There’s a moment on every group trail ride that every UTV driver knows well. The pack spreads out, the throttle opens up, and a thick cloud of dust billows behind the machine in front of you. Visibility drops from a hundred feet to ten in a matter of seconds. Is the driver ahead braking? Are they turning? Are they stopped completely just beyond that opaque wall of dirt? In those tense moments, you’re driving on instinct and hope. We’ve been there, heart pounding, easing off the gas not knowing what lies ahead. This is precisely why a high-quality chase light isn’t just a “nice-to-have” accessory; it’s one of the most critical safety upgrades you can make to your side-by-side. It transforms you from a ghost in the dust to a clear, visible presence, communicating your every move to the riders behind you and ensuring everyone gets back to the trailhead safely.
- Switches not included.
- The courtesy/license plate, running, brake and reverse light options must be wired to existing...
What to Consider Before Buying a UTV Chase Light
A Powersports Accessory Light, specifically a rear-facing chase bar, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for a fundamental problem in off-roading: communication through chaos. Its primary job is to cut through dust, rain, snow, and darkness to signal your actions—braking, turning, reversing—to others. The main benefits are a staggering increase in safety, preventing rear-end collisions on fast-paced trails, and adding immense utility. With features like integrated reverse lights for navigating tight spots at night, cargo lights for loading gear after sunset, and high-visibility strobes for emergency situations, a multi-function light bar like the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light becomes the Swiss Army knife of UTV lighting.
The ideal customer for this type of product is the avid UTV or SxS enthusiast who frequently rides with groups, tackles dusty desert trails, or ventures out for night rides. If you use your machine for work on a large property, the added reverse and cargo lighting is invaluable. However, it might not be the right fit for those who primarily use their UTV for slow-speed, solitary tasks in clear conditions. Similarly, riders who are looking for 360-degree visibility or purely aesthetic, color-changing effects might be better served by LED whip lights, which offer a different kind of visibility profile that’s often required in sand dune environments.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fitment: A chase light mounts to your UTV’s roll cage, so confirming the fit is paramount. Measure your roll cage’s tube diameter; the Rough Country 70708 is designed for the common 1.75 to 2.00-inch tubes. Also, consider the overall width of the light bar (this one is just over 22 inches) to ensure it fits cleanly between your roof pillars without obstructing other accessories or your field of view.
- Functionality & Performance: What do you need the light to do? A basic chase light might only offer a running and brake light. The beauty of a multi-function unit is its versatility. Consider the brightness (lumens) of the reverse and cargo lights, and the attention-grabbing effectiveness of the strobe patterns. The five distinct modes of the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light cover nearly every conceivable rear-facing lighting need on the trail.
- Materials & Durability: The off-road world is unforgiving. Look for a robust aluminum housing, a shatter-resistant polycarbonate lens, and, most importantly, a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating. An IP68 rating, as found on this model, signifies the highest level of dust protection and the ability to withstand prolonged water immersion, ensuring it will survive river crossings, mud pits, and high-pressure washes.
- Ease of Use & Installation: This is a big one. Does the kit include everything you need? The Rough Country 70708 includes mounting hardware but notably lacks switches and a dedicated wiring harness. This keeps the cost down but means you’ll need to be comfortable tapping into your vehicle’s existing wiring (brake, reverse, etc.) or installing new switches and relays, which adds a layer of complexity to the installation.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a light that not only fits your machine but also perfectly matches your riding style and technical comfort level.
While the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Built Tougher Than Its Price Tag Suggests
Pulling the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light out of its box, the first thing we noticed was its substantial feel. This doesn’t feel like a flimsy, budget accessory. The housing is solid, the chrome-series finish is clean, and the polycarbonate lens feels ready to take a beating from roost and stray branches. The kit includes the light bar itself and a set of adjustable tube mounts, which felt sturdy and well-machined. At 22.1 inches long, it has a significant presence without being overly bulky, striking a great balance for most full-size UTVs.
What’s immediately apparent is the thoughtful design. The main LEDs are rear-facing as expected, but the inclusion of angled LEDs on the top is a brilliant touch, designed specifically to function as cargo or courtesy lights. It’s a feature often overlooked on other chase bars. The only initial “gotcha” is the wiring—it terminates in a pigtail of several wires, and the manual makes it clear that switches and relays are on you. This isn’t a simple plug-and-play affair, but for anyone comfortable with basic 12-volt wiring, it presents an opportunity for a clean, custom installation. For its price point, the initial build quality and feature set are exceptionally impressive, positioning it as a serious contender against brands that cost significantly more. We were eager to get it wired up and see if the performance matched the promise you can see in its full feature set.
