Best LED Light Bar for Pickups and Trucks | Our 6 Top Picks

Not being able to see the road in front of you is not only frustrating but also incredibly dangerous. Bad weather and nighttime driving can increase your chances of getting into an accident. The US Department of transport, Federal Highway Administration, found that 24% of all crashes occur during adverse weather conditions, including ice, snow, and rain.

It is, therefore, crucial to get an LED light bar that will help you see the road better, no matter what time of day or weather conditions. LED light bars are easy to install and even easier to use, and you don’t have to worry about the light bar draining your battery power.

This post will tell you everything you need to know about LED light bars and how they can improve your driving experience. We’ll also recommend some of our favorite models on the market today.

Benefits of adding an LED Light Bar on a Pickup or Truck

When driving your pickup truck or SUV, you want to feel safe and in control. That is why it is essential to have the right accessories, like a LED light bar.

The top benefits of installing a light bar in your vehicle include:

1. Better Visibility

Installing an LED light bar on your pickup or truck can significantly improve your visibility when driving at night or in low light conditions. The light will extend to a longer and wider range and help you to see the road more clearly for safer driving.

2. Enhance Vehicle Appearance

Mounting LED light bars on your pickup or truck can enhance its appearance if visuals are a key factor for you. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different parts of the vehicle. To improve your vehicle’s look, you can mount them on top of hoods or behind grilles.

3. Allows for Unconventional Driving

LED light bars will give you the flexibility that you need to drive your truck or pickup anywhere you want to go at any time.

The immense visibility power they provide allows for both road and off-road travel, even in black, moonless nights. Besides, the wide beam coverage ensures safe driving anywhere you go.

4. Eco-Friendly

All LED light bars are eco-friendly. Unlike the traditional car light bulbs that produce a large amount of heat, LED light bars produce a smaller amount of heat emissions.

This makes them safer to use as they burn cooler. They are also more durable, so you choose reliability and sustainability when you choose one.

6 Best LED Light Bar for Pickups and Trucks

We have reviewed a wide variety LED Light Bars of different sizes, forms and styles. Based on the seven factors discussed above, we recommend the following 6 bars that would be perfect for your truck.

1. Nilight Curved Triple Row- 18015C-A LED Light Bar 52Inch 783W (Best Overall)

The Nilight is 18015C comes with a triple row LED beam and a nest reflector cup design in the middle for extreme light efficiency.

The broad 52 inches reflective plate allows wide-angle refraction of light for maximum ambient illumination.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Aluminum Alloy with  Silicone Sealing
• Voltage: 9-30V DC (fits 12V, 24V vehicles)
• Wattage: 783 watts (Advertised)
• Bar Length: 52 Inches
• Weight: 9.46 pounds (4.2 Kgs)
• Working Temperature: -30 to + 30 C
• Color Temperature: Pure White 6000K-6500K
• Waterproof Rating: IP67; Waterproof, dustproof, quakeproof and anti-corrosive
• Lifespan Hours: 30,000 Hours

Pros

• The curved design ensures wide angle illumination
• Superb illuminating brightness
• Easy to install and operate
• Universal Fit mounting brackets included
• 2 Years Warranty
• Excellent value for the money

Cons

• The wiring is not very long, you may need an extension
• Mount vibrates at high speed if not properly reinforced

2. Nilight ZH002 20 Inch 126W with 2 X 18w 4Inch Spot LED Pods (Best Value for Money)

The Nilight – ZH002 is a super bright white beam. It comes with an adjustable mounting bracket (upto 45 degrees tilt). Its wiring has great electrical conductivity, high temperature resistance, outstanding bending performance and superior waterproofed coating.

The packaging includes 1PC 126W LED Light Bar, 2PCS 18W Spot LED Light Bar and 1PC 10ft Wiring Harness. It also comes with clearly explained installation instructions for guided installation.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Aluminum
• Voltage:9-30V DC (fits 12V, 24V vehicles
• Wattage: 126W LED Light Bar and 2Pcs 18W Spot LED Lights
• Bar Length: 20 Inches
• Weight: 6 pounds (2.7 Kgs)
• Working Temperature: -40~85 degrees Celsius
• Color Temperature: Pure White 6000K-6500K
• Waterproof Rating: IP67
• Lifespan Hours: 30,000 Hours

Pros

• Waterproof, dustproof, quakeproof and anti-corrosive
• Comes with a 10ft Wiring Harness Kit
• The two 4 inch spot LED pods are a great value addition
• Easy to install and operate
• Great Bang for the Buck

Cons

• Mounting may require welding for reinforcement
• The LED Beam gets foggy after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

3. Rigidhorse 42 Inch LED Light Bar (Best Single Row Flood Lights)

The Rigidhorse 42 Inch LED Light Bar uses 8D reflective cup lens that illuminates concentrated soft light beam at greater distance.

