Driving at night is dangerous on the side streets and highways. When you add off-roading into the mix, driving at night becomes even more dangerous. Ultimately, a light bar for trucks may be the difference between a night of fun or a disaster.
Fortunately, 4 Wheel Parts is here to help with the top five LED light bars. These light bars for trucks are simple to install and make your vehicle safer to operate in the dark.
Think About What You Will Use Your Light Bar For
Light bars for trucks have many uses. They’re used for off-roading, seeing longer distances at night, and taking some of the dependency off of your headlights or fog lights. Make sure to think about what you will use your light bar for.
Off-Roading
When using a light bar for off-roading, make sure it’s versatile. Some light bars come with various mounting locations and these work great for people with large bumpers and roof racks. You also don’t want to change your other accessories when looking for off-roading lights, so look for flexible brackets that fit your needs.
Lighting Longevity
Having a light bar for your truck helps you preserve your other lights. Using a light bar instead of headlights or your brights will help the bulbs last longer. Most factory halogen bulbs only last for a few thousand hours, whereas LED light bars have around 50,000-hour lifespans.
Better Vision at Night
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day, especially in snowy or rainy conditions. Having a light bar at night makes it easier to see the road and potential hazards. Plus, you only need a basic light bar to get the benefits of improved visibility during nighttime driving.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Light Bar
When looking at light bars for trucks you need to consider several factors. Depending on the light bar, the brightness, voltage, and sizes differ. Below are some things to consider when choosing a light bar.
Brightness
It’s important to start with brightness. For light bars, brightness is measured in lumens. A lumen is the unit of measurement that indicates how bright a light is from one foot away. To provide perspective, one lumen is equivalent to about one birthday candle (at a one-foot distance).
On light bars for trucks, expect to find light bars between 10,000 and 50,000 lumens. Anything in that range is adequate for dark conditions and off-roading.
Size
The size of a light bar is also important. You want to check the length, width, and height of light bars to ensure that they will fit your vehicle. In most cases, manufacturers list the length of light bars as a point of reference. Typically, you’ll find light bars between 10 and 50 inches.
Voltage
Voltage refers to the pressure from an electrical circuit. The pressure forces electrons through a conducting loop, which allows them to use electricity. When voltage is too high or too low, light bars won’t function properly.
Most car batteries operate at 9 to 14 volts. Finding light bars for trucks in this range is simple. That said, some light bars have max voltages of up to 36 volts.
Additional Factors to Consider
Light bars come with several variations and specifications. So, below are other factors to consider when looking for a light bar:
- Warranty options
- The cost
- Design
- The number of rows (single or double)
- Durability and materials
- Housing
- Mounting
- The angle of the beams
- Beam pattern
- The temperature of the bulbs and their color
These are only some of the factors to consider. It’s also wise to consider the wattage of a light bar to determine how much power it draws.
Top Light Bars Out Right Now
Many great light bars are available but some are better than others. Here are the five best LED light bars available right now.
1. Rigid Industries E-Series Pro Midnight 50″ Optic Spot Light Bar
Quick Facts
- Lumens: 44,600
- Size: 50 inches
- Voltage: 9 to 36
The Rigid Industries E-Series Pro Midnight 50″ Optic Spot Light Bar is second-to-none. It boasts an impressive 44,000+ lumens and lasts for more than 50,000 hours. This light bar also includes thermal management and two l-shaped brackets. It’s also a truck light bar with a universal fit, so you don’t need to make many adjustments.
What Sets It Apart
Rigid Industries went the extra mile with this LED light bar. Not only does it have more lumens than similar products but it’s one of the largest light bars around. It also comes with everything you need to mount it, which makes the price point more manageable.
Things to Consider
Rigid Industries made one of the best light bars money will buy. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you’re not planning on off-roading often or entering watery regions, more affordable options are a better alternative.
Pros
- IP68 certification (up to 10 feet in the water)
- Polycarbonate lens with impact resistance
- Harness and switches included
- Polymer-coated circuit board
- Patented technology and 50,000-hour lifespan
Cons
- Expensive
- Too big for some vehicles
2. Rigid Industries Radiance 40″ LED Light Bar
Quick Facts
- Lumens: 16,632
- Size: 40 inches
- Voltage: 10-15
The Rigid Industries Radiance 40″ LED Light Bar shines bright and features advanced lighting technology. From the integrated thermal heat management system to the polycarbonate lens, it’s hard to find a more advanced product. It also features durable E-Series construction and a 2-foot wire extension.
