Lighting Up the Night: Our Experience with KC Hilites
When it comes to overlanding and off-road adventures, having the right lighting setup can make or break a trip—especially when the sun sets and the trail keeps going. We've put KC Hilites through everything from sand dunes to mountain trails, and they’ve never let us down. Here’s a breakdown of how we’ve integrated them into our builds and why they’re our go-to lighting solution.
Our KC Hilites Setup
Bronco Raptor Build
-
Roof: 50" Pro Gravity Titan
-
Ditch Lights: 2X FE4 Amber Combo Beam
-
Bumper Light: 30" Flex Bar Race Yellow Spot Beam
-
Chase Spare Tire Light: 2X Flood Amber FE1
-
Rock Lights: Amber Cyclone V2
-
Roof Side Lights: 4X White FE1
-
Fog Lights: 2X FE3 White Combo and SAE FE3
-
Interior & Cargo Lights: Red Cyclone V2
Colorado Build
-
Bumper: 4X FE4 Combo Amber
-
Side Lights: 4X White C2 Flood Lights
-
Chase Bar: Rear Chase Bar
-
Rock Lights: White Cyclone V2s
Why We Choose KC Hilites
Real-World Performance
One of our most memorable night runs was in Anza Borrego, where we were cutting through the canyons with the lighting bouncing off the canyon walls. Having our KC Hilites on a Bluetooth switch (Switch Pros) meant we could easily turn on our lights with our phones to check our surroundings at night. We also love using our rock lights as ambient camp lights, making setup and relaxation much easier after a long day of wheeling.
We’ve taken our KC Hilites into all conditions—mud, rain, snow, deep water crossings, and scorching desert heat. Even when fully submerged, the lights have remained reliable with zero issues in the housings or connections.
Customization and Control
We typically run our own wiring instead of the provided harnesses, allowing us to set up our lighting exactly how we want it. The backlit series of lights is a game-changer, letting us wire all the backlighting to a single terminal so we can run them all at once for a low-output light option when full brightness isn’t needed.
Another major advantage is customization—the Gravity Titan Bar can switch from amber to white with a flick of a switch, giving us the flexibility to cut through dust or light up a wide-open trail. The ability to swap out lenses, covers, and beam patterns makes these lights adaptable for any terrain and driving style.
Lighting Setup Strategy
We like to mix up our light patterns and colors for maximum visibility:
-
Roof: Combo beam for wide coverage
-
Bumper: Spot beam for long-distance vision
-
Ditch Lights: Combo for versatility
-
Rear Lighting: Spot or combo depending on the trail
-
Amber Lights: Positioned low to cut through dust, fog, and snow
-
Chase Lights: Essential for safety when running in groups
With 12 switches on the Bronco Raptor (8 Switch Pros + 6 OEM switches) and 8 on the Colorado, careful planning is key. Sometimes, we combine lights on a switch if there’s enough amperage allowance, but for the most part, we try to keep individual control.
KC Hilites vs. The Competition
We’ve tried other brands, including Baja Designs, but KC Hilites won us over with their brand heritage, high-quality construction, and standout designs. The Flex Era series and Gravity Titan have been game-changers for our night runs, making it feel like daytime even in the darkest environments.
If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, the Flex Bar is a great choice because of its versatility in mounting options. The Flex Era 4s also provide exceptional output if you're limited to A-pillar mounting locations.
Final Thoughts
Lighting setups are all about budget and end goals. Make sure you have enough coverage for the speeds and terrain you’ll be tackling. If you’re serious about night runs, plan out your switches, wire gauges, and amperage needs ahead of time. Whether you're looking for the brightest light bar on the market or subtle ambient lighting for camp, KC Hilites has you covered.
See the full KC Hilites collection at RAD Supply Co!
Leave a comment