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Rock lights used to be primarily for illuminating the underneath, and sometimes anterior, parts of a truck for the purposes of either doing some work on the components in those parts, or for better visibility in dark or nighttime conditions.
The best rock lights for trucks (at a glance)
These days, however, they are also used by owners, drivers and enthusiasts alike to beautify the entire vehicle, and show off their cherished ride(s) amidst other counterparts. This is a list of the best rock lights for trucks available right now.
Different types of rock lights can be used on trucks. Just like lighting for traditional housing started off with the boring and monotonous single-colour bulbs and evolved to a wide variety of options ranging from LED strips to motion-activated lights.
Rock lights for trucks have come a long way from the halogen lights that were one of the first widely available types, and options today include RGBW lights that make the experience fun and are prime for showcasing, pod lights, wheel well lights, and even smart bluetooth/app-controlled rock lights.
Various things to look for when shopping for the best rock lights for your trucks include the quality of the LED bulbs used in the lighting (so they don’t burn out prematurely), the durability of the entire packaging since you’d be mostly using them in harsh off-road conditions, ease of installation if you don’t want to shell out extra cash to professionals to do that for you, and so on.
The Need for Rock Lights in Trucks
As an experienced mechanic with over 13 years in the field, I can’t stress the importance of visibility enough when it comes to trucking, especially off-roading. Rock lights are not just an aesthetic add-on, but they serve a vital role in making your adventurous trails safer and more navigable.
Firstly, the main reason why rock lights are essential for trucks is for increased visibility. When you’re off the beaten track in the darker hours, conventional headlights may not cut it. They tend to focus on illuminating the road ahead, leaving the underbelly of your truck in shadows.
Rock lights, strategically placed on the underside of your truck, cast light downwards and sideways. This illuminates the ground immediately around your truck, helping you spot potential hazards like rocks, potholes, and sharp objects that could damage your vehicle.
Secondly, rock lights significantly contribute to your safety. With their improved visibility, you can more easily maneuver your truck around potential obstacles, reducing the risk of tire damage, or worse, an accident.
Having spent a significant part of my career in a mechanic’s garage, I’ve seen the repercussions of what poor visibility can do, and believe me, it’s something you want to avoid.
Last but not least, there’s the aesthetic factor. With various color options available, rock lights give your truck a personalized, vibrant glow. It’s about expressing your style and making a statement every time you hit the trail. And let’s face it, as someone immersed in the world of trucks for over a decade, I know how much truck enthusiasts love to personalize their rides.
The Ultimate Rock Lights for Your Truck: Our Top Picks
Here are the five best rock lights to buy for trucks today;
1. Xprite RGBW LED Rock Lights Kit
The Xprite Rock Lights aren’t the most expensive or the cheapest on this list, but with a combination of features such as RGB + Pure White lighting, Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and Remote control, a rock-solid (aye, pun intended) aluminium shock-resistant and vibration-resistant build, dust and water proofing.
At an attractive price point when compared with other products out there with similar features, these are some of the best value rock lights you can get for your truck at the moment. The Xprite RGBW kit manages to pack these features all while being easy to install on your own.
RGBW lights, which are an improvement to the standard RGB lighting that have been used for truck rock lights for a couple of years now, are the future of rock lighting.
This makes these Xprite RGBW rock lights a quite new product in the market, and while that comes with its issues such as quality control challenges, and not enough popularity and wide usage when put up against other longstanding markets’ favourites, it does mean you’d be getting to enjoy the benefits of the newest technologies, and with over 1,000 ratings, a 4.5-star overall rating on Amazon, and excellent customer service as seen from customer reviews.
The Xprite RGBW LED Rock Lights Kit is a good bet if you don’t intend to splurge too much on rock lights, and at the same don’t want to cheap out on inferior products.
2. MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Light 2nd-Gen
MICTUNING is an established brand in the business of making rock lights, and producing automotive lighting in general. The 2nd Generation MICTUNING RGB LED Rock Lights don’t have a Pure White light component in addition to RGB like the Xprite, but they still produce decent white lighting with a combination of the available colours.
These 2nd-Gen rock lights from MICTUNING come with an upgrade to the Bluetooth functionality paired with an app for controlling the device, making it compatible with smartphones running iOS 7 or Android 4.2 and above.