What Sets It Apart
The Rigid Industries Radiance 40″ LED Light Bar comes with features that many light bars don’t include. Some notable examples include the red backlighting, which operates independently from the front-facing LED lights. Furthermore, it comes with open leads, brackets, and a multi-switch wiring harness.
Things to Consider
While the Rigid Industries Radiance 40″ LED Light Bar works well, it’s not for everyone. The cost is high and the advanced technology isn’t necessarily for basic off-roading or traditional nighttime driving.
Pros
- Independent back-lighting
- Impact-resistant polycarbonate lens
- Exposed circuit board
- Comes with everything needed to mount it
- Durable design with E-Series construction components
Cons
- Limited voltage range
- Less beginner-friendly
3. Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar
Quick Facts
- Lumens: 10,800
- Size: 21.5 inches
- Voltage: 10 to 30
Trail Master is known for producing premium light bars at affordable prices. This holds true for the Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar. It’s more affordable than most light bars and still carries an IP67 rating. Therefore, it’s water resistant and dust resistant. There are also multiple size options to choose from and it fits most vehicles.
What Sets It Apart
The Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar is also unique. What sets it apart from other light bars is its size and price. It’s a fraction of the cost of other light bars and the compact size makes it easy to place anywhere on most trucks.
Things to Consider
Trail Master manufactures great products but they’re not always perfect. The biggest drawback of the Trail Master 21.5″ LED Light Bar is that it has more power and durability than similar light bars.
Pros
- Compact and small
- Easy to install
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Less powerful than other light bars
- Lacks durability
- Only water resistant
4. Pro Comp Motorsports Series 30″ Spot/Flood Light Bar
Quick Facts
- Lumens: 14,280
- Size: 30 inches
- Voltage: 9 to 36 volts
The Pro Comp Motorsports Series 30″ Spot/Flood Light Bar features a patented no-screw design, which makes it one of the simplest light bars to mount. It includes 30, five-watt LED lights that last for up to 50,000+ hours. With a UV-resistant finish, it’s one of the most durable light bars around.
What Sets It Apart
What sets this light bar apart is its operating temperature and durability. It’s one of the few light bars that work in -40°F conditions and it has an IP68 certification. The certification indicates that it’s resistant to dust, water, salt, and other contaminants. Plus, it can be covered in up to 10 feet of water. Its mounting bracket is also stainless steel, which is strong and sturdy.
Things to Consider
While it’s a well-rounded light bar for trucks, it’s not perfect. The biggest drawback is that it doesn’t always fit properly. Unfortunately, this applies to the grill brackets and cab switches.
Pros
- Comes with a military-grads breather
- Universal fit
- Multi-location bracket
- Cast aluminum housing
- Survives up to 10 feet of water submersion
Cons
- It struggles to fit some positions depending on the vehicle
5. ARB Intensity V2 LED Light Bar
Quick Facts
- Lumens: 25,080
- Size: 40 inches
- Wattage: 305
ARB manufactures premium light bars for trucks and other parts. The company has been doing so for over 40 years and remains a top manufacturer. When it comes to some of the brand’s best products, the ARB Intensity V2 LED Light Bar needs to be mentioned.
What Sets It Apart
The Intensity V2 excels in a few areas. First and foremost, it produces more than 25,000 lumens with over 300 watts of power. While the lights are brighter than other light bars, the LED design helps them shine brightly for over 50,000 hours.
Things to Consider
The ARB Intensity V2 is a great light bar. However, it’s not perfect. One of the biggest issues is that it doesn’t come with a mount or wiring look. These parts are found at 4 Wheel Parts but sold separately.
Pros
- Brighter than the ARB Intensity V1 LED Light Bar
- Hyperspot optics for extended range
- Dedicated flood and spot optics
- 50,000-hour lifespan
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a mount
- No wiring loom
Conclusion
There are a ton of light bar options to choose from, but there’s no point putting a substandard part on your truck. Choose from these options and others from the companies that make them, and you’ll be more than satisfied. And to get your light bar for a great price from people who know off-roading parts, shop at 4 Wheel Parts today.
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