Posted 04.30.24 in Tips & Instructions , News
Picture this: It's midnight, you're trying to find your trusty old hammer in the back of your pickup truck, but your factory-installed OEM cargo lights are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Fear not, intrepid night owls! We're here to guide you through the jungle of LED truck bed lights, so your gear can stop playing hide and seek with you.
Brightness and Color Temperature: Like a Mini-Sun in Your Truck Bed
First up, let's talk lumens and hues. You want your pickup bed to be lit up like a rock concert, not a candlelit dinner. Aim for lights in the 5000-6000K range; it's like having the sun on a dimmer switch, minus the sunburn. Opt for an LED lighting kit with a constant current chip—it ensures your lights don't get stage fright and dim when you extend the wiring. For optimal illumination in truck bed applications, light tubes are superior to pods or flexible strips as they provide a more uniform and seamless lighting effect.
Optimal Light Angle: Downward vs. Angled
Most truck bed lighting systems cast a straight downward glow, yet those equipped with angle brackets elevate your truck bed, spotlighting each piece of cargo like a star on center stage. Whether it's a Ford F150 or a Toyota Tacoma, strategically angled light tubes throw a bright, even light, especially vital for items nestled in the bed’s center.
A select few manufacturers have gone the extra mile, fine-tuning the light projection to a precise 95-100 degree spread, ensuring that every lumen is optimally deployed for where you need it most.
Durability: Built Tougher Than a Two-Dollar Steak
Your LED truck bed lights should be tougher than that steak you regret ordering at the diner. Seek out lights encased in polycarbonate or metal armor, ready to face off-road challenges like a knight in shining... well, light. Waterproof, impact-proof, and possibly zombie-proof (no guarantees on that last one), with a solid warranty to back it up.
Easy Mounting: Because Who Needs Extra Hassles?
If installing your bed light kit feels like solving a Rubik's Cube, something's wrong. Look for systems that stick easier than gossip in a small town or utilize those existing holes in your bed rails like a pro. The goal is to spend less time on installation and more time admiring your handiwork, especially with DIY-friendly options.
Smart Features: Don’t Let Your Lights Party All Night
We've all had that one friend who doesn't know when to call it a night. Don't let your truck bed lights be that friend. Opt for models with an on/off switch to prevent your battery from bailing out on you after an all-nighter.
Conclusion:
Upgrading to the best truck bed lights shouldn't feel like a chore or a bore. With the right brightness, strategic angles, armor-like durability, hassle-free installation, and battery-saving smarts, you can light up your truck bed faster than you can say, "Where the heck did I put my hammer?"
Ready to Outshine the Moon?
Dive into our selection of the brightest, most durable, and incredibly easy-to-install LED light strips for truck beds on the market. From the rugged GMC Sierra to the versatile Chevy Silverado, transform your night into day (figuratively, of course).