What We Like
- Incredibly versatile with five distinct, useful lighting modes
- Excellent value, rivaling the performance of premium brands at a fraction of the cost
- Rugged IP68-rated construction for superior dust and water resistance
- Integrated, downward-angled cargo lights are a huge practical benefit
Potential Drawbacks
- Switches and wiring harness are not included, requiring a DIY installation
- Installation can be complex for those unfamiliar with vehicle wiring
Deep Dive: Putting the Rough Country 70708 Through Its Paces
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a piece of gear, you have to install it, use it, and abuse it in the environment it was designed for. We mounted the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light to our test UTV and spent weeks putting it through mud, dust, and long night rides. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its real-world performance.
Unpacking the 5-Mode Functionality: A Light for Every Scenario
The true standout feature of this light is its multi-function capability. It’s not just a light; it’s a complete rear-facing lighting system. We wired each function to a central switch panel to test them individually and in concert.
- Running & Brake Lights: The red LEDs for the running light provide a clear, solid bar of light that significantly enhances your rig’s presence from behind, even in broad daylight. When you hit the brakes, the intensity ramps up immediately, providing a brilliant, impossible-to-miss signal that is leagues better than stock UTV tail lights. In our group rides, the feedback was unanimous: the brake light was exceptionally bright and noticeable, even through moderate dust.
- Reverse Light: The center section of the bar houses powerful white LEDs for reverse. The output is a clean, wide flood of light that completely illuminates the area behind the vehicle. This was a game-changer for backing up to a trailer in the dark or navigating tight, technical trails at night. It provides far more usable light than the tiny, often inadequate factory reverse lights.
- Cargo/Courtesy Light: This is the feature we didn’t know we needed and now can’t live without. The angled 168-lumen LEDs cast a perfect pool of light down into the cargo bed. No more fumbling with a headlamp or phone light to strap down a cooler or find a tool after the sun goes down. We wired this to an independent switch for maximum convenience.
- Amber Strobe: When the dust gets truly biblical, the amber strobe is your best friend. The flashing amber lights are specifically designed to cut through particulate matter better than red or white light. In our dust tests, the strobes remained visible long after standard tail lights had disappeared. This is the mode that defines it as a true “chase” light and is an absolute must-have for desert or group riding. The versatility offered by these five distinct modes truly makes this light a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.
Built for the Trail: Durability and Weatherproofing in Action
Off-road gear that can’t handle the elements is worthless. We were determined to see if the IP68 rating on the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light was just a number on a box. Our testing grounds included several deep, muddy water crossings and a high-pressure washdown back at the shop. The light never flickered. We inspected the lens and housing afterward and found zero signs of moisture or dust ingress. The seal is robust and clearly up to the task of keeping the sensitive electronics protected.
The polycarbonate lens also proved its worth. On a tight, wooded trail, we misjudged a corner and scraped the rear cage against a low-hanging branch that would have shattered a lesser material. The lens on the Rough Country light came away with only a minor scuff that didn’t impact light output at all. This resilience is critical; a chase light is often mounted in a vulnerable position, and knowing it can shrug off the incidental impacts of hard riding provides immense peace of mind. This isn’t just a light that looks tough; our hands-on experience confirms it has the rugged build quality to back it up and survive seasons of hard use. The durability alone makes it worth a closer look for any serious rider.
Installation Insights: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
This is the one area where the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light requires careful consideration. The physical mounting is straightforward. The included adjustable tube clamps are versatile and grip the 1.75″ roll cage on our test vehicle perfectly, holding the light bar securely with no vibration or rattling, even over harsh whoops. The universal 90-degree L-brackets also provide alternative mounting options for flat surfaces, which is a nice touch.
The challenge lies in the wiring. The light has a pigtail with individual wires for each function (ground, running, brake, reverse, strobe, and courtesy). There is no “plug-and-play” harness. You have two primary options: tap into your UTV’s existing tail light harness for the brake, running, and reverse signals, or run dedicated wiring to a switch panel in your cab. We opted for a hybrid approach: we tapped the brake and running light wires at the rear and ran the reverse, strobe, and cargo light wires to a new switch panel for independent control. This is the most versatile setup but requires a working knowledge of 12V DC systems, wire stripping, crimping, and routing. If you’ve never installed aftermarket accessories on a vehicle before, this installation could be intimidating. However, for the seasoned DIYer, it offers the flexibility to integrate the light exactly how you want it.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light is strongly echoed in the wider user community. The prevailing sentiment is one of surprise and satisfaction, particularly concerning the light’s value proposition. One user’s feedback perfectly encapsulates this, stating they have “bought and used 2, work great as brake light, reverse light, and strobe for a chase light.”
