Choosing the correct mounting bracket is important to ensure your lights are installed properly and safely on your vehicle. Vehicle year, trim, bumper type, and mounting location can all affect compatibility.

This guide will help you determine which bracket or mounting solution is right for your setup.

Mounting Compatibility Matters

Not all vehicles, even within the same model, share the same mounting points.

Several factors affect bracket compatibility:

Vehicle year and trim

• Mounting points often change between generations
• Special trims may include different bumpers or body panels

Bumper type

• Steel aftermarket bumpers usually require different mounting solutions
• Plastic factory bumpers often require vehicle-specific brackets

Factory AUX switches vs aftermarket wiring

• Some vehicles include factory auxiliary switches that simplify wiring
• Others require separate wiring harnesses

Roof rack type

• Factory racks and aftermarket racks have different crossbar spacing and mounting systems

Because of these differences, choosing the correct bracket ensures your lights mount securely and align properly.

Before You Order: Check These 5 Things

Before purchasing lights or mounting brackets, confirm the following:

1. Vehicle Year and Exact Trim

Example:

• Jeep Wrangler JK (2007–2018)
• Jeep Wrangler JL (2018+)

Trim packages can also affect fitment.

2. Bumper Type

Determine whether your vehicle has:

• Factory plastic bumper
• Factory steel bumper
• Aftermarket steel bumper

Aftermarket bumpers often require different mounting solutions.

3. Roof Rack Brand

If mounting lights to a roof rack, check the manufacturer.

Common examples include:

• Factory OEM racks
• Aftermarket rack systems
• Bed racks or overland racks

Mounting hole spacing and crossbar shape may differ between brands.

4. Factory Auxiliary Switches

Some vehicles include pre-installed auxiliary switches.

These make wiring easier but may still require the correct harness or adapters.

Examples include:

• Ford Raptor
• Ford Bronco
• Jeep Gladiator
• Jeep Wrangler JL

5. Light Model and Size

Different KC HiLiTES lights use different mounting patterns.

Examples include:

• Light Bars
• Bottom Mount
• Asymmetrical Mount

Make sure the bracket is designed for your specific light model.

Mounting Scenarios

Our Customers most commonly install KC lights in the following locations.

Ditch Light Mounts

Mounted near the hood hinge or A-pillar.

Roof Rack Crossbars

Lights mounted above the windshield using rack crossbars

Behind-Grille Mounting

Lights installed behind the vehicle grille.

Bumper Mounting

Lights attached to front bumpers.

Overhead Light Bars

Mounted above the windshield with Overhead Mount brackets

Universal Mounts vs Vehicle-Specific Kits

Vehicle-specific mounts

• Designed for a specific make and model
• Typically bolt directly into factory mounting points

Universal mounts

• Fit a wider range of vehicles
• May require drilling or adjustment

Vehicle-specific brackets provide the easiest installation.

Contact KC Support

If you're unsure which mounting solution will work for your setup our support team can help.

Providing photos of your vehicle and mounting location can help our team recommend the correct solution.

How to Contact KC