There are long-term reviews, and there are looong-term reviews. This is the latter. A little over four years ago we mounted six KC HiLiTES Flex Era 4 lights (FE4) on our overland camper that we affectionately call the Funhawg. Based on a 2021 Ford F-250 with a Norweld flatbed tray and Four Wheel Campers Hawk UTE camper, it’s the perfect platform to support our hiking, backpacking and mountain biking adventures. Returning to camp after dark is common, as is searching for a campsite after a long day on the trail. For both, you can never have too much light. Flipping on the Flex Era 4’s throws 7,912 lumens each downrange, guaranteeing we see every animal, road or obstacle that lies ahead. We have four lights on the bumper and the other two setup as ditch lights where the A-pillar terminates at the hood. The two Flex Era 4’s in the middle of the bumper are spot beams that send light 591 meters down the road while the remaining four are combo lenses with both a spot and flood beam. This configuration provides roughly 160 degrees of light in front of and to the side of our rig. All six lights were wired to the Ford factory auxiliary switches allowing us to use each pair of lights independently…but who would want to do that?! A switch is included with each light kit, though.
A Ford F250 overlanding camper negotiates a rocky, off-camber section of a narrow 4×4 trail in the Superstition Mountains near Gold Canyon, Arizona.
The Flex Era 4’s have worked flawlessly since the initial install. They’ve been exposed to sun, rain, hail and snow, monsoon storms that produced massive flash floods, freezing cold and blazing desert heat. They’ve shrugged off deep water crossings and dust storms, passing over several12,000’ mountain passes. Nothing phases them. Unlike other lights I’ve had, they look as good today as they did when new with no fading, cracking or other visible signs of aging.
Measuring 5” x 5”, they are not small lights. On a large truck like our rig, they don’t look out of place on the bumper or the A-pillar nor do the ditch lights block the driver’s line of sight. This may not be true on smaller vehicles. KC HiLiTES produces other lights like the C2 or Flex Era 1 that would likely be a better option – at least in the ditch light position – on mid-size and compact vehicles.
An overland camper splashes through a mud puddle surrounded by yellow autumn aspen trees in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado.
The Flex Era 4 lights include a cover that easily snaps on and off, and you can also purchase amber covers for those who prefer that option. At $730/pair, the Flex Era 4’s are priced competitively with other high-quality off-road lights. What most other companies don’t have though, is KC’s decades long history of innovation, product development and testing, and customer support. When you’re considering lights for your next rig, the Flex Era 4’s should be at the top of your list.
An overlanding vehicle camper is parked at a campsite on Guacamole Mesa near Virgin, Utah.
Learn more by visiting the KC website at www.kchilites.com.
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