Why are chase lights so important while off-roading?

At Baja Designs our products are not only for performance, but also safety. While an effective forward-projecting lighting package is so you can see where you're going, chase lights allow others to see you. Adding a chase light allows for visibility in the rear when encountering dust or harsh conditions so your vehicle can be easily seen by groups behind you. The chase light often gets overlooked as the last piece to the puzzle for most lighting packages, however, a chase light should be one of the first light modifications you should consider when building an effective lighting package for your offroad vehicle.

What’s the best color for a chase light?


For optimal performance in dust, snow, or fog, amber is the ideal choice. While red, green, or blue lenses can be used, they are generally used for race applications only. Amber light is universally recognized as a caution light, making it a great option for chase lighting as well. Additionally, amber effectively cuts through dust and inclement weather, improving visibility in challenging conditions.

What is the ideal lens when running an Aux light?







The two best lens choices are Wide Cornering or Work/Scene. By flooding the light, you create a more enjoyable experience for those behind you. It's essential to diffuse the light as much as possible to prevent blinding others, while still making it easy for them to spot your position on the trail.






With Baja Designs UService Technology, your chase light doesn't have to stay a chase light forever. You can easily swap the lens pattern or color, with the exception of the RTL, allowing you to reposition the light anywhere on your vehicle without needing to purchase a new one. Plus, if you already have a forward-facing Baja Designs light, you can simply buy the appropriate lens and convert it into a chase light.

Baja Designs Solutions


RTL- Rear Tail Light


RTL Clear: Solid Red, Solid Amber, White Center Light, Solid Amber, Solid Red

RTL-B: Solid Red, Solid Amber, Blue Center Light, Flashing Amber, Solid Red (Race Series Specific)

RTL-G: Solid Red, Solid Amber, Green Center Light, Flashing Amber, Solid Red (Race Series Specific)

RTL-W: Solid Red, Solid Amber, White Center Light, Flashing Amber, Solid Red

RTL-S: Solid Red, Flashing Amber, White Center Light, Flashing Amber, Solid Red (amber sections offer individual controls or can be configured to function as turn signals.



Squadron


Squadron Sport W/C Baja Amber

Squadron Pro W/C Baja Amber

S2


S2 Sport W/C Baja Amber

S2 Pro W/C Baja Amber

S1


S1 Baja Amber

S1 Universal Hitch Light Kit



So, which one is right for you? If you're looking for a simple, compact setup, the S1/S2 provides an extra layer of safety without breaking the bank. The Squadron light, though slightly more expensive, offers great versatility in various applications and mounting positions. Its increased intensity and power enable it to serve as a chase, cargo, and scene light all in one. The RTL is our premium option, offering additional features like brake, reverse, and chase functions, unlike the basic on/off function of traditional auxiliary lights. No matter which setup you choose, one thing is certain: safety comes first when off-roading, and regardless of your budget, we have a trusted solution for you.
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Brahian Herrera | Forum Sales & Support
Email: brahianh@bajadesigns.com | Phone: (760) 560-2252 Ext 201
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Lmfao.....just thought the title of this post was legitimate and I was coming here to post that they are not. But now see it was click bate title to your blog disguised as a forum post.

Come on dude. Can't believe you made me click that.

The most annoying shit I've seen recently were rigs decked out with chase lights strobing away while parked on the side of a trail during the day.

 

hey thats his job man cant stop him from influencing shitty products

 

Anybody who doesn't think that chase lights have value has obviously never been on a dusty trail ride. A bunch of the Wisconsin crew have them, and they're greatly appreciated.

 

Like all lighting products, they have a legitimate application, it's just when the bros start using them at Panera's drive thru line that the hate begins...

 

Kinda like Flags on the dunes, Look wild but can save you from disaster in a pinch.

 

we run logging roads in northern maine as a group, if you want to make any time, you need to drive in the dust, lights are a must.

 

I have some lights
THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ON IN THE DAY

side note: everything was affordable(mmhmm throat clear Baja) n I use them for camping mainly…only dust in DE is where brains are supposed to be

 

Or driven in near white out conditions in winter.

 

I just want to understand the legitimacy of this idea. On a publicly accessible unlit dirt road or trail, at night, you guys are driving so fast that if the guy in front of you doesn’t have (checks notes) chase lights you might not see his tail lights and plow into him?

 

Isn't this what tail lights are for?

 

These being pushed because its just another revenue stream and MORE lights to buy. Almost no one needs these. Virtually no one needs these.

