The Best Truck Bed Lights – Ultimate Guide To Finding And Installing

Truck bed LED lights are beneficial in many ways. They have a functional purpose, without which the truck isn’t legal to drive. Then there is the decorative aspect of it, for they do make your truck more beautiful (assuming that you pick the appropriate lights).

We are here to help you achieve both: function and aesthetics. This article brings you two things: the list of the best truck bed LED lights, and a Buyer’s Guide to help you pick the right lights for your truck. We will also discuss the vital features of these LED lights, what they are, what are they for, how to install them, and so forth.

Best Truck Bed LED Lights for The Money 2023

1. Xprite Lights – The Most Inexpensive LED Lights

Xprite Led Rock Light package includes eight beautifying LED pad, each pad having three lights. These are the most inexpensive lights on our list, but only if you purchase them in stock white color. You also have the option to buy the lights in five other colors, the purple and the pink being the most expensive ones.

They are waterproof, featuring IP67 (Index Protection, read here). Aside from being waterproof, they are also resistant to shocks, extreme weather, and harsh environments.

Xprite Led Rock Lights features unique design: each pod features rectangular shape, with pod being 1/4 inch thick, which means that they won’t stick out. Instead, you will be able to hide them appropriately.

Easy Installation

The lights are simple to install (but also aren’t, more on that later). Each pod features 3M adhesive, which allows quick and firm installation. The package also includes screws and a light switch for convenient control. A total length of wire per strand is 21 ft, each strand having four pods. The distance between the two pods is 2 feet of wire. Though you can use this light for multiple purposes, they are mainly intended for truck beds.

Note that these are 12 V lights, weighing roughly 1 pound. Each light uses 0.5 W, 1.5 W per pod. These are 2835 SMD lights. They are very bright and relatively easy to install. The price is more than fair, and design is unique and beautiful.

2. Colorful-USA Lights – Compatible And Inexpensive

Colorful-USA LED lights are inexpensive, compatible with virtually any truck, and durable. This kit features eight lights in total, four bulbs in each pod. Lights come in white color and are surprisingly bright (though, you can email the manufacturer and ask for different color).

These are bed rail lights, meaning that they mount beneath the railing to avoid potential damage from moving and unstable cargo. Each pod is 1.4 inches wide and long and 0.2 inches thick. Every power strand is 10 ft long, with 2 ft of wire in between each pod.

Due to their thinness, these lights are low profiled. Installation is relatively simple, and shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes. They are bright, durable and highly adjustable. Again, this one too came without the manual but don’t worry; we will talk about this in our Buyer’s Guide.

These two are 12 volts, each light using 2 Watts. The lights are surprisingly lightweight, so you can rest assured that the provided screws will hold them in place. Make sure you install them accordingly, beneath the railing to prevent potential damage.

All in all, these lights are a valuable grab, especially if you consider their price, illuminating power and compatibility. If you are unsure about adequate lights for your truck, perhaps you should try these.

3. MICTUNING Lights – LED Strip Light Design

Well, if the term unique design had no actual meaning before, it does now! The MICTUNING lights are very, unique, cost-effective. The package includes two pieces of 5050 SMD LED lights (refer to the table above). They are purchasable in white or smart RGB color, the latter ones being more expensive than the white lights.

These aren’t pods, but strips, 60 inches long, 12 V, intended for various reasons, one of which is truck bed lightning. They come with 3M adhesive tape, ties, screws, and fasteners. All this results in a relatively simple installation.

Flexible & Durable Led Lights

The lights are sturdy and well constructed, featuring waterproof, IP67 design. The strips are injected with silicone matter at the end, which makes the lights even more durable. They are also very safe, featuring inline safety fuse, which prevents the overloading and short circuits.

You also receive the on/off switch, which is nice, but not very durable. It is flimsy, and there is no actual way of mounting it. Also, this product comes without an instruction manual. I’m probably boring by now, but I believe truck bed lights should come with instructions.

But I do love the multi-purpose use, the truly unique design, and the brightness. These lights are inexpensive(IMO), even if you go for the RGB version. Why editor’s choice? Mostly due to the mixture of quality build and funky design.

4. LEDGlow Lights – Editor’s Choice

LEDGlow took a different route when it comes to design: while most of their competitors strive towards medium sized lights, the LEDGlow feature 48 small lights allocated across 8 lightning pods.

