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The wind howls through the jagged rocks of the canyon pass, carrying with it the faint, unsettling groans of the undead. Your hands tighten around the worn steering wheel of your bugout vehicle. The gas gauge wavers above half, a rare luxury these days, but you’ve got enough fuel to make it back to the outpost if the journey goes as planned. If not? Well… you’ve survived worse.
The world around you has slipped further away into total decay. From here on out, every day is a mission of survival, scraping by, and preparing for the days ahead. Your current mission was simple: find the part and return alive. Without it, the generator wouldn’t run, and without the generator, the outpost’s defenses would fall. The thought of returning empty-handed wasn’t an option. You’ve pushed through ghost towns and overgrown highways, scavenged through collapsed garages and abandoned fuel depots, evading both the dead and the living. And now, with the critical component secured, you’re heading home.
But the way back? It’s treacherous.
The narrow pass you’re entering is a well-known death trap. Rival factions patrol it, setting up crude roadblocks and ambush points. Lone-wolf marauders lurk in the shadows, looking to strip vehicles and their occupants of anything valuable; fuel, weapons, supplies, and even lives. And the undead? They stumble through the dark, mindlessly drawn to any movement or sound.
Why Bug Out Jeep Lighting Upgrades Matter
Ordinarily, you’d navigate by moonlight, using the terrain and your instincts to slip through unnoticed without vehicle headlights engaged to avoid possible detection. But tonight, the moon is nowhere to be seen. Thick clouds blanket the sky, casting everything in impenetrable darkness. Every bump in the road feels like a potential trap. Every distant noise sets your nerves on edge.
You need to see, but headlights are out of the question. Firing up the Jeep’s main beams would be like lighting a beacon, announcing your presence to every hostile in the area.
This is where the Ultimate Bugout Jeep’s secret weapon comes into play: Baja Designs off-road lighting has been equipped to help get through it all, including a normal evening, the darkest of nights, and other blackout-necessary scenarios without raising the alarm of enemy combatants.
This scenario and more are exactly what we had in mind during this phase of the Off Road Xtreme Ultimate Bugout Apocalypse Adventure. In this article, we will turn the lights on for our BOV Jeep with a full suite of Baja Designs off-road lighting, infrared lighting, and other specialty products.
Recapping The Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep
Our ongoing build series of the Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep has seen a total evolution from the bone stock 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler it started life as. Phase 1 included a lift system, off-road-ready tires, and wheels. After that, the vehicle received a complement of internal storage, customizable organization, and even loaded up with a firearms arsenal.
Most recently, the project received a burly road armor and an exoskeleton upgrade. Naturally, the next step is to deck out the off-road lighting package and everything required to make that work. This installation ensures that our ultimate bug-out vehicle is prepped for any situation, day or night.
Why Jeep Lighting Upgrades Matter In An Apocalypse
When the world goes dark, whether during daily driving activities, off-road excursions, natural disasters, societal collapse, or an undead uprising, you need lighting that you can count on. Our Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep lighting upgrade isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about survival.
We chose Baja Designs for their industry-leading off-road lighting solutions, known for rugged durability, versatile serviceability, cutting-edge optic technology, and combinations of amber and clear lenses. Baja Designs also offers vehicle-specific mounting kits, brackets, and wiring modules, which also came into play. All of this helped us create a versatile and well-balanced package of Bug Out Jeep Lighting Upgrades to help us avoid obstacles, spot threats, and illuminate the unknown.
Additionally, Baja Designs, known as the “Scientist of Lighting” has developed a method to effectively define “Lighting Zones” to help educate users on what lights are appropriate for their needs. Off Road Xtreme has covered all of that in detail.
Let’s break down the installation and capabilities of our selected lighting package, starting with the primary forward-facing group.
Primary Forward-Facing Lights: LP6 Pro LED Auxiliary Lights
The heart of our lighting setup is the Baja Designs LP6 Pro LED Auxiliary Light Pods. These beastly lights combine style, function, and unparalleled brightness.
Why The LP6 Pro?
