KC HiLiTES, a legendary brand known for their high-output, high-quality off-road lighting, cooked up something brand new this year.
You may have seen a version of this system before, but this latest update to their racks is finally here! The KC Platform One Roof Rack System is the pinnacle of roof racks. This brand-new system delivers strength, versatility, and a clean, contoured design, ready for every adventure. And to top it off, they make them right here in the USA and back them with an Adventure Further Lifetime Warranty!
This rack has been designed from the ground up to serve not only as a mounting platform, but also as a power-distribution, lighting, and utility hub for overland rigs. The new Platform One line is built around modularity, integrated wiring, and plug-and-play additions. I’ll get into more details on their robust accessory lines in the future, but this post will more so be a quick overview and highlight of the rack and lighting.
Table Of Contents
Versatile Lighting Options
One of the core advantages of the Platform One design is that lighting is not an afterthought; it is an integral part of the design. This obviously makes sense, since KC has been a powerhouse lighting brand for decades. The beauty of this design allows you to equip one of the KC HiLiTES Gravity PRO6 or Gravity Titan 8-Light bar systems with ease. These epic lights are made for long distance visibility. In my opinion, these are the best of the best, offering very good output and high-quality materials and components.
Another addition to this design are the new flush-mounted SideCast lights, featuring DualColor amber/white modes and BiasBeam technology. What is really cool about these is that they sit flush to the rack and don’t just beam light straight out. They feature an unique design, allowing them to emit light at an angle close to the vehicle. With this design, it’s perfect for campsites and trail fixes in the dark.
They also offer rear facing light options, like chase bars and KC Flex Era 1s. This allows you to have a full 360 degrees of lighting all the way around your truck.
Integrated Wire Management
This is where the Platform One stands apart. Wiring is often tedious and hiding all the wires can be time consuming – most racks don’t provide you with very many clean options. The rack features dedicated internal wire passages and track channels, allowing power and signal wiring to be hidden and protected. This avoids the typical mess of zip ties and exposed wiring. Because the wiring is internal, it’s shielded from the elements and off-road hazards.
Utility & Load-Bearing Functionality
Structural Strength & Materials
- KC utilizes high-grade materials (aluminum or steel, as needed) to strike a balance between weight and strength.
- Crossbars and framework are engineered to be rigid, minimizing deflection under load and resisting twisting even under off-camber stress.
Mounting Rails & Interface Slots
- The rails and crossbars include T-slot, channel, and anchor points for mounting cargo, tie-downs, brackets, and accessories. The individual crossbars also slide within the rack structure for added flexibility.
Cargo Accessories
- You can mount gear like roof cargo boxes, rooftop tents, jerry cans, recovery boards, and bikes using standard or custom mounts.
- Because the rack is flat and broad, loads are easier to center, balance, and access.
Clearance & Aerodynamics
- The rack’s profile is optimized to reduce wind noise and drag, while still offering clearance for lighting elements. The whole intention is to be sleek and aerodynamic.
- Side rails and platform edges are designed so accessories don’t stick out awkwardly, and to maintain a clean, functional shape.
Final Thoughts
I have had this rack on my 4Runner for a few months now, and I am thoroughly impressed with its build quality and usability. I have used a few other racks on other vehicles, and this one surpasses them all. It feels extremely sturdy and looks so good with all the integrated lights. I can attach a rooftop tent if needed, or strap extra gear on top, and I can even store my surfboards up there when I have a full vehicle.
I’m stoked to see more accessories released for this rack and think it should be at the top of your list when choosing a rack. You can tell KC really put time and effort into designing a perfect roof rack, and in my opinion, they have succeeded with this one.
