Upgrading your truck’s lighting system is usually an expensive undertaking. It’s challenging to get the lumens you need, a durable bracket, and the necessary IP rating for your driving style. Thankfully, 4 Wheel Parts offers plenty of long-lasting and durable budget truck lights.
Consider the Trade-off of Going With Cheaper Lights
When you’re considering cheaper truck lights it’s necessary to consider the trade-off. The most important things to look for are lumens (brightness) and the mounting. These areas have the most room for error with budget truck lights.
Brightness
Many expensive truck lights produce more than 10,000 lumens of brightness. While those are bright lights, some budget truck lights produce similar numbers. So, take the time to look for truck lights with lumens between 5,000 and 10,000.
Mounting
Another thing to consider is mounting. It’s important because faulty or weak brackets will comprise stability. Make sure you look for budget truck lights that include aluminum diecast brackets. If possible, also look for technology like a Gravity Reflective Diode, which stabilizes the light when driving.
Type of Lights
Lastly, consider the type of lights you need. When shopping for budget truck lights, light bars and bumper kits may be out of your price range. So, feel free to get creative with pairs of lights and single lights that mount to the exterior pillars or bumper.
Consider Manufacturing and Warranties Available
When shopping for budget truck lights it’s important to consider the manufacturer and available warranties. One of the main concerns with cheaper lights is that they lack durability, so knowing more about the company is essential.
Manufacturing
There are a few key players to consider when shopping for off-road truck lights. These players include KC, ARB, Trail Master, and Rigid Industries. While these manufacturers produce budget truck lights, they’re also renowned for manufacturing high-quality truck lights.
For this reason, brands like KC, ARB, and Trail Master are safe choices. While their budget-friendly lights won’t be as good as their premium options, you’re still getting long-lasting and efficient truck lights.
Warranties
Budget truck lights don’t last as long as premium alternatives. Therefore, it’s important to check for warranties. On budget truck lights, look for warranties that protect the lights for two or three years. It’s also worth noting that manufacturers who offer a warranty are likely more confident in the product.
The 5 Best Truck Lights Available on a Budget
With tons of budget truck lights to choose from, it’s not easy to find the best options. Fortunately, 4 Wheel Parts has plenty of budget-friendly options and they’re listed below.
1. KC HiLites 4-Inch Gravity LED Fog Light
The KC HiLites 4-Inch Gravity LED Fog Light is small, affordable, and easy to mount. It comes with an adjustable aluminum bracket that fits on most vehicles and everything to install it comes in the box. This LED light also has an IP68 rating, so it’s submersible up to nine feet. These lights also feature a magnesium housing for extra protection and beam clarity.
What Sets It Apart
The KC HiLites 4-Inch Gravity LED Fog Light is second-to-none when it comes to budget truck lights. What makes this product unique is the patented technology. It comes with a Gravity Reflective Diode that stabilizes the light during off-roading. Everything is also lightweight and easy to move around, so it’s easy to test these lights in multiple locations.
Things to Consider
The KC HiLites 4-Inch Gravity LED Fog Light is great but only for the right person. If you’re looking for larger lights KC HiLites aren’t the best fit. Still, they’re great for anyone who needs to get started with budget off-road truck lighting.
2. Rugged Ridge 3.5-Inch Round LED Light
The Rugged Ridge 3.5-Inch Round LED Light is a small off-road light that’s only 3.5 inches in diameter. While it’s a small light, it’s one of the most flexible options with brightness control and many mounting options. It also carries an IP67 rating, which makes these budget truck lights suitable for muddy, sandy, and wet conditions.
What Sets It Apart
The Rugged Ridge 3.5-Inch Round LED Light is different from most budget truck lights. Its biggest difference is that it’s possible to mount it almost anywhere. Common locations include the exterior of the driver’s side pillar and the exterior of the passenger’s side pillar. People also mount it on the bumper or roof.
Things to Consider
These Rugged lights are flexible but that doesn’t make them perfect for everyone. They’re smaller than most budget truck lights and aren’t as bright. While they’re durable, the small mounting bracket makes it more likely to fall off your truck than other off-road light kits. Still, the Rugged Ridge 3.5-Inch Round LED Light is an excellent choice for people who want to experiment with an off-road build.
3. ARB Intensity Solis 21 Flood-Driving Light
The ARB Intensity Solis 21 Flood-Driving light is a different type of budget off-road truck light. Instead of a light bar, they’re smaller lights you can mount to multiple locations of your truck. Most drivers mount them to the bumper or roof. These lights feature LED bulbs, durable headlight casings, and polycarbonate lenses.
What Sets It Apart
These ARB flood-driving lights are special because of the technology. While these are smaller than light bars, you get more durability for the price. Some examples include the IP68 rating (submersible up to nine feet), pressure equalization breather, and polycarbonate internal and external lenses.
Things to Consider
ARB Intensity Solis 21 Flood-Driving lights are great but not for everyone. They don’t offer as much light as a light bar, so you’ll need other lighting solutions for better brightness. Also, you’ll need a bumper attachment to mount the diecast aluminum bracket. Overall, this budget truck light is best for people who are looking to expand their off-road truck build.
4. Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar
Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar is the definition of a budget-friendly off-road truck light. This Trail Master light bar produces more than 10,000 lumens of light and comes with everything you need to mount it. The light bar also has an IP67 rating that makes it useful for off-roading in wet or muddy conditions.
What Sets It Apart
The Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar is set apart by its value. It’s one of the cheapest light bars available but it boasts a sturdy design and bright lights. The diecast aluminum housing is sturdy and these lights last for up to 50,000 hours. Compared to other budget truck lights, that’s a long lifespan.
Things to Consider
Trail Master is a great brand that produces excellent light bars and other truck lights. However, the Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar comes up short with the lack of a warranty. It doesn’t have a manufacturer’s warranty like many other budget light bars, which raises some concerns for low-cost truck lights. Otherwise, it’s one of the best options.
5). Rigid Industries Radiance 20″ LED Light Bar with Blue Backlight
The Rigid Industries Radiance 20″ LED Light Bar with Blue Backlight is a budget-friendly truck light when you consider the cost of other products. Rigid Industries is known for manufacturing expensive and high-end light bars, so any Rigid light bar under $500 is the best cheap light bar you’ll find. Plus, it’s a universal fit for most trucks and Jeeps.
What Sets It Apart
The Rigid Industries Radiance 20″ LED Light Bar with Blue Backlight is unique for a few reasons. First and foremost, you get 20 inches of LED lights with over 7,000 lumens. When paired with the horizontal beam angle, you’ll have no problem off-roading during any time of the day. Furthermore, this LED light bar has Broad Spot Optics and built-in backlighting.
Things to Consider
The Rigid Industries Radiance 20″ LED Light Bar with Blue Backlight is a great budget product but it’s not perfect. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. While it’s affordable compared to premium light bars, it’s more expensive than other budget truck lights. Still, you get the quality found in the more expensive light bars but for a more fair cost.
Whether you’re looking for spotlights or an LED light bar, 4 Wheel Parts has exactly what you need and at a price you’re willing to pay. Explore accessories and parts from top brands in the industry, backed by a team who knows off-roading gear better than anyone.
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