Light Bar and Pod Light noise - Lessons learned, regrets, solutions and options

[Cspence]

After coming across and drooling over svc707's rig and messaging him to find out more information, I can't stop looking at this KC light bar (I like it, I like it ALOT, https://www.kchilites.com/gravity-r...e-8-light-combo-beam-led-light-bar-91339.html). At this point I've spent far too much already on the pile of parts for the truck I don't even own yet lol, but doesn't meant I cant plan for Black Friday sales next year LMAO

That said, while it's undisputedly awesome, nostalgic looking and is amongst the brightest options out there, the more I read, it seems it is LOUD. From the reports of some (on here and on the wrangler forum, https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/updated-anyone-installed-kch-gravity®-led-pro6-50-light-bar-removed.107236/), it is loud to the point where people have returned or sold it as it wasn't livable for them which has me begrudgingly looking at other options. I'm particularly concerned because I spec'd my rig out with the premium soft top which will be more susceptible to noise.

I'm curious to hear about any first hand experience. I'm not concerned with a little noise, but something loud and obnoxious would get old real quick on long hauls. I'm also curious as to what fixes people may have done or may be out there, I'm thinking some sort of deflector behind it...

On the alternative front, my first instinct is to maybe just run A pillar cowl lights, https://www.kchilites.com/gravity-reg-led-pro6-wide-40-ditch-mount-kit-jeep-392-mojave-97166.html , but I don't care for the look quite as much and I wonder if those will be noisy too, while also not offering nearly as much light output.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/mojave-cowl-light-mount.45908/post-795181

The second thought I had, is perhaps mounting a rectangular light bar on the cowl. I don't like the look as much as the KC bar (though I think it looks pretty good from the limited photos I've seen) and am a little concerned that depending on the beam pattern, it will reflect too much off the hood while also diminishing how much light gets thrown out in front of the truck. That said, I feel like this location and mounting position may be among the most optimal from a noise perspective.

Anyone have any experience with this location/option?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/mojave-cowl-light-mount.45908/post-741358

I'm thinking maybe this bar, 50" if possible,

https://www.bajadesigns.com/product...zNoBtcgwZ8tXMxY0r65lyx9h_XaombPUaAm9REALw_wcB

Baja Designs ONx6+ is a work of art (minus getting it issues) | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) -- Rubicon, 4xe, 392, Sahara, Sport - JLwranglerforums.com

perhaps with these brackets that supposidly fit Mojave's

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VRMZ1Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PFNEYYKZXKVXYCT36DEH

or these if they would fit:
Cowl Mount LED Light Brackets Textured Black | #62-41075 | Westin Automotive Products, Inc.

I guess the age old saying is true, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Each option has its pros and cons...

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[Warped]

Is there a real need for higher lighted lights? A good set of bumper mounted lights can make daylight out of the darkest trails in the middle of the night. I am a fan of Baja Designs.

 

[Cspence]

Is there a real need for higher lighted lights? A good set of bumper mounted lights can make daylight out of the darkest trails in the middle of the night. I am a fan of Baja Designs.

On the Rubi, mounting is easy with the modular steel bumper, what options are there for the rest of us with stock plastic bumpers?

 

[Warped]

On the Rubi, mounting is easy with the modular steel bumper, what options are there for the rest of us with stock plastic bumpers?

Baja Designs has a mount specifically for plastic bumpers. Jeep JL/JT LP6 Pro Bumper Light Kit - Jeep 2020-24 Gladiator; 2018-24 Wrangler JL - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

 

[chorky]

I agree with Tim. I have 4 forward facing lights. BahaDesigns XL80 - 2 of them with wide cornering lenses, 2 with spot lenses. I also have D&C side cowl lights. Can probably post some pictures later this weekend but I can say it is more than enough light. Big fan of BD lights - they, IMO, outcompete everything.

 

[chorky]

On the Rubi, mounting is easy with the modular steel bumper, what options are there for the rest of us with stock plastic bumpers?

Before I got the Warn bumper I drilled 4 3/4" holes in the top of the plastic bumper, made a 2" wide aluminum strip with corresponding holes and placed it under the plastic lip and mounted the BD lights through that. It was plenty secure for the time used and the lights didn't bounce around at all.

 

[Cspence]

Thanks for the replies, I hadn't really concidered the bumper mounted option and you have good points. Maybe it is possible to get the best of both worlds....Would love to see some photos of your setups.

Glad to hear you endorse BD as well. I don't know too much about the players yet, but KC was obviously prominent and from what I had preliminarily gathered, BD seemed to make a good product.

Looking just now, found these brackets too:
https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/heavy-duty-auxiliary-light-mount-brackets-wrangler-jl

 

[Warped]

FWIW, I Went with a steel bumper to match my JL. But instead of the AEV 7000s, I went back to BD LP6 for the lights mated with BD Squadrons for the bumper lights. My 2020 Rubicon had factory fogs and the LP6s and it was incredible.

 

[chorky]

I hadn't really concidered the bumper mounted option and you have good points. Maybe it is possible to get the best of both worlds....Would love to see some photos of your setups.

Glad to hear you endorse BD as we

Post #4 for initial setup
destination-unknown-2022-jtr-journal.66430

last photo of post # 101 for current setup
page-7

 

[Warped]

THe lights and bumper are on order for the Mojave, but here is my JL.

2020 with LP6 on a Warn Elite bumper.

2023 AEV JL370. AEV EX bumper with AEV 7000 lights. Both of these have factory fogs. Below the bumper on the AEV is a BD 30" lightbar and a Squadron light on the back bumper.

 

[Warped]

Post #4 for initial setup
destination-unknown-2022-jtr-journal.66430

last photo of post # 101 for current setup
page-7

Incredible set up for overlanding. Just beautiful.

 

[Aleph]

As perfectly sensible and reasonable as these alternative set ups are, I'm still seriously interested in the KC overhead light bar. Anyone with it able to chime in for us still on the fence?

 

[Yona]

I didnt like the overhead glare so i just shortened the bar to 5 and bumper mounted it. i split the wiring up so white and amber can operate independently

 

[Cspence]

Baja Designs has a mount specifically for plastic bumpers. Jeep JL/JT LP6 Pro Bumper Light Kit - Jeep 2020-24 Gladiator; 2018-24 Wrangler JL - Baja Designs - Off-Road LED & Laser Lights | Automotive, Jeep, Truck, UTV, ADV, Dirtbike

Thanks!

Man, those LP6's are spendy for just (2) lights, sounds like they're nice though

After thinking more about the bumper mount option, it dawned on me that I have the trail cam, got me curious if the lights on the bumper would impede anything there. Based on this video I found on YT, it looks like it should'nt be a problem if I went this route, at least with just two light like this configuration.



You guys got me thinkin!!

Edit:
Just watched this video, with a guy who has some LP9's, even more expensive, but impressive!

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

JW Speaker TS4000 lights are the most overlooked light out there…. Light output out performs LP6’s, KC’s…. The only light I have not been able to turn them on next to is the LP9’s- but in all fairness they are so outside what I would throw money at $1200 a pair by…..


https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/led-off-road-lights-model-ts4000/

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