is being fitted with a light bar these days. A lot of time and thought goes into choosing the right one for a vehicle. The results can look amazing. But what is often an afterthought is the LED light bar mounts and light bar brackets used to secure the bars to a vehicle. In this article we go through the different types of light bar mounts, what to watch out for and some of the laws and regulations on how light bars can be mounted.
TYPES OF LED LIGHT BAR MOUNTS & BRACKETS
Light Bar Roof Mounts
Mounting a light bar on the roof is a popular way of freeing up the space on the bull bar for more traditional 4×4 driving spot lights. Plus you have the benefit of being able to install the largest LED bar that spans the entire width of your vehicle. These days, that’s anything up to a 52 inch light bar.
As far as installation goes, there are both custom or universal light bar mounts available to fit the roof of many different car makes and models. Popular models include brackets for Ford Ranger, Hilux and more.
A lot of modern mounting brackets avoid the need for drilling or other intrusive fasteners and simply involve a few turns of the spanner. If you have a roof rack, there are also options to secure directly to the rack. For example, there are specific rhino rack brackets or kings roof rack light bar mounts.
Bear in mind that the distance between the underside of a roof rack and your vehicle’s roof can vary. We recommend always double checking the measurements prior to purchase and installation, to ensure a correct fit.
Light Bar Bull Bar Mounts
If you have a bull bar or nudge bar, this can be an ideal spot to mount a light bar or two. Clamps are often the best way to go here as the least drilling you have to do, the less prone your bull bar will be to rust or fatigue over time.
You can get these in most popular sizes like 48mm, 50mm (2 inch), 66mm (2.5 inch), 60.3mm and 76mm (3 inch). Not sure of the size of your bull bar? Simply measure the circumference and divide by 3.14 to get the diameter. Most clamps are adjustable within a certain range. Rubber inserts can also be utilized to ensure a correct fitting if needed.
The added benefit of these brackets is that they can also be used to mount spot lights, work lights and UHF antennas.
Number Plate Light Bar Mounts
If you thought light bars and spotlights were only for the 4×4 community then you would be wrong. For a sleeker, cleaner look, many regular on road vehicles can be fitted with a light bar or spot light using a number plate light bar mount. No drilling required, these universal mounts are simply fastened using your existing number plate holes.
The STEDI number plate light bar mount is compatible with a wide range of light options, including the STEDI ST3301 18.6 inch, ST3303 16.5 inch, ST4K 22 inch double row and the STEDI ST2K curved 21.5 inch light bars.
Light Bar Windscreen Mount
When you don’t have a roof rack, another option may be a light bar windscreen mount. These brackets often fit between the factory roof rails or are secured to the front pillar door jam.
They sit in close proximity to the windscreen without causing glare or unwanted reflection.
An example would be the STEDI Ford Ranger Light Bar Mount.
Light Bar Behind Grill
Thinking of going under cover? Then a light bar hidden in or behind the grill can add that extra sleek look. Just be sure to maintain adequate clearance and aim to minimize the disruption of air flow. STEDI’s Ford Ranger lower grille light bar mounting bracket is a great example of perfect aftermarket design that complements the OEM look.
MATERIALS – BEWARE OF CHEAP LED LIGHT BAR BRACKETS
When it comes to choosing the right LED light bar brackets its also important to keep in mind the construction and the type of material they are made out of. As you take on the rugged outdoors, the last thing you want is for off road vibrations to slowly fatigue and break your mounting brackets. The quality of your bracket can be all that stands between your expensive light bar staying secure or being strewn across the roadside in pieces.
The most common materials used in light bar mounts include:
Steel
A more expensive option, but one able to withstand rust and everything the open road can throw at it over the long run. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the steel, the better. The industry averages 1-4mm. Most of our STEDI brackets are in the 3-4mm range and powder coated, providing excellent quality, aesthetics and durability.
Die Cast Aluminium
Resistant to rust and light weight. Brackets made from aluminium are often cheaper, but they are fairly brittle which makes them prone to breakage over time. They are perfectly fine for lightweight applications with less load to bear, but for bigger light bars they are not ideal.
Plastic
Often prone to fatigue and UV damage, plastic is not the most durable of materials to make a light bar mount out of. They are also prone to being more flexible so they can cause lights to bounce around more than other bracket materials.
THE NUTS & BOLTS OF IT ALL
Not only do you need to look at the material the bracket is made out of, but it’s also important to look at the design and construction of the nuts and bolts securing those brackets in place.
Bear in mind that these can also be prone to rust. But they can also be prone to unfastening with vibration. For extra insurance, you can apply adhesives like loctite 243 to prevent them coming undone and to reduce corrosion.
MOUNTING OTHER ACCESSORIES
As mentioned earlier, when choosing a light bar and LED light bar mounts and brackets, it’s important to consider any other accessories you wish to install at the same time. A number of these mounts can also be used to secure UHF antennas, work lights and other equipment to your vehicle as well.
ANTI-THEFT KITS
Harsh conditions, rust, vibration and rugged terrain can do their best to unhinge your led lighting. The other thing you need to stop your gear going walk about is a good light bar anti-theft kit.
These kits often have keyed nuts and bolts that require the corresponding tool to unlock and remove. These kits are a cheap way of protecting your expensive investment.
LIGHT BAR MOUNTING REGULATIONS
That’s all well and good. You have a big rig fully planned out with the latest high power light bars and great quality mounting brackets. But is your setup legal?
Laws and regulations vary from state to state in Australia, so it pays to check with your local government regarding the latest, up to date requirements.
In general, the regulations are aimed at ensuring the installation of light bars:
- minimises the likelihood of injury to a person making contact with the vehicle in the event of a crash;
- does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road;
- does not result in light emitted causing discomfort to the driver either directly or via reflected surfaces of the vehicle;
- remain switched off when high beams are not in operation; and
- is such that the light bar turns off automatically when high beams are dimmed.
In Western Australia, the use of light bars and their regulations are outlined by the vehicle safety and standards information bulletin IB-132C.
They include, but are not limited to, additional regulations such as:
- driving lights must emit white light only (excluding fog lights)
- a max of four additional lights can be fitted.
- when fitted at the front of the vehicle, the light bar must not protrude above the level of the bonnet.
- led light bar mounts must not present a risk to a pedestrian and be mounted in a way that does not protrude.
- light bars must be installed horizontally.
- all additional lights must be facing forward (search or work lights can be fitted in any location)
- must be operated in conjunction with the vehicles main lights and cannot be operated separately.
- not obstruct other vehicle lights or indicators
- must be mounted symmetrically and not off to one side.
If in doubt contact your local government or local authorised auto electrician.
WARRANTIES
The other thing to bear in mind is that warranties for certain led light bars can be voided by the use of substandard led light bar mounts. Nudge bars and bull bars can sometimes also have warranties stipulating certain weight limits for aftermarket attachments.
Light bars a great way of adding functionality and aftermarket asthetics to your vehicle. When fitting them just be sure to purchase a good quality brand, with good quality LED light bar mounts and brackets, with durable nuts and bolts.
For all round great quality quality light bars and light bar mounts, we recommend STEDI products. AutoElecOz are authorised STEDI stockists and fitters in Perth. You can view the full range in our showroom at U5/115 Howe St, Osborne Park WA.