Perhaps the most telling comment is the direct comparison to a well-known premium competitor: “Have owned the rigid industries light that similar and 4 times the price. This light is as good or better.” This highlights the core appeal of the Rough Country model—it delivers the high-end functionality and performance that off-roaders demand without the exorbitant price tag. While our review notes the potential installation complexity as a drawback for beginners, the consensus among those who have installed it is that the end result is more than worth the effort, providing a massive safety and utility upgrade.
How Does the Rough Country 70708 Compare to the Competition?
The Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light exists in a market with varied approaches to rear visibility. While it excels as a multi-functional bar, some riders prefer the aesthetic and 360-degree coverage of LED whips. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. ONLINE LED STORE 4ft RGB LED Whip Light
![True Mods 4ft RGB LED Whip Light for UTV ATV [RF Wireless Remote] USA Flag Waterproof LED Lighted...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+BhO15rKL.jpg)
- MULTIPLE COLORS & COMBINATIONS - Customize this 1pc bright off road RGBW LED whip with 20 color...
- REMOTE CONTROL - Adjust your 12V battery LED light whip color shade, color brightness levels, and...
The ONLINE LED STORE Whip Light offers a completely different solution. Instead of a forward-projecting bar, it’s a flexible vertical antenna that provides 360-degree visibility. Its primary advantage is style, with RGB color-changing abilities and patterns controlled by a remote. It’s an excellent choice for riders in sand dunes where a tall flag or light is often mandatory for cresting hills safely. However, it lacks the specific, directed functionality of the Rough Country chase bar; it has no integrated brake, reverse, or cargo lights. This is for the rider who prioritizes being seen from all angles and wants a customizable light show over practical, utility-focused functions.
2. Nilight 3FT RGB LED Whip Light
- Safety & Cool Style: Spiral design. Lighted whips glow in 360°direction, light up the night with...
- Upgrade To Last: Use upgrade base with spring to add flexibility for more swings and buffer pressure...
Similar to the previous alternative, the Nilight Whip Light focuses on 360-degree visibility and customizable RGB effects. This kit comes as a pair of 3-foot whips, offering symmetrical flair for the back of your UTV. The inclusion of a spring base is a great feature, allowing the whips to flex upon impact with branches, increasing their durability. While they are fantastic for standing out in a crowd and meeting dune flag requirements, they serve a different purpose than the Rough Country 70708. A buyer would choose the Nilight whips for aesthetics and all-around conspicuity, whereas they would choose the Rough Country bar for its powerful, function-specific lighting like braking and reversing.
3. NR NIRIDER 4ft Spiral RGB LED Whip Light
- OVERVIEW - 360° illumination with 280 LEDs, the black look 4ft LED Whip is 100% brighter than any...
- SAFETY & DURABILITY - IP67 Waterproof / Dustproof rating. 180° twistable and bendable, no issues...
The NR NIRIDER whip brings a “chasing” spiral effect to the RGB whip category, creating dynamic, eye-catching patterns. It’s another strong contender for riders focused on customization and meeting visibility flag rules in open terrain. It excels at grabbing attention from a distance and from any direction. The trade-off, like the other whips, is the lack of dedicated utility functions. The Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light is fundamentally a tool for safety and utility signaling, while the NR NIRIDER whip is a tool for general visibility and style. The choice depends entirely on whether you need to communicate specific actions or simply announce your presence with flair.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Serious UTV Enthusiast
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Rough Country 70708 LED Chase Light is one of the best value-for-money upgrades available in the powersports market. It successfully bridges the gap between budget-friendly accessories and premium, high-performance lighting. Its five distinct modes—especially the brilliant reverse and cargo lights—add a level of utility that fundamentally enhances the off-road experience, making every ride safer and more convenient.
While the DIY nature of the wiring may be a hurdle for absolute beginners, it’s a minor trade-off for the level of performance and durability you receive. It stood up to all the abuse we could throw at it, from water crossings to rattling whoops, without ever missing a beat. If you’re a UTV owner who wants the safety and functionality of a high-end chase light system without emptying your wallet, this is the clear choice. It’s a robust, versatile, and incredibly bright solution that punches well above its price class. For those ready to elevate their rig’s safety and functionality, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and user reviews for yourself right here.