Nilight 20-Inch LED Light Bar Kit Review: Mighty Bus Upgrade

This review dives into the Nilight 20-Inch LED Light Bar Kit, a comprehensive upgrade for enhancing visibility and safety, particularly on off-road vehicles. We detail the unboxing experience, examining the included components and their quality, before guiding you through the installation process on a Chevy Express van. This detailed account covers custom mounting techniques, wiring procedures, and the straightforward use of the included harness. Expect a thorough assessment of the light bar's performance and features, including its brightness, multiple lighting modes, and overall durability.From initial impressions of the well-organized kit and clear instructions to the final nighttime test demonstrating superior illumination compared to factory headlights, this review covers all aspects of the Nilight LED light bar experience. We'll explore the ease of installation, even for less experienced users, and discuss the practical benefits of the various lighting modes offered by this versatile upgrade. Find out if this kit is the perfect solution for improving your vehicle's visibility and driving safety.

Pros And Cons

NLite 20-in LED light bar kit
  • Provides brighter illumination than the van's low beams.
  • Offers multiple lighting modes (white, amber, combined, flashing white, flashing amber, alternating white and amber).

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Unboxing the Nilight LED Light Bar Kit

The package arrived securely. Inside, I found everything neatly organized: the 20-inch light bar, two 4-inch pod lights, a wiring harness, crimp terminals, mounting hardware, instructions, and a product brochure. It's a comprehensive kit, offering all the necessary components for installation.

The quality of the components seems quite good, with sturdy metal brackets and well-made wiring connectors. The instructions appeared clear and easy to follow which is a welcome aspect, ensuring ease of installation for novice users.

Mounting the Lights on the Mighty Bus

I chose a custom approach by recessing the lights into the front bumper of my Chevy Express van. This required careful measurements and cutting of the bumper. The included mounting brackets were easy to attach to the lights using the provided bolts and washers.

Mounting hardware being attached to the light bar.
Mounting hardware being attached to the light bar.

The 20-inch bar was mounted centrally, with the two 4-inch pod lights positioned on either side to provide wider illumination. To reinforce the mounting points, I fabricated custom brackets from flat bar and welded them in place for added durability and security.

The bumper removed, showing the intended locations for the lights.
The bumper removed, showing the intended locations for the lights.

Wiring the Nilight LED Light Bar System

The wiring harness was simple and straightforward. It includes a relay, fuse, control switch, and cables for connecting to the lights and battery. I mounted the relay on the firewall, utilizing existing studs.

Routing the wires was relatively easy, with the control wire routed into the cab through an existing opening in the firewall. The power wires were then run to the lights and the battery, securing them with zip ties along the way. The entire wiring process was completed neatly and securely.

Installation of the Control Switch and Testing

The control switch was mounted neatly on the dashboard. I cleaned the area and applied the adhesive backing to the controller before attaching it.

Routing the control cable into the dashboard.
Routing the control cable into the dashboard.

The function test proved successful, demonstrating all the light modes – solid white, amber, combined white and amber, flashing white, flashing amber, and alternating white and amber. Each function worked as expected, displaying excellent functionality.

Nighttime Performance and Conclusion

The nighttime test showcased the impressive brightness and reach of the Nilight LED light bar. Compared to the van's factory low and high beams, the LED lights provided significantly superior illumination.

The van driving at night with the LED light bar illuminating the road.
The van driving at night with the LED light bar illuminating the road.

The different light modes offered excellent versatility. The solid white and amber modes provided ample illumination for driving, while the flashing modes enhanced visibility in adverse conditions. Overall, this Nilight LED light bar kit is a highly recommended upgrade for off-road vehicles, providing excellent brightness, durability, and easy installation. The kit provides a noticeable increase in visibility and safety, making it a worthy investment.

Final shot of the Mighty Bus with the installed LED light bar.
Final shot of the Mighty Bus with the installed LED light bar.