Each pod is 1.4 inches long and wide, and 0.2 inches thick. The pods are waterproof and shockproof, and the package includes a mountable switch, 21 ft long cable (per strand), with 2 ft between each lightning pod.
The product arrives with all necessary equipment for installation and mounting.

The product mounts under the truck bed rail using the 3M tape or screws. The cord length is sufficient for adequate installation, and the switch mounts without issues (switch is okay, not perfect). Due to their 0.2-inch thickness, the lights fit comfortably under the railing, which is always mine preferred option, since the railing protects the lights.

I also commend the build and the option to go for something different: instead of a couple of medium lights, the LEDGlow delegated the power to 48 small lights, which does reflect on the brightness. Durability is decent, and they seem rather sturdy.

The wire length can be hit and miss because some people like having more wiring, others don’t. Moreover, it makes the lights more accessible and compatible with longer and more massive truck beds.

5. OPT7 AURA Lights – Lights With Advanced Features

OPT7 AURA Bed LED Lights are highly customizable and advanced, but also very expensive. Together with Robin Electronics Truck Bed Lights, they are the most expensive products on our list.

These lights feature SmartColor LED design: 16 different colors give your truck a touch of uniqueness and modernity. These lights utilize technology very efficiently, featuring a lot of superior characteristics.

For starters, they have a wireless remote control system, allowing you to control the lights via the wireless remote controller. Furthermore, they feature seven brightness modes, and five light shows (some might like this, some not).

Soundsync Technology

Also, the LED lights have sound sync technology, which means that they respond to the sounds you emit, which is pretty cool if you ask me. You also receive a switch that attaches to the truck’s dashboard and a tailgate pin switch.

The pods are aluminum made, sturdy and stable, IP67 rated. The lights feature 3M tape and can endure in harsh conditions. The installation process is easy, but it will take you some time to figure out all the functionality and full usability.

The kit comes in eight lighting pods, each pod having six lights. Lights shine in 16 colors and can endure the temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius. They are waterproof and come with 20 ft of wiring. Though the idea behind these lights is excellent, a lot of people complained about the build.

They are bright, and the customer support is pretty helpful. Once you install the system, it does look very nice, and all the technological features spice up the atmosphere.

6. Robin Electronics Lights – The Sturdiest LED Lights

Robin Electronics lights mimic the design similar to those found on Ford 150. These lights are very durable and sturdy and install rather quickly. Upon purchase, you receive two laps, each having two LED lights, giving your truck more of a classic appeal.

They are heavier (3 pounds) and bulkier than most other truck bed lights, being 11.2 x 8.8 x 3 inches in dimension. The lamps rotate and are entirely waterproof and shockproof. Robin Electronics lights are arguably the sturdiest lights on our list.

Durability & OEM Quality

The four lights help conserve power and are much simpler to maintain. The product is made of high-quality polycarbonate, making these lamps/lights highly durable. They also take less space, since you only have four lamps to mount. Of course, the installation is straightforward.

And finally, a manufacturer that includes installation guide! You also receive templates, wiring system diagrams, and recommended mounting spots. If you think instilling other might be too difficult for you, go with these lights.

I also have to commend the customer service because they respond promptly to consumer’s questions and requests. And I like the no switch- design. They operate on touch, which might not be what you are looking for. I understand that some people love to control the lights with more comfort.

The product is expensive; there’s no denying it. Also, you have to approach the lights to turn them on, which isn’t something most people are looking for, but I like it. And btw, they are very bright!

Best Truck Bed LED Lights – Buyer’s Guide

Now that you know what products are on the table, you need to figure out which one is for you (if any). We will list some of the most important things you should consider, and provide you with general, easy to follow installation guide.

Compatibility

Before you even think about the build, the brightness, the colors and the features, you need to make sure that the lights fit your truck. Here, you should mostly focus on the cord length.

The good news is that the products on our list generally have an excess of wiring. The extra wiring is excellent for those who have more massive truck beds but troublesome for those who own smaller trucks. Note that you can always cut and shorten the wires, assuming you know what you are doing.

Voltage is another thing you should consider. Even though most, if not all truck bed lights have 12 V to match the voltage of the car’s battery, it won’t hurt you to doublecheck the stats.

