Are you looking for an LED light bar for your truck? For the best visibility and safety, you not only want the brightest headlights for your truck but also a good tailgate light bar.
In our other articles, we already covered the variety of headlights that are available and the best selling truck headlights that we recommend. Now, we turn our attention to the rear and review the best tailgate light bars.
Table of Contents
1. Best Overall: Mictuning 60Inch Triple Row Waterproof Tailgate Light Bar
This extra long tailgate light bar not only looks great on your truck but also offers easy installation. It has a plug-and-play 4-pin flat connector which is one of the easiest ways of how to install a tailgate light bar.
The adhesive 3M tape strip features a triple row of 504 LED lights in total which creates a lot of brightness. This allows for a clearer and more stylish light display when signaling, reversing, braking, or as a strobe light.
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This Mictuning LED tailgate bar has an IP67 waterproof rating thanks to its silicone housing. As long as you make sure that the light strip is attached securely there is no issue in rainy or snowy weather conditions.
What We Like:
- Self-adhesive tape
- Plug-and-play easy installation
- Stylish signal lights
2. Best Double Row: Auzkin Tailgate Light Strip
Two is better than one is a saying that applies to tailgate light bars, too. A double row of LED lights shines brighter than a single bar which means your vehicle is more visible.
This Auzkin model has full functions – it works as a reverse light, brake light, turn signal, and running light. The LED lights emit both red and white color light for better indication.
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This LED tailgate bar works both in cold and warm weather, anywhere between -20F and 170F is safe. This means that you can use these light bars in any season.
What We Like:
- Good triple row alternative
- Suitable for all seasons
- Clear differences in functions
3. Most Popular Online: Mega Racer 60 Inch LED Tailgate Lights
This Mega Racer tail light bar is one of the most popular models available online. Pickup truck owners love it because it is durable, easy to install and the light functions look fantastic.
The triple row of LED lights has 5 light functions; brake lights, running lights, left/right turn signal, reverse lights and double flashing lights. Basically, there is a different light display for every tail light function that you need.
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The housing itself is made of durable IP67 waterproof silicone and a rust-resistant aluminum body. Your vehicle is much safer with this tailgate light bar attached to the back.
What We Like:
- Good tailgate light features
- Rust-resistant build
- Best for wider vehicle
4. Most Trusted Brand: OPT7 Redline Triple Row Tailgate Light Bar
If you want maximum brightness then there is no better option than this OPT7 redline tailgate light bar. If features an impressive 1200 LED lights – your pickup truck will be impossible to miss when these tail lights are on.
OPT7 is also known for producing some of the most durable tailgate light bars and this model is an excellent example of why a redline triple row is the best. Not only is it rust-resistant and waterproof but it is also capable of withstanding -20F weather conditions thanks to its rigid aluminum frame.
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This redline tailgate light bar is available in two different signal light colors, either amber light or red light. Regardless of which color you decide to pick up, this is one of the best tailgate light bars you can buy.
What We Like:
- Very strong build
- Suitable for cold weather conditions
- Hard wire extension kit included
5. Brightest: Mictuning Triple Tailgate Light Bar
Mictuning is a highly trusted brand for LED tailgate light bars so it is no surprise we could not pick just one for our list. This version redline tailgate light bar is even brighter and even more water-resistant.
It still has the same universal fitment and plug-n-play flat connector wire for easy installation on your vehicle. The number of LED lights makes it extra bright and the light features are clear to see for everyone.
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The silicone housing is rated IP68 waterproof and it has a heavy-duty aluminum casing. Not only can it withstand freezing cold weather but it also ensures quick heat dissipation.
What We Like:
- Trailer plug-n-play easy installation
- Excellent brightness
- Strong build
6. Longest Warranty: ON2NO Triple Row No Drill Tailgate Light Bar
This next tailgate light bar is one of the safest options on our list thanks to the 3-year warranty that comes with it. ON2NO has good customer service so feel free to contact them if anything is not up to standard.
Do not worry about this tailgate light bar coming off any time soon. It features a 3M adhesive enhancer so there is no need for a drill to secure it better.
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The 4-pin flat plug directly connects to your trailer adapter which means a no-hassle installation with these tailgate light bars. It is also much brighter than single-row LED tail lights and the three tail light colors (red, white, amber) make the light signals even clearer.
What We Like:
- 3-year warranty
- Suitable for all truck makes
- Full function LED tailgate light bar
7. Double Row Runner-Up: Wigbow 60 Inch Double Row LED Tail Light
Not a fan of the triple-row tailgate bars on a pick-up truck? Although triple-row tail lights are more visible, they might not be everyone’s preference aesthetically.
We recommend this double-row LED tailgate light bar by Wigbow if you prefer simpler tailgate lights. It still has the same functions as a triple row tailgate bar including running lights, reverse light, brake light, and turning signal.
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This product has a 3M tape adhesive for quick installation. The universal fit means that it works for most truck tailgates, regardless of the exact vehicle type and make.
What We Like:
- Good brightness for double row
- All 5 light functions
- High number of LED chips
8. Best LED Chips: OTP7 Redline TriCore LED Tailgate Light Bar
OTP7 Redline tailgate light bars are the top choice for those facing extreme seasons. OTP7 call these tailgate light bars adventure-proof because they are IP67 waterproof, rust-resistant and have no problem with -20F temperatures.
