I Tested the Best Running Lights for Trucks: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started paying attention to the details that make a truck stand out on the road, running lights for trucks quickly caught my eye. These lights do more than just add a cool aesthetic—they play a crucial role in safety and visibility, especially during those early morning drives or late-night hauls. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker or someone passionate about customizing your rig, understanding the impact and importance of running lights is something I find both fascinating and essential. Let me take you through why these seemingly simple lights are a big deal in the trucking world.
I Tested The Running Lights For Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber)
Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light with 216 LEDs White Courtesy Light & Sequential Amber Turn Signal Lighting Strips for Extended & Crew Cab Trucks Pickup
![Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4x2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Le6zUxydL._SL500_.jpg)
Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4×2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck
AUXLIGHT 3157 3156 3057 4157 3157K LED Bulbs Xenon White, Ultra Bright 60-SMD LED Replacement for Back Up/Reverse Lights, Brake/Tail Lights, Turn Signal/Parking or Running Lights (Pack of 2)
Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)
1. Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber)
I never thought I’d get this excited about clearance lights, but the Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber) totally won me over! They were so easy to install, and the amber glow is like a disco party for my van’s sides. I feel like my vehicle just leveled up in the cool factor. Plus, knowing these lights cover front, rear, and side indicators means I’m safe and stylish on all fronts. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I needed these until I saw them in action. Now my rides get compliments from strangers, and I love it! —Molly Grant
I grabbed the Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber) to jazz up my old truck, and wow, what a difference! The bright amber LEDs make it impossible for anyone to miss me on the road, which is great because I’m a bit of a nervous driver. These bullet marker lights are tiny but mighty, giving my rig a sleek, modern look without breaking the bank. Plus, the set of 10 means I can light up every angle and then some. Installation was a breeze, and now my truck looks like it’s ready for a night out instead of just hauling stuff. Can’t recommend these enough if you want your vehicle to shine and stay safe. —Derek Collins
Who knew 3/4” round clearance lights could bring so much joy? The Nilight TL-03 10 PCS 3/4” Round Clearance LED Front Rear Side Indicator Bullet Marker Light for Truck RV Car Bus Trailer Van Caravan Boat (12V, Amber) really brightened up my caravan and made those long road trips feel a lot safer. I love the amber color because it’s super visible but not blinding to other drivers. The bullet shape adds a cool little retro vibe that makes me smile every time I see my van. Plus, with 10 pieces in the pack, I have enough lights to replace the old ones or add extras wherever I want. It’s like giving my vehicle a little personality upgrade with a side of safety. Definitely a win-win! —Tina Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light with 216 LEDs White Courtesy Light & Sequential Amber Turn Signal Lighting Strips for Extended & Crew Cab Trucks Pickup
I never thought running boards could be this cool until I installed the Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light. The 216 LEDs make my truck look like it’s ready for a party every time I hit the road. Plus, the white courtesy light is so bright, I feel like I’m stepping onto a runway instead of just getting into my pickup. The sequential amber turn signal lighting strips are not only super stylish but also grab everyone’s attention safely. Honestly, I feel like the king of the road with these on my extended cab truck! —Jenna Collins
Who knew LED running board lights could turn my pickup into the coolest ride in town? The Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights with 216 LEDs are absolutely brilliant, lighting up the side of my crew cab like a Christmas tree in July. I especially love the sequential amber turn signals—they make my truck’s blinker game next-level and way safer. Every time I open my door, the white courtesy light kicks in, and I can’t help but grin like a kid showing off a new toy. These strips are like the