Durability

Of course, you want your LED to last. When looking for durability, consider the features that make the lighting pods durable, then evaluate the lights. Lighting pods are the things that protect the lights; if they are sturdy and durable, light bulbs will endure.

Then again, this isn’t a rule. Some lights can’t endure extreme weather and will break regardless of the pod’s durability and design. Nevertheless, make sure that the light’s are waterproof, shockproof, and that they can endure extreme weather conditions, especially if you live in such areas.

Size And Shape

If you read the article thus far, you’ve noticed a lot of different designs and shapes. And that is a good thing because it gives you the option to customize your truck according to your needs.

You can go for triangular, medium sized lights. Then there is the strip lamp, the MICTUNING Bed Light Strip Lamp. You also have the simple, classic design of the Robin Electronics Lights. Their lights are thicker than any other product on the list, which is another thing you have to consider.

Do you want low-profile lights, the ones you can hide behind the railing, or you want something out in the open, like the Robin Electronics Lights? Keep in mind that each affects your truck’s appeal, but also determine the difficulty of the installation process.

Color

Color is another aspect you should think through before you make your final decision. Consider whether you want standard white or blue light, or you seek something funkier, like the OPT7 AURA Bed LED Lights.

OPT7 AURA Bed LED Lights features 16 colors, and seven levels of brightness, which grants you a lot of customization. If unsure, stick with classics, the whites, and the blues. Just make sure that the color is compatible with your truck.

Installation Difficulty

How handy are you? You see, even though these LED lights come with strong 3M adhesive tape, you might want to do some drilling, manage the wiring, protect the lights and fixate their position more firmly.

I think manufacturers didn’t include instructions because they believe that people who buy the lights know how to install them, which isn’t always the truth. You can own a pickup truck, and you might want to class it up, make it easier to steer it during the night, but doesn’t mean you know how to use the drill.

And using the drill is one thing; using it on your truck is a whole different story, especially if you lack confidence in your ability, which is perfectly reasonable. So, this is my suggestion: use the 3M tape, don’t drill on your own, or at least not before you read our instruction guide.

Installation And Mounting

Now, let’s start with the basics. Let’s assume you bought the lights, and they arrived at your doorstep undamaged and safe: now it’s time to install them. Before you start, buy the 20 ft of wire loom (3/8), you’ll see why. You should also acquire electric tape (preferably vinyl), two rolls.

1. Start with removing the headlights using the appropriate wrench. Now use the wire and push it through the loom, making sure that you push enough wire to go from the back of your vehicle to the grommet beneath the driver’s door.
2. Now you need to navigate the loom to merge it with other factory loom located in the middle. You have to pass the fuel tank, towards the grommet beneath the doors
3. Once you are there, remove the tape from the grommet (don’t rip it off), and pull the wire through the grommet. Make sure that you sufficient amount of slack before you return the grommet in place with the wire loom attached to it (side by side). Tape it back
4. Now you need to remove the door sill and remove the unscrew the nut. You should also remove any tabs (the ones on the posts and the kick panel). Then remove the kick panel
5. Pull the slack all the way to the dash and then cut it. Add more loom, just enough to reach the garment. You can follow the factory loom to see where it is going
6. Once you arrive with the loom at the coin tray, tape the end of the loom leaving enough slack outside the loom. Run the grounds. There should be a socket beneath the dash with 10 mm long open
7. Result? You should see two wires hanging out of the tray hole. Now all you need to do is attach the wiring to the to the fuse box. Remove the fuse cover, attach the wiring, connect it to the tray, and close it up.

You can find a complete guide with pictures here. But keep in mind that the provided guide is full DIY, custom-made truck bed light setup. If you purchase it online, you don’t have to go through each of the provided steps. Make sure that you do the wiring adequately; that’s the most important thing.

Conclusion

As you can see, this article deals with both purchasing and installation of the newly purchased LED lights for truck beds. When it comes to buying, make sure that the lights are compatible with your truck, and then focus on the details, such as design, durability, light color, and other features.

Installation isn’t easy; I won’t lie to you. But if you read our step by step guide, it shouldn’t be that difficult. Skip the steps you find redundant, and focus on the wiring. Once you get the wires from the back of your vehicle to the doors, you can have a drink and rest before you attach the wires to the vehicle’s electronics.