The Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Upgrade Kit is designed for drivers who already have a Kuat DEK roof rack and want to add integrated auxiliary lighting. It gives you the option to run either an aggressive SS5 CrossLink pod-style lightbar or a cleaner Stage Series LED lightbar setup.
Features include:
- Designed for Kuat DEK roof racks
- Converts a non-lit DEK rack for integrated lighting
- Available with SS5 CrossLink LED lightbar
- Available with Stage Series LED lightbar
- SS40 or SS50 Stage Series options, depending on rack size
- White or Dual-Color Stage Series options
- Sport or Pro power level options for Stage Series lightbars
- Backlight functionality
- Includes wiring, brackets, hardware, and wire hider
- Off-road application
- Lifetime warranty
Key Features & Benefits
Kuat DEK Roof Rack Lighting Upgrade
This kit is made to add Diode Dynamics lighting to an existing non-lit Kuat DEK roof rack.
Features include:
- Designed for Kuat DEK roof racks
- Converts non-lit DEK rack setups
- Accepts Diode Dynamics lightbar options
- Integrated roof rack lighting upgrade
- Off-road lighting application
This is a clean option for adding front-facing auxiliary lighting without replacing your entire DEK rack setup.
SS5 CrossLink Lightbar Option
The SS5 CrossLink setup links multiple SS5 LED pods together into one lightbar.
Features include:
- SS5 CrossLink LED lightbar option
- Links seven or eight SS5 LED pods
- Bold pod-style lightbar appearance
- Driving beam pattern
- 30×20 degree beam spread
- Selectable multicolor backlight
The SS5 CrossLink option is ideal for a more aggressive lighting look with strong forward output.
Stage Series LED Lightbar Option
The Stage Series lightbar option provides a cleaner, low-profile lighting setup.
Features include:
- Stage Series LED lightbar option
- SS40 or SS50 lightbar options depending on rack size
- Combo/Driving beam pattern
- 60×30 degree beam spread
- White or Dual-Color configurations
- Sport or Pro power level options
This setup is a strong choice for drivers who want integrated roof rack lighting with a smoother lightbar appearance.
Functional Beam Patterns
Each lightbar option is engineered to provide usable off-road light output.
Features include:
- Stage Series Combo/Driving pattern
- SS5 CrossLink Driving pattern
- Balanced width and distance
- Foreground illumination
- Downrange visibility
The Stage Series Combo/Driving optic blends throw and width into one beam pattern, while the SS5 CrossLink Driving pattern adds extra punch and distance ahead without being a tight spot beam.
Fully Illuminated Backlight
Each LED lightbar option includes backlight functionality for accent lighting when the main beam is not in use.
Backlight options include:
- White Stage Series: amber-only backlight with no startup sequence
- Dual-Color Stage Series: selectable multicolor backlight on inner segments
- SS5 CrossLink: selectable multicolor backlight
- Eight selectable backlight colors on supported options
- Power-cycle backlight color selection
The backlight adds a custom accent look while helping increase visibility when stopped on the trail.
White or Dual-Color Output Options
Stage Series lightbar options are available in White or Dual-Color configurations.
Features include:
- White option with 6000K cool white output
- Dual-Color option with cool white inner segments
- Dual-Color option with selective yellow outer segments
- SmartSelect technology
- Inner-only, outer-only, or full-bar output modes
SmartSelect technology allows the Dual-Color option to change output modes by cycling main beam power, without extra switches or complicated controller programming.
Sport or Pro Power Levels
Stage Series lightbar options are available in Sport or Pro output levels.
Features include:
- Sport power level option
- Pro power level option
- Automotive-grade LED emitters
- TIR optics
- Focused light output
Sport is the value-focused option, while Pro adds a noticeable increase in power and light output.
Performance, Compatibility & Use Case
Kuat DEK Compatibility
This upgrade kit is designed for Kuat DEK roof racks that are not already equipped with integrated lighting.
Lightbar compatibility varies by selected kit and rack size. Depending on your setup, options may include an SS5 CrossLink LED lightbar, SS40 Stage Series LED lightbar, or SS50 Stage Series LED lightbar.
