How to Install: Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack

The Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack includes powerful, integrated lighting for the modular Kuat DEK roof rack system. This installation guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to install the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions below!

Table of Contents

• Kuat DEK Roof Rack Installation
• Installation Tools
• Lighting Installation
• Wiring
• Questions About the Installation?
• Where Can I Buy the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack?

Kuat DEK Roof Rack Installation

Before installing the Diode Dynamics lighting components, the Kuat DEK roof rack must be fully assembled and mounted to your vehicle.

Please follow Kuat’s official installation guide that applies to your specific mounting configuration:
-Kuat DEK Crossbar Mount Installation Guide (PDF)
-Kuat DEK Direct Mount Installation Guide (PDF)

Once the roof rack is otherwise fully installed, return here to continue with the lighting installation.

Installation Tools

• 4mm Allen key
• 5mm Allen key
• 10mm wrench
• T20 Torx driver (lightbar applications only)

Lighting Installation

Step 1 — Install Corner Caps

Using a 5mm Allen key, follow the Kuat instructions to install the corner caps onto the DEK side rails. The specific corner caps used will depend on the lighting configuration included with your kit.

Step 2 — Attach L-Brackets

Using a 4mm Allen key, loosely install the L-brackets to the corner caps using the included washers and screws. Leave the hardware loose to allow for adjustment during light installation.

Step 3 — Assemble CrossLink Pods (If Applicable)

If your kit includes SS5 CrossLink pods, assemble them according to your desired appearance. Pods can be positioned in the first or second notch for a straight or slightly curved look.

Locate the Link Wire Harnesses, and begin daisy-chaining each pod together, starting at one end. There should be one less Link Wire Harness than the total number of pods. When finished, there should be an open connector at one end of the lightbar, where you will connect your main wiring harness.

NOTE: You will have CrossLink Splitters and a single Terminating Splitter. The Crosslink Splitter is used for all but one splitter harness connection, which is for the Terminating Splitter. The Terminating Splitter should connect the two SS5 pods on the opposite end of the wiring harness.

For a detailed walkthrough on assembling the SS5 CrossLink lightbar, refer to our SS5 CrossLink assembly video on YouTube.

Step 4 — Mount the Lights

Using a 10mm wrench, install the CrossLink assembly or Stage Series lightbar onto the L-brackets. Once the lights are positioned correctly, tighten the L-bracket hardware from the previous steps.

Step 5 — Install Wind Deflectors (Lightbar Applications Only)

For SS40 and SS50 lightbar applications, wind deflectors are included to reduce vibration and wind noise. Using a T20 Torx driver, remove the bottom three screws on the back of each 10-inch lightbar segment, install the deflector, and secure it using the provided longer screws. Tighten to 10–15 in-lbs.

Step 6 — Install Paint Protection and Mounting Clip (SS5 Applications Only)

Clean the roof surface where the CrossLink support bumpers will contact the vehicle. Apply the included paint protection film to these areas. 

If included, install the mounting clip onto one of the corner caps to secure the wiring connector.

Wiring

Step 7 — Route the Wiring

Install the provided wire hider along either the driver-side or passenger-side windshield to route the wiring cleanly down into the engine bay.

Step 8 — Connect Power

Complete the wiring using standard Diode Dynamics wiring practices.

1. Route the harness to the battery. Be sure to avoid areas with excessive heat buildup or moving parts. We recommend following the path of the vehicle manufacturer’s wiring harness.
2. Connect the split ring terminals on the wiring harness to the battery. The black (ground) wire should be connected to the negative battery terminal, and the red (power) wire should be connected to the positive battery terminal.
3. Determine a suitable location to mount the switch and route the switch wiring to that location. This may require going through the vehicle’s firewall. We recommend unplugging the toggle switch from the harness to route the wires more easily. Drill and appropriate-sized hole for the switch. Then reconnect the wires to the switch and mount it.

Once powered, verify proper operation of all installed lights.

The installation is now complete. Enjoy your new Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack!

Questions About the Installation?

If you have any questions about installing the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack, contact us via our support page.

Where Can I Buy the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack?

If you're ready to upgrade your vehicle with the Diode Dynamics Kuat DEK Roof Rack, visit DiodeDynamics.com or use our Dealer Locator to find a dealer near you.

Want to know more about Diode Dynamics products? Visit DiodeDynamics.com and subscribe to our newsletter for new product releases and more!

This Installation Guide is for the following SKU: DD8490, DD8491, DD8492, DD8493, DD8494, DD8495, DD8496, DD8497, DD8498, DD8499, DD8500, DD8501, DD8502, DD8503, DD8504, DD8505, DD8506, DD8507, DD8508, DD8509, DD8510, DD8511, DD8512, DD8513, DD8514, DD8515, DD8516, DD8517, DD8518, DD8519