While they’re more expensive than other options on this list, the combination of the brand reputation, product durability, variety of operating modes, user-friendly mounting and updated connectivity makes these rock lights a worthy buy.
3. Nilight RGB LED Rock Lights Kit
The fact that it’s available in only a 4-Pod configuration already sets this product apart as a budget one, but the Nilight RGB LED Rock Lights aren’t a bad option at all, if you’ll be willing to take our word for it… or you can rely instead on the almost 3k ratings and 4.5 overall rating it has on Amazon.
With the Nilight rock lights kit checking off important metrics to consider like durability (Die-cast Aluminium Housing With Toughed Glass), Bluetooth+App Connectivity, ease of installation.
The fact that it’s a universal fit for trucks and other vehicles like cars, SUVs and Boats, these rock lights are one of the best budget rock lights for trucks you can get.
4. Honalia LED Rock Lights for Trucks
Honalia recently updated its rock lights lineup with this kit that offers more for a reduced price.
The Honalia LED Rock Lights 2023 kit comes in 6-Pod and 10-Pod options, and apart from being super easy to install, it sports tough plastic light pods, high-quality vibrant LED lighting, and the option to control its functionality with a smartphone app via Bluetooth.
This is a great option for everyone in the market for rock lights right now.
5. Ampper 4 Pods LED Rock Lights
The Ampper 4 Pods rock lights kit is a quite unique and interesting product; it can be bought in a set of 4 pods together like other rock lights kits, but all of the 4 pods in a single kit emit the same colour.
This allows you to order the options you need in one colour for specific use cases, and it’s just as easy to purchase several 4-pod kits in different colours should you want to achieve RGB/Multicolor lighting, since they’re quite cheap at about $17 per colour kit.
Things to Consider When Buying Rock Lights
When it comes to buying rock lights for your truck, several factors need to be considered to ensure you get the best fit for your needs and preferences. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Durability and Weather Resistance
Rock lights should be tough enough to withstand the rigors of off-roading. Look for models that boast durability and resistance to environmental factors. Ensure they are waterproof and dustproof, as they will be exposed to harsh conditions.
Brightness and Color Options
Depending on your preferences and requirements, you may want to consider the brightness of the lights and the color options available. Some rock lights offer adjustable brightness, which can be handy in varying conditions. Also, consider whether you prefer a fixed color or an option that allows you to switch between different colors.
Installation Process
Some rock lights are easier to install than others. Consider your comfort level with DIY tasks. If you’re not very handy, you might want to opt for lights that come with an easy-to-follow manual or perhaps professional installation.
Compatibility with Various Truck Models
Not all rock lights will be suitable for every truck model. Ensure that the lights you choose can be easily fitted on your truck model.
Price and Value for Money
Like any product, rock lights come in a range of prices. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the longevity and performance of the lights. Sometimes, investing a little more can give you a product that lasts longer and performs better, providing better value for money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rock lights legal?
The legality of rock lights varies by region and local laws. In general, they’re legal as long as they don’t flash, rotate, or are overly bright to the point they could distract or blind other drivers. It’s always a good idea to check with local law enforcement or a Department of Motor Vehicles office to make sure.
Can rock lights drain your truck’s battery?
While any electrical component can potentially drain your truck’s battery if left on, most rock lights are designed to draw minimal power. That said, it’s a good practice to turn off your rock lights when the truck isn’t running to prevent any potential battery drain.
What is the lifespan of rock lights?
The lifespan of rock lights depends on the type of bulb used, how often they are used, and the conditions they are subjected to. LED rock lights, which are quite common, can last between 30,000 to 50,000 hours. However, frequent exposure to harsh conditions can shorten this lifespan.
Do rock lights require any special maintenance?
Rock lights are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris can help keep them in top condition. It’s also important to check the wiring occasionally to ensure there’s no damage, which could affect the lights’ performance.
We hope you’re able to find the perfect fit for your truck based on your preferences and budget, as the Rock Light Kits for Trucks mentioned above have been chosen based on several factors which are important to consider for both functional and aesthetic needs moving forward this year, with the advent of new technologies like RGBW lighting in the industry.
Let us know if you have any feedback or comments using the comments section below.
