The overlanding lifestyle demands reliable gear, and proper lighting is essential for safe night driving. After researching various options, an ARB Intensity LED light bar was chosen to complement existing ARB Intensity LED round lights already mounted on the front bumper. This setup provides a powerful and versatile lighting solution for off-road adventures.
The ARB Intensity LED light bar, designed by ARB and manufactured by Rigid Industries in the USA, boasts high quality and a combo beam pattern. Like the round lights, the light bar features a spot beam on the left for distance and a flood beam on the right for wider coverage. This combination offers excellent visibility in various off-road conditions. The wiring harness was professionally installed by Auburn Car Repair & Offroad.
These incredibly bright lights are not intended for use on public roads with oncoming traffic. However, they transform dark, early morning off-road drives into daylight, significantly improving visibility compared to stock headlights. The dramatic improvement in lighting enhances safety and confidence when navigating challenging terrain at night.
Future plans may include mounting an additional light bar on the roof rack, but previous experiences with hood reflection have raised concerns about effectiveness. For now, the focus remains on optimizing the performance of the current setup. A video showcasing the lights’ performance in the dark will be added later.
The newly installed ARB Intensity LED light bar positioned above the existing round ARB Intensity LED lights.
The interior switch panel has been updated to accommodate the new light bar. The top switch now controls the light bar, the middle switch operates rock lights, and the bottom switch controls the round ARB lights. When the ignition is on, the switches illuminate green when the lights are off, providing a clear visual indication of their status.
Illuminated switches indicate that the corresponding lights are turned on.
Initially, the top switch controlled the round lights. However, to maintain a logical layout with the higher-mounted light bar corresponding to the higher switch position, the wiring was modified. Now, the top switch activates the lightbar, providing a more intuitive user experience.
All LED lights are off, demonstrating the minimal light pollution when not in use.
The ARB Intensity LED light bar illuminates the scene with a powerful combo beam.
Both the light bar and round lights are activated, providing maximum illumination.
Even with low beam headlights on, the ARB Intensity LEDs significantly outshine the factory lighting.
The ARB Intensity LED lighting setup is a significant upgrade for any overland vehicle equipped with a BAFX OBD2 scanner for diagnostics and performance monitoring. The enhanced visibility provided by these lights is crucial for safe and enjoyable nighttime off-road travels, making them a worthwhile investment for the serious overlander. This comprehensive lighting solution ensures that the trail ahead is always clearly illuminated, regardless of the time of day or the challenges of the terrain.
