Roof Racks - To Lightbar or Not to Lightbar?

So I'm hoping to see some sales on some roof racks this Black Friday and was seeing some general opinions. I was initially going to go with a full height fairing. Then I thought that it might be nice to run a lightbar at some point. So wondering:
Those that went with the lightbar, do you regret doing it?
Those that went without regret not getting a lightbar?
Does the lightbar create a noticeable difference in wind noise vs no lightbar?

 

Roof mounted light bars are shit. You’re just going to reflect light off of rain/fog/dirt right into your face.

 

I replaced my factory rack with a full-length Prinsu rack. Went with the cut-out wind faring and a low-profile 42” light bar and am super-happy with it.

The Prinsu rack (and others like it) is very low profile. There’s no noticeable mileage penalty and the wind noise is minimal—WAY quieter than the factory rack with the Yakima Mega Warrior basket I had attached. And it’s so more functional.

With the low profile light bar there is some wind noise through the moon roof at speeds above 70 mph but this is easily remedied by sliding the cover closed. It’s not a big deal.

Grill-mounted light bars are nice, but I wasn’t interested in tearing apart the entire front end of my truck to install one. And my experience with after market steel bumpers and bumper-mounted lights has not been good for longevity in the salt-bathed roads of Northern Michigan.

YMMV

 

I would get a fairing for sure. I ran a Thule MOAB basket without a fairing for a few weeks and it was like driving around in a 1950's tornado movie.

If I were to get a roof mounted bar, I'd want to mount it to a hinge so I could hide it behind the fairing when not in use.

If you do go with a light bar, I'd recommend a spot beam pattern.

FWIW, I have a 20" Rigid SR in my bumper, and I believe it's sufficient for most use.

What kind of lights were you using? I have a few seasons on my Rigid SR and no issues yet.

 

If you’re not going to get a very narrow beam and high powered bar, don’t put it on the roof.

 

I was looking at the CRESTONE X6S PACKAGE:

https://sherpaequipmentco.com/collections/4runner/products/crestone?variant=38073095356606

 

This does not belong on your roof.

• 5w CREE LEDs - 210W total
• Versatile Amber and White Lighting with Combo Beam Pattern

 

in because it has an amber/white lights together? Saw in a youtube video that they could wire the colors independent.

 

It’s because it’s a low quality light bar with a flood pattern. You likely will see LESS at night with it on then with it off because it’s going to throw so much light at your hood. It’ll be like trying to drive while staring into a flashlight.

 

Just my past experience with a set of Old Skool KC Hi-Lite driving lights and an inexpensive 20” LED bar mounted on the bull bar of a Jeep. The connections and housings corroded terribly (as did the steel bumper).

 

My light bar is a combo pattern with a center spot and outer floods (the floods work so well that I’m going to replace my ditch lights with a set of IR spots ). Properly aimed, it is very effective at turning night trails and backcountry roads into day. If I were running the Baja 500 I would certainly buy something better, but this one fit my needs and my budget—and I had $$ left over to fund my firearm and bourbon addictions.

https://caliraisedled.com/products/42-slim-single-row-led-bar

YMMV

 

I can definitely see how that would happen. My bumper has been through 2 winters and it's definitely due for some TLC. I suppose I should take a closer look at the light bar to make sure it's not rusting on the backside.

Sounds like a good combo. I have a spot pattern on my bar, and a driving pattern on my ditch lights, and it's similar to what you describe. I love having such great lighting for nighttime shenanigans!

 

Don't do it. I did and took the entire rack off after I did. Just no practical purpose unless you are mall crawling and want to look Kewl.

 

Don't do the rack? Or the light bar?

 

Either......Get a good back or front bumper or put that money into suspension.

 

A lot of us actually use our roof racks/baskets. What is a bumper going to accomplish if you're looking for more storage?

Edit:. And, I use my light bar and pods regularly.

 

Just depends on if it'll be used or not really. If it's something nice to have, but no trailing, then put in into something else. If you will for sure use it, then get it.

 

I agree! I have made use of everything I have added, with the exception of the ladder, which is why the ladder is hanging in my garage collecting dust.

 

how is there no practical use for a roof rack? Lmao

 

Here's the decision flowchart:

Do you live in the desert with no people around? No >>> exit
Yes >>> continue

Do you go out at night to shoot coyotes for fun? No >>> exit
Yes >>> continue

Are there any broken cars in your yard you could pinch a light bar from? Yes >>> exit
No >>> continue

Do you have an instagram account named after your vehicle or with the word "overland"? No >>> exit
Yes >>> buy a lightbar

 

Meh.

I used to live in the city, and used my light bar regularly on weekend trips. One doesn't have to be a full time overlander to justify some off-road lighting.

As soon as I have an extra $1000 laying around, and everything else is done, I'll put one on my rack.

 

interesting conversation- I hadn’t considered splash back for visibility problems from room mounted light bar and am damn close to buying crestone pack as well

 

I have the Sherpa Crestone w/the X6S package and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ambers are AMAZING in rain and fog and I use the whites when I'm alone on any road at night. One quick click and their off so I'm never "that guy" who blinds everyone else. As soon as I see lights in the other direction off they go like a prom dress.

And, as an added ego boost, I get compliments on my rig ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL the time!

 

You get any wind noise from the X6S?

I have their stealth bar behind the grill and love it. Considering adding the upper to my Crestone rack when I do rear chase/camp lights.

And OP, the Crestone rack is great, just don't plan to add anything heavy to the front of the rack, being non drill it moves (and squeeks) alot.

 

I wired mine in with a hi-beam trigger so it’s only on when 1). the dash switch is triggered, AND 2). the hi-beams are activated. This allows me to quickly turn off my lightbar by flipping the stalk back and not fumbling for the switch.


Just used it tonight on my way home from a pheasant hunt (not in the desert and I don’t have a social media account to post to).

 

I have an UpTop Overland Bravo full length rack on my T4R and have the standard fairing (no light bar) as I did not want to illuminate the hood.

Instead of a roof rack light bar, I mounted a set of amber Baja Designs Squadron Pro lights on my SSO bumper and upgraded my factory fogs to a set of Diode Dynamics Pro’s in amber.

With this setup, I’ve got plenty of light for night driving in both foggy and dusty conditions and am very happy with it. I can also swap the BD lenses to clear if I so desire.

Many people like light bars on the roof but I’m not one of them. So, do what you prefer as it’s your rig and you are the only one you need to make happy!!

Cheers,
Bob

 

When you put "shit" quality lights on you get the same results...."shit"......try upgrading your lights and you may think differently.

 

Honey, all of my lights are top end Baja and diode.

roof light bars are shit. Unless you are a Baja racer running a $9000 laser light, roof mounted bars are trash. Sorry to burst your ‘look cool’ bubble.

 

So do you get a lot of splash from the lights on your hood? how about wind noise?

 

"HONEY".....BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....your profile explains everything.