Housed inside an Black-painted aluminum frame, the high power LEDs illuminates at 6,000K color temperature with 40000 Lumens.

Built on a Universal Mounting Brackets that fits on Fit for Toyota Tacoma, Chevy, Nissan titan pathfinder, Yamaha viking, Dodge ram, Ford F150 F250 F350 ATV, Hummer h2 h3, SUV, Project vehicle, Off road , 4×4 and more.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Durable Aluminum Alloy
• Voltage: 10-30V DC (Fit 12V,24V Vehicles, Cars, Trucks etc.)
• Wattage: 420W
• Bar Length: 42 Inches
• Weight: ‎4.44 pounds (2.01 Kgs)
• Lumens: 40000LM
• Working Temperature: N/A
• Color Temperature: 6000K
• Waterproof Rating: IP67
• Lifespan Hours: 50,000 Hours

Pros

• Combo Spot and flood beam combo design for close but wide range of vision illumination.
• Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and excellent heat dissipation
• The 8D reflective cup lens are brighter and more durable than regular LEDs
• Long electrical lead for easy installation

Cons

• Pricey

4. Auxbeam LED Light Bar 12″ 72W Driving Light (Best for Front Bumper Mounting)

The Auxbeam 12 inch LED light bar is built using high quality Aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel ith adjustable mounting brackets.

It also comes with the trademark Auxbeam LED chips that includes a spot (30 Degree) & flood (60 Degree) combo beam design for better light distance and width.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Aluminum frame and Stainless steel bottom bracket
• Voltage: DC 9-32 Volts
• Wattage: 72W
• Luminous Flux: 5040 LM ~ 7200 LM
• Bar Length: 12 Inches
• Weight: ‎2.35 pounds (1.01 Kgs)
• Working Temperature: -40 to + 80 C
• Color Temperature: Pure White 6000K
• Waterproof Rating: IP67
• Lifespan Hours: 30,000 Hours

Pros

• Easy to install stainless steel bottom mounting brackets
• Great working temperature range -40 to +85 degree centigrade
• Small enough to fit ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicle) and Motorcycles
• Consuming very little power (72 Watts)

Cons

May fog if submerged in water

5. Auxbeam 20 Inch LED Light Bar 420W Amber White Strobe (Best Flashing Warning LED Lights)

Over the years Auxbeam has been focusing on providing all types of cost-effective outdoor auto LED lighting design and styles to meet different customers’ needs.

The Auxbeam 20 Inch LED Light Bar is a 4 inch 120 W 6 mode LED light bar kit with memory and restore function designed for emergency vehicles such as tow trucks, rescue boats or personal Pickups and Trucks.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Aluminum
• Voltage: 10-30Volts DC
• Wattage: 420W+120W
• Bar Length: 20 Inches
• Weight: 6.78 pounds (3.07 Kgs)
• Working Temperature: N/A
• Color Temperature: 6000K
• Waterproof Rating: IP68 Rated
• Lifespan Hours: 50,000 Hours

Pros

• Ultra Brightness Design with high-intensity 100 pieces LED chips.
• Multi-color lighting modes: Amber and White Six Lighting Modes
• Waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 3 feet of water
• Inbuilt Heat dispensation mechanism
• Adjustable brackets up to 45 degrees
• Great for ATV, SUV, Jeep, UTV, Trucks and Boats.

Cons

• Pricey

6. Auxbeam 52 Inch LED Light Bar Curved 300W (Best Extra Wide LED Lights)

The Auxbeam 52″ LED Light Bar 300W 5D Lens Curved Off-road Light, comes with innovative 5D optic design-5D projector lens + reflector, for maximum brightness and an outstanding Luminous Flux of up to 30,000 LM.

They are great for not only Pick ups and Trucks, but also Off road vehicle lighting, Emergency & Rescue Lighting, ATV/UTV lighting Boat & marine lighting, Agriculture vehicle lighting, mining and heavy equipment light.

Features and Specification

• Built Material: Aluminum
• Voltage: DC 10~30V(fits 12V/24V vehicle)
• Wattage: 300W
• Luminous Flux: Approx. 30,000 LM
• Bar Length: 52 inches
• Weight: 14 pounds (6 Kgs)
• Working Temperature: -40 to +85 degree Celsius
• Color Temperature: Cold White 6500K
• Waterproof Rating: IP67
• Lifespan Hours: 50,000 Hours

Pros

• Extra wide 52 Inch light bar for maximum illumination
• Innovative 5D optic design, 5D flood and spot combo beam
• Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof
• Package includes: Universal wiring harness and adjustable mounting bracket.
• Great value for Money

Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying LED Light Bar for a Pickup or Truck

There are many different brands and models of LED light bars available on the market, so it is essential to do your research before purchasing.