Application & Use Case
Designed for:
- Kuat DEK roof rack lighting upgrades
- Off-road lighting builds
- Trail visibility
- Overland vehicles
- Auxiliary roof rack lighting
- Drivers wanting integrated lightbar mounting
- SS5 CrossLink or Stage Series LED lightbar setups
This kit is intended for off-road applications.
Installation & Technical Details
Installation Overview
The Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Upgrade Kit includes the lightbar, mounting brackets, wiring, hardware, and wire management components needed for the selected configuration.
Installation details:
- Product type: Kuat DEK roof rack lighting upgrade kit
- Lighting options: SS5 CrossLink or Stage Series LED lightbar
- Stage Series size options: SS40 or SS50, depending on rack size
- Stage Series color options: White or Dual-Color
- Stage Series power options: Sport or Pro
- Beam patterns: Combo/Driving or Driving, depending on selected lightbar
- Application: Off-road
- Wiring harnesses: Included
- Mounting hardware: Included
Professional installation is recommended for proper wiring, routing, mounting, and function testing.
Build Quality, Reliability & Warranty
Proven Diode Dynamics Construction
Diode Dynamics Stage Series lighting is engineered and assembled in the United States.
Key details:
- Automotive-grade LED emitters
- TIR optics
- Engineered for focused output
- Tested for long-term operation from -40°F to 185°F
- Tested for vibration
- Tested for moisture intrusion
- Tested for corrosion
- Testing completed to SAE standards
This kit is designed for drivers who want a purpose-built lighting upgrade backed by Diode Dynamics engineering and support.
Warranty Coverage
This product includes a lifetime warranty.
The supplied product information also lists a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What’s Included
Included in the kit:
- 1 × SS5 CrossLink LED Lightbar or Stage Series LED Lightbar
- 2 × Lightbar Mounting Brackets
- 4 × Zip Ties
- 1 × Universal Adhesive Wire Hider
- Necessary Wiring Harnesses
- Necessary Mounting Hardware
Quantity:
- 1 × Kit
Frequently Asked Questions About The Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Upgrade Kit
What does the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Upgrade Kit do?
This kit upgrades a non-lit Kuat DEK roof rack to accept integrated Diode Dynamics lighting.
Depending on the selected configuration, it can support either an SS5 CrossLink LED lightbar or a Stage Series LED lightbar.
Does this fit every Kuat DEK rack?
This kit is designed for Kuat DEK roof racks, but lightbar size and configuration depend on rack size.
Confirm your rack size before selecting SS5 CrossLink, SS40, or SS50 options.
What lightbar options are available?
The kit is available with either an SS5 CrossLink LED lightbar or a Stage Series LED lightbar.
Stage Series options may include SS40 or SS50 sizes depending on your rack size.
What is the difference between SS5 CrossLink and Stage Series?
The SS5 CrossLink setup links seven or eight SS5 LED pods together for a more aggressive pod-style lightbar look.
The Stage Series option uses a cleaner, low-profile LED lightbar design.
What beam pattern does the Stage Series lightbar use?
The Stage Series lightbar uses a Combo/Driving beam pattern.
It is designed to blend distance and width into one balanced 60×30 degree beam pattern.
What beam pattern does the SS5 CrossLink lightbar use?
The SS5 CrossLink lightbar uses a Driving beam pattern.
It provides a 30×20 degree spread designed to balance reach and width.
Does the lightbar include a backlight?
Yes. Each LED lightbar option includes a fully illuminated backlight.
Backlight color and startup sequence features vary by selected lightbar configuration.
What is the Dual-Color Stage Series option?
The Dual-Color Stage Series option includes cool white inner segments and selective yellow outer segments.
SmartSelect technology allows inner-only, outer-only, or full-bar output by cycling main beam power.
Is this kit for street use?
The supplied product information lists the application as off-road.
Use the kit only where permitted and follow local lighting laws.
What warranty is included?
This product includes a lifetime warranty.
The supplied product information also lists a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