This particular model delivers incredible brightness thanks to the Tri-Core Alpha LEDs, a better LED light technology. These LED tailgate ligth bars have an estimated 30,000 hour lifespan which means you don’t have to worry about when to replace the led light bar on your truck any time soon.
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Of course, these tailgate lights have full functionality features; brake light, reverse light, turn signal, running light. You can feelmore comfortable driving through fog and snow with this tailgate light bar shining in the back.
What We Like:
- Redline technology
- Long LED light lifespan
- Includes 2-year warranty
9. Most Versatile: 60 Inch LED Tailgate Light Bar
Most LED tailgate light bars have a universal fit and quick installation with a 4-pin plug but this product is designed to be even easier to install. It has a 4-pin connector wire so you do not have to go through any extra steps in case your truck only has a 7-pin light system.
It also goes beyond the standard adhesive tape and features a clip installation option that lets you remove the light when you want to switch out the spare tire on your tailgate.
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Besides convenience, this LED tail light is designed to be extra durable and bright. It is fully encased in silicone and has an extra-strong aluminum frame to protect each and every LED.
What We Like:
- Includes connector wire
- Clip installation as extra option
- Strong materials
10. Most Secure Installation: Nilight TR-04 Truck Tailgate Light Bar
A wider truck deserves a wider tailgate light bar. This product by Nilight has 60-inch length which is perfect for larger truck models.
One of the reasons why we like these LED tailgate light bars from Nilight is that you receive additional hardware for installation. It still has the adhesive peel-and-stick option but with the additional mounts and screws you can be sure that this tailgate light bar never comes off.
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The silicone housing keeps it flexible and strong, suitable for cold winters. The high number of LEDs, 504 pieces to be exact, ensure that you stay visible in the snow.
What We Like:
- Extra hardware for secure installation
- Good number of LED lights
- Flexible housing
For a quick recap, Here are our Top 3 Products:
- Universal Fitment
- 60 Inches Long
- 504pcs Led Chips
- 1300+ Amazon Reviews
- IP67 Waterproof
- 5 Different Functions
- Easy Installation
- Amazon's Choice
- Powered By 1200 LEDs
- Weatherproof
- Hard Wire Kit Included
- 3500+ Amazon Reviews
LED Tailgate Light Bar Buying Guide
By reading our top 10 list of the best tailgate light bar it may become clear to you that many light bars are quite similar. This is because there are certain regulations about what is and is not allowed.
The best LED tailgate light may not differ too much from the second-best light bar. This means that there is no need to panic when your preferred model is no longer available.
There are a few basic elements that you always want on an LED tailgate light bar. We cover them all in this quick tailgate light bar buying guide.
Single Row vs Double Row vs Triple Row
The best tailgate light bars have a triple row of LED lights. The number of rows does matter in this case because it affects the functions and brightness.
Triple LED rows tend to have clear indicators for the turn signals, brake lights, reverse light, and running light. A triple LED light bar is also significantly brighter than both double-row and single-row versions.
That being said, there are several double-row models that are bright enough. The double-row options we chose may not climb to the top of the list but they are excellent options for their category.
Installation
The most popular way to secure a tailgate light bar is with 3M tape adhesive strips as this is the fastest option. If you are worried about it coming off then you can try an LED tailgate light bar that comes with a hardware kit.
Another important aspect of the installation is how it connects to your vehicle’s existing light system. Most newer light bars come with a 4-pin connector so make sure there is also an adaptor in the package if you are driving a car with a 7-pin connector.
Brightness
30,000 lumens is considered the standard brightness for a tailgate light bar. There are regulations on how bright these car accessories can be so check whether your light bar falls within those parameters.
Don’t feel tempted to go overly bright because this does not improve your road safety. Car lights that are too bright can blind other drivers on the road which is very dangerous.
Length
A 60-inch tailgate light is the standard size but there are shorter light bars available. A 48-inch tailgate light bar is also quite common which works well for narrower vehicles.
It is important to check the appropriate length beforehand because you cannot cut these strips shorter. Unlike undercabinet strip lighting, cutting through these will cause damage that you cannot easily fix.
Required Functions
A tailgate light bar serves a function, it is not only for aesthetics. These are the 5 functions tailgate lights should have:
- Left/right turn signals
- Reverse light
- Running light
- Brake light
- Strobe light
Number 5 is sometimes considered optional but it is better to have than not to have. Most models will offer all 5 functions.
Frequently Asked Questions about LED Tailgate Lights
What is the best LED tailgate light bar?
The OTP7 redline LED tailgate light is considered among the best LED tailgate light bars. Other trusted and popular brands include Mictuning and ON2NO.
Are LED tailgate light bars legal?
Although LED tailgate light bars can help with visibility, they are not legal in all 50 states. Check whether your state allows the use of light bars on the highway and other public roads. Also, remember to check the regulations when you plan on crossing state lines.
How many lumens is a good light bar?
30,000 lumen is the recommended standard for LED tailgate light bars. Generally, it is not necessary to install a tailgate light bar that is any brighter than that.
The brighter the better does not necessarily apply to car lights because they can be blinding to other passengers. Make sure you are adhering to state laws on light bars.