Remember LED light bars are not just for trucks; they can also be used on boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Some factors you should consider when purchasing an LED light bar for a pickup or truck include:

1. Output (Luminosity)

Luminosity is the first thing to consider when buying LED light bar for a pickup or truck. This is the measure of how much light you get from the light bar.

Lumens are units of measurement for the amount of light emitted by a light bar. More lumens indicate a brighter light, while fewer lumens indicate a dimmer light. The more lumens there are, the brighter the light bar.

Here, you will need to choose between spotlights and floodlights. If you drive the pickup or truck at night regularly, floodlights are the best. They will cover a wider area and let you drive more safely. But for busy, highly driving, it is best to get spotlights bars as they illuminate a longer distance.

2. Input (Wattage)

A light’s wattage is the amount of energy it takes to produce a certain amount of light. The brighter the light bar, the higher the wattage, but the more power the light bar consumes.

When your vehicle is running, higher-wattage light bars are fine, but you’ll have to limit your use when it isn’t to avoid draining your battery.

The wattage of a good light bar should be between 240 and 300, with the lowest wattage being around 120.

3. Resistance Ratings

A light bar for pickup or truck should be resistant to UV rays, water, and dust. Often, the light bars will have two numbers on the IP ratings readings.

The first number shows how resistant the lights are to dust and will read from 0 to 6. 6 means the light bar is fully dustproof. On the other hand, 0 implies that the light bar is fully susceptible to dust.

The second number shows how resistant the LED light bar is. It varies from 0 to 9 with 9 being fully waterproof. A tip is to avoid any light bar that is rated below IP67.

4. Mounting Location

It is also important to first determine where you intend to mount the LED light bar so you can get the right fit. The most common location is on the bumper or the roof.

For roof mounting, make sure that you get a product that is designed to offer better heat dissipation. It will be facing the sun directly, so it should have a mechanism to prevent overheating.

Therefore, a good LED light bar for a pickup or truck should have high-quality protective housing to shield it from weather elements.

5. Style and Design

Cars say a lot about your individual taste, character, and occupation. Therefore, it is good to buy LED light bars that suit both your preference and style.

You will find so many LED light bars for pickups and trucks that have different shapes and sizes. Some models have oval cases, linear cubes, or rounded pods. Other models are arranged in minute rows of casings which makes them more reminiscent of glitter.

With all these, you will be able to find the best model if visuals are a key factor for you.

6. Row and Range

You should also consider the rows and range the LED light bar has. More rows equal more luminosity as well as increased spread.

Pick a model that offers a wide floodlight if you drive primarily at night. It will alert you as animals jump on the road for safer driving.

Besides, having more rows means that you can pick selected cups to get the effect that suits the situation at hand. Also, ensure that you choose a light bar with a long-range.

7. Light Color

The LED light bar on cars comes in a variety of colors. However, white is the most popular and preferred color.

The color of the light will ultimately depend on how and where you intend to use it. Aside from that, many people prefer the color amber. When driving in low visibility conditions, such as fog, amber light is the best option.

Other colors, such as red, can be used for emergency vehicles. So, before you pick a color, think about what you’re trying to achieve.

Best Place to Mount an LED Light Bar on a Pickup or Truck

When choosing where to mount an LED light bar on a pickup truck, there are many factors to consider. Some of the most important factors include visibility, safety, and aesthetics

The most prime locations for an LED light bar on your vehicle include:

1. Front Bumper

An LED light bar can be mounted and wired most easily on the front bumper. A vehicle’s front bumper is often pre-drilled with holes, but even if it isn’t, drilling them yourself is easier here than anywhere else.

The front bumper’s position also makes it easier to wire your light. The front bumper can fit almost any size light bar, big or small, and still look good.

2. Roof Mounting

The best reason for mounting an LED Lightbar is that the higher up the bar is mounted, the further it can project visible light.

However, the main reason is that this location allows for a large light bar. There aren’t many other places on a vehicle where a 40-50-inch light bar will fit.

#3. Next to Each Side Mirror

LED light pods are best suited for this location. Two LED pods are usually installed next to each side mirror in each bottom corner of the vehicle’s windshield.

This mounting location allows light to enter from a different angle than your stock headlights, allowing for maximum illumination.

Some mounts come with pods with adjustable handles to enable horizontal and vertical tilting from the comfort of the driver’s and front passenger’s seat.

4. Combination Mounting

If you purchase multiple LED light bars or pods, mounting them in different locations can give your vehicle an extremely appealing appearance while providing maximum illumination due to the varying angles.

If you have more than one light, mounting them in separate locations is, without a doubt, the best option.

Final Words

LED light bars are a great addition to any truck. They provide illumination for the driver, making it easier to see at night or in bad weather conditions.

Additionally, they can be used as a warning signal to other drivers, letting them know that the vehicle ahead is stopped or has been involved in an accident. LED light bars are also a great way to show your support for law enforcement and emergency responders.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your driving safety and visibility, consider adding an LED light bar to your truck.

Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API