Again. Ive only seen them in the day on trails with people going really slow and it was annoying AF and made me wish the lights didnt exist.

All that said all my aftermarket lights are baja designs. On my 4runner and a motorcycle. But this post by their rep is IMO lame AF.

 

What if, you, like, Drive fast, but, like, just give the people in front of you more room.

I duno. Ive bombed down a lot of roads in southern CA, albeit not at night, and never felt like we needed lights. But we gave people in front more room because the dust. And it wasnt that lights would make this better. We needed to see pot holes and rocks in the road.

 

Not the same as these exactly but that’s what rear fog lights are for and you see them on euro market cars.

A much brighter taillight you can toggle!

But I don’t really trust American driver’s to use them properly so…

 

No.

At least, that's not what my group is doing.

We use them during the day, in dusty conditions. Usually, when running between 10-20 mph.

It's not necessarily a matter of hitting the guy in front of you, as much as being able to see them better while maintaining a safe distance.

Chase lights aren't necessary for all people or situations. But, for some of the runs my group doesn't, they're a huge improvement over the factory taillights.

 

If you'd ever been in conditions that necessitated chase lights, you wouldn't have found them annoying. If people are using them in clear conditions, that's not the intended use, IMO.

You're not wrong, there. I've seen guys on highways using off-road light bars and pods at night. It also seems that the concept of turning off your high beams when there's oncoming traffic, or when you're behind another vehicle, isn't being taught anymore.

And, based on what @Thacrow is saying, some of the folks in his area don't seem to know when not to use chase lights, either.

But, I'm not going to act like something has no purpose just because some people are clueless.

 

Obviously it can be done, but when running with a group, it is very helpful, and my suspension was bought to handle the pot holes, and the front truck is supposed to communicate hazards to the group.

 

I will say this. I first joined a (different) forum in 2018, and after 6+years and two forums, this is the first time I've ever seen the term 'chase lights' mentioned. I realize this thread is an advertisement, so maybe it doesn't count as an actual thread.

 

Night time isn't a problem. It's during the day when the dust may be so thick that the rig in front of you disappears. The amber color shines through the dust much, much better than red. Yeah, the dust is just as thick at night, but you can still see the red tail lights in the dark. The reds do not show up as well in the day light.

 

the click bait got me good! hah
thanks @Thacrow for givin’ him the gears someone’s gotta do it.

I heard about chase lights a number of years ago. Might be one of the few dudes who’s installed his own. Via dash switch. I don’t actually think some idiot is going to rear end me…better not. In part, these things can just help keep the groups spacing consistent when dust and snow is in the air and not everyone has lights turned on. The other part is just for looks which I’m guilty of.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/dj...il-build-and-travels.30941/page-4#post-547973

 

We were jamming through death valley real quick in the day which kicked up a lot of dust. There was a big rock on the right side. I radiod as fast as I could to keep left but my buddy hit it with the right a-arm. When we got back i helped him replace the a-arm.

Trophy truck suspension is meant to take it. You can do it on some roads like what we were on but even then we didnt expect this rogue large rock.

 

Sorry fellas but my take is that if you need chase lights you’re following too close or driving too fast. If the dust is so thick that you can’t see the car in front of you then you can’t see obstacles either.

@Daddykool yes I’ve been off-roading since 1985 and chase lights are a new concept to me too.

That last pic in the original post with the whole canyon lit up reminds me of Richard Dreyfuss’ boat in Jaws, where he could flip a switch and a dozen underwater lights would illuminate the water all around his hull. Which I thought was cool.

 

No need to apologize.

You're entitled to your opinion, even if you're wrong.

The whole purpose is to keep track of the vehicle ahead of you without following too closely.

I'm not saying that they're a necessity. They just make things better.

 

I like this idea better, more visibility from being higher, and less annoying on public roads than lights shining backwards.

 

Chase lights are beneficial wheeling with a big group in dusty conditions like Anza Borrego

 

Been a HUGE advocate for chase lights. I used to run them on my GX and Touareg but now I have my 4Runner and haven't had the opportunity to mount them yet. I have seen people crash because they were driving blind in the dust and smoked their buddy's truck and I have seen people drive into ditches before. A nice to have for safety.


Chase lights aren't for everyone you probably don't need them if you only wheel with your friends in Tenessee and there is no dust in a controlled environment. But I love that @bajadesigns is in this group trying to help educate the safety and importance of lighting.

It is nice insurance that someone can see you on a trail and some idiot doesn't crash into the back of you because they couldn't see your brake lights.

 

The chase lights on the lower photo (of the Lexus) look photoshopped.