Baja Designs LP series is the brand’s flagship lights and comes in various sizes, which means varying output. The LP6 Pro lights feature a six-LED design that outputs a whopping 10,300 lumens per light. They offer a spot and driving/combo beam patterns. We selected the combination for an optimized balance of wide, short-range illumination and focused long-range projection.
This arrangement makes them ideal for projecting light over long distances in Lighting Zones 4 & 5 while running at high speed through the wild, wide open, and also closer in Zone 3 for slow technical crawls in the woods.
LP6 Pro Installation Process:
- Mounting: The LP6 Pro lights were mounted to the Jeep’s Fab Fours Matrix Series Front Bumper, front bumper using Baja Designs’ universal mounting brackets. The mounting points are reinforced to withstand the roughest off-road conditions.
- Wiring: We used the LP6/LP9 Pro 2-Light Max Wiring Harness, which simplifies the wiring process by integrating both lights into a single control switch.
- Security Hardware: To ensure our lights stay put, we secured them with Baja Designs’ OnX6+/S8/XL/LP Series Security Hardware Kit. Theft isn’t just a modern-world problem; it’s a post-apocalyptic one too!
- Rock Guards: To protect the lights from debris, we can deploy both black and amber rock guard lens covers. The amber guards provide additional dust-penetrating visibility in low-light conditions. The blackout covers will help when total stealth is necessary.
Survival Advantage:
The LP6 Pro lights turn night into day, allowing us to spot hazards, identify safe routes, and stay ahead of any threats. Their durability ensures they’ll last through any apocalypse scenario.
Jeep Lighting Upgrades: Bumper Lights Bolstered With XL-R 80 Light Pods
The fabricated Matrix front bumper we selected is of the full-length variety, which presents a fender-to-fender profile and features large fog pocket openings. The holes are big enough to accommodate a pair of massive XL-R 80 LED Auxiliary Light Pods, which measure 5.25 inches in diameter.
For this bumper light bolstering, we selected a wide cornering light pattern with a Baja Amber lens color ideally suited to illuminate the dust and fog of Zone 1 (directly in front of vehicle) and Zone 2 (peripherals) cornering areas.
Secondary Forward-Facing Light Group: OnX6 Light Bar and Squadron Pro A-Pillar Kit
From the front bumper to the roof, and also the A-pillar, our Bug Out Jeep Lighting Upgrades added illumination to several areas for a variety of reasons. One of them is for added redundancy. We can say one is none, and two is one, and all of that, but in a critical end-of-the-world survival situation, parts would be limited, so we added even more forward-facing lights. Other reasons include versatility and balance. Not all of the lights are needed all of the time. Some lights are suited for slow and technical driving, while others are needed for go-fast escapes. Then there are times when you need both near and far lighting as well.
OnX6 Straight Dual Control LED Light Bar (50-Inch)
We selected the Baja Designs OnX6 Straight Dual Control LED 50-Inch Light Bar for roof line projection that provides a massive 32,760 lumens. Its dual control feature allows us to switch between amber and clear light, flood and spot optics, or use all of them together at once, perfect for different weather and terrain conditions.
We originally had planned to mount it directly to the Jeep’s Garvin Adventure Full Rack via some tube clamps. Once we got further into the build, we forecasted that some additional light mounting provisions may be optimal. These Xprite Light Bar Brackets for Jeep Wrangler JL and Jeep Gladiator were just the ticket and totally compatible with the Garvin Roof Rack.
OnX6 LED Light Bar Installation Tips:
- Use the Wire Hider Kit to keep the wiring clean and protected.
- Ensure the light bar is securely mounted to withstand vibration and impacts.
- As this bar is mounted above the windshield and hood, it is best to angle it up and out, aiming ahead for Zone 4 (long-distance lighting) to avoid any glare.
Jeep JL/JT Squadron Pro A-Pillar Light Kit
Mounted at the base of the windshield, these lights provide additional spot beams that enhance visibility in tricky situations like navigating tight trails or spotting snares ahead. This location is ideally suited to angle out the projection as a ditch light, so we do have the option to change out the Squadron Pro lens optic for a dedicated flood, or spot flood combo lens. Baja Designs’ uService technology makes tasks like repairs, modifications, and servicing extremely simple.
With the Baja Designs Jeep JL/JT Mounting Brackets and Squadron Pro Light Kit, the installation was a quick, bolt-on, hassle-free process, even with the Garvin Rack tying into the same mounting points.
Squadron Pro A-Pillar Light Kit Installation Steps:
- The A-pillar kit comes with brackets designed specifically for the Jeep JL and JT Gladiator.
- Point these straight ahead in Zone 4 and towards the edge of Zone 3 (primary driving).
- Wiring is straightforward with the included harness, and the lights can be easily and independently controlled from the cabin.
Survival Advantage:
The OnX6 light bar and Squadron Pro A-pillar lights give us total command of our surroundings. Whether we need to blast the path ahead or spotlight a specific area, we’re covered.
Compact and Versatile Lighting Group: Work Lights and Rock Lights
In an apocalypse scenario, flexibility and function rule. Static lighting won’t cut it for dealing with breakdowns and important tasks in uncharted or hostile territory. Stealth travel after nightfall or last-minute camp setups requires lighting that’s quick, effective, and adaptive to the situation. That’s why we built a smart and modular strategy into Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep lighting upgrades. For this group, we are starting with a suite of compact work and rock lights. This covers Zone 6 (wheel wells and undercarriage), Zone 7 (beside the vehicle), and Zone 8 (rear of the vehicle).
S2 Sport LED Pods
We incorporated two different pairs of S2 Sport LED Auxiliary Lights to handle work zones and perimeter visibility needs. While both types share the same compact housing, their beam patterns and their roles differ by design.
These S2 Wide Cornering Pattern (SKU: 547805) pods were mounted at the rear of the Jeep to serve two key functions. First, they provide powerful, diffused illumination when backing up through tight trails or reversing out of hostile environments. They also double as general scene lights, illuminating the rear workspace for repairs, loading gear, or perimeter checks.
The S2 Work/Scene Pattern lights (SKU: 547806) were mounted high on the roof rack, one per side. These act as overhead floodlights, perfect for setting up or tearing down camp in total darkness. Their elevated mounting ensures wide, shadow-free illumination, ideal for task lighting when visibility is critical.
Each S2 pod outputs 1,130 lumens with low power draw, protecting battery life during extended use. The output is bright but diffused, which is practical for our up-close needs.
To add function and protection, we used black (SKU: 660100) and amber (SKU: 660101) S2 Rock Guards. The black guards prevent the optics from catching any unwanted glare and offer protection when the lights are inactive. The amber covers cut down harsh lighting and are conditionally adaptive in a variety of settings.
We further secured our investment with two S2/Squadron Series Security Hardware Kits (SKU: 660300). Because while the undead might not steal your gear, highway robbery is still a very real threat.
Red LED Rock Light Kit: Undercarriage Illumination
Moving through rugged terrain after sundown? Inspecting suspension components for trail damage? Crawling under the Jeep for a trailside fix? The Baja Designs LED Rock Light Kit checks all those boxes.
Multiple hue options include red, green, blue, clear, or amber to illuminate the undercarriage to your preference. This tough underbody lighting system includes four compact LED rock lights, each outputting 400 lumens through a 180-degree optic. We mounted one at each corner of the Jeep’s undercarriage to provide coverage during low-speed maneuvering or mechanical work.
Why red? Red lighting helps retain the human eye’s natural night vision. This is an essential advantage when stealth or minimal signature movement is required. These lights provide just enough visibility to get the job done without making you a beacon in the dark.
Installation was as efficient as it gets. The kit comes with pre-cut leads long enough to reach each corner for nice Bug Out Jeep lighting upgrades. All wiring is pre-terminated, no guesswork, no splicing. Just connect it to 12-volt power and you’re operational.
Interior Illumination That Keeps You Sharp In The Dark
We also added a red illuminating LED Dome Light with Switch (SKU: 398054) for interior nighttime visibility. This unit emits soft red light, allowing us to see and work inside the vehicle without disrupting adjusted night vision.
It’s perfect for checking gear, reading maps, or making quick decisions while staying off the radar. The integrated switch provides simple control, mounted within easy reach for quick, silent operation.
Specialized Jeep Lighting Upgrades: Infrared Illumination
A true bug-out vehicle must operate without detection. Remember that pitch-black canyon pass? The one where even moonlight refused to help, and any regular illumination would blow our cover? In a blackout apocalypse scenario, traditional lighting would give away your location to enemies or scavengers. In a hostile world, not being seen can be just as important as seeing what’s ahead. That’s exactly why we equipped the Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep with a full suite of Baja Designs infrared lighting.
Infrared (IR) light operates outside the visible spectrum. You won’t see a beam, but through night vision optics, the world becomes clear. This type of lighting is perfect for silent navigation, low-profile security, and communicating in the dark without saying a word.
We equipped three types of IR-capable lighting products from Baja Designs for our project vehicle. These lights emit no visible glow, making them ideal for blackout travel. Each serves a unique purpose for our Bug Out Jeep light upgrades. Let’s break down how we used infrared technology to quietly navigate, communicate, and survive the unknown.
Squadron Pro Infrared LED Light Pods (940nm)
Positioned forward-facing on the Jeep, the Squadron Pro Infrared LED Pods serve as our main long-range IR lighting source. This model uses a Driving/Combo beam pattern and emits a 940nm infrared wavelength, completely invisible to the naked eye. These are true blackout-ready tools with no visible signature. They are ideal for tactical movement or perimeter scanning without detection.
Squadron Pro Infrared Pods Installation Notes:
- We mounted both pods forward and out, aimed low into Zone 1 and Zone 3 to avoid washout on night vision optics.
- The 940nm wavelength is better for stealth over brightness and cannot be seen even as a faint glow.
- Operates only when night vision equipment is worn—there is no usable light to human eyes.
- Do not stare at any infrared illuminating light.
Survival Advantage:
These lights allow us to travel unseen, monitor trails, or stage silent entries in contested territory.
S2 Pro Infrared LED Light Pods (850nm)
For broader coverage in a compact form, we added four S2 Pro Infrared LED Pods around the Jeep. These lights only come with a driving/combo beam pattern. We opted for 850nm, which presents an extremely faint red glow, something akin to a pin light. The camera picks it up really well, but it is not visible to the naked eye. Though slightly less covert, the 850nm units emit higher output and expand our IR floodlight zone.
Each S2 Pro was mounted at the corners: two up front and two at the A-pillar. This gives us full visibility during stealth operations, recoveries, or defense situations.
S2 Pro Infrared LED Light Pods Installation Notes:
- These pods are mounted to cover Zones 1, 2, and 6, angled wide to cast perimeter light.
- Paired with NVGs, they reveal obstacles and terrain without revealing our location to unaided eyes.
Survival Advantage:
This setup gives us 360-degree night vision-compatible lighting. It’s compact, low draw, and field-serviceable.
Follow Me Infrared LED Light Pod (940nm)
The last piece of the system is the Follow Me Infrared LED Light Pod, mounted at the Jeep’s rear. This unit emits a distinct 940nm IR signal, visible only through night vision goggles. It creates a moving “breadcrumb trail” for teammates to follow at night.
Perfect for convoys or stealth retreats, it allows coordination without radios or visible light. In the dark, it acts like a digital flare when initiated, but only for those working the night to see.
Follow Me Infrared LED Light Pod Installation Notes:
- Mount to keep the signature narrow and rear-facing.
- Control it from a switch for discretionary use when communication or movement requires stealth syncing.
Survival Advantage:
This gives us a silent, invisible communication channel to lead teammates without drawing attention from hostiles.
Looking Ahead With Infrared
We’re just getting started with the Bug Out Jeep’s stealth systems. Future phases will incorporate night vision gear, tactical monitors, and additional tech tools that work with these infrared systems. From patrols to safehouse access, we’ll show how to maximize IR lighting in ways that go far beyond the switch panel.
Stay tuned because we are about to turn darkness into one of our strongest advantages.
Wired for Survival: Power Control and Electrical Management
To run all of these advanced lighting, electronics, and future accessories reliably, we needed a power management system built for harsh conditions and heavy loads.
All the lighting in the world is useless if your vehicle’s electrical system can’t support it. In an apocalypse scenario, reliability and control are critical. We needed a clean way to wire our systems, manage power across multiple zones, and control it all with ease. Further, we want to have the ability to adapt, troubleshoot, and grow.
That’s why we added a professional-grade switch controller to run all of the Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep lighting upgrades. One that’s built to handle everything from infrared lighting to future upgrades and emergency accessories.
sPOD BantamX HD for JL/JT: Clean Control and Circuit Confidence
The sPOD BantamX HD for JL/JT is a solid-state power distribution system with eight programmable circuits and integrated Bluetooth control. With brackets designed specifically for the Jeep JL/JT platform, the BantamX mounts neatly and securely under the hood.
Each circuit is fuse-protected and can handle 30 amps individually or a 100-amp system in total. That is plenty of headroom for lights, communications, and more. We wired every Baja Designs light to this unit, avoiding the chaos of individual relays, inline fuses, and switch panels. The included control panel was mounted inside the cabin, giving us fast access to any system with a single press.
Need to dim lights, pulse an infrared pod, or run a timed campsite scene? It’s all programmable through the touchscreen or app. For times when the world is still civil, the sPOD is Bluetooth compatible. This integration also allows wireless control from a phone or tablet—a useful feature when setting up camp or scouting forward.
sPOD BantamX HD Installation Tips:
- Route wiring high and away from the exhaust or moving suspension components.
- Use dedicated grounds for each accessory to prevent voltage drop.
- Secure all connections inside a waterproof loom or heat shrink for long-term durability.
Optima YellowTop: Deep-Cycle Confidence in Any Condition
Lights, accessories, comms, and recovery gear all demand serious power. That’s why we chose the Optima YellowTop DH6 (Part No. 9048-148), a drop-in unit for the Jeep. This dual-purpose battery function handles high starting amps and repeated deep discharges better than traditional flooded batteries.
With strong internal resistance and vibration resistance, it’s built for the abuse of off-road conditions and long-haul apocalypse travel. It delivers consistent power when running accessories for extended periods, like lights during repairs, camp setup, or night patrol.
Optima D200+: Maintain Readiness at All Times
To keep our electrical system healthy between missions, we added the Optima Digital D200+ 12V Performance Maintainer. This unit optimizes charge cycles, desulphates the battery, and keeps voltage levels stable during downtime.
It’s compact, easy to connect, and can be left plugged in without worry. The Optima battery and maintainer are perfect for long-term storage in the bunker or hidden under the tarp at basecamp.
Final Thoughts: Built for Blackouts, Powered by Purpose
This phase of Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep was not about adding lights for the sake of looks. It was about survival—plain and simple. When the sun’s gone, the moon’s hiding, and your luck is running low, you don’t need brightness. You need control, reliability, and tools that don’t flinch with every bump in the night.
It was about building a complete vision system and one that works under pressure, in silence, and in total darkness. From the blinding power of the LP6s to the invisibility of infrared, we now control every angle, every zone, and every condition.
The sPOD BantamX HD gave us the control. Optima’s YellowTop and D200+ gave us the power and reliability to keep it running. This setup doesn’t just light the way forward; it lets us move, react, and survive when nothing else does.
Next, we’ll push deeper into our survival sack, onboard tools, and real-world tactical integration. Because building the Project Apocalypse Bug Out Jeep is not about playing dress-up. It’s about staying alive. Stay tuned for the next chapter in our build series as we continue to transform this Jeep into the ultimate bug-out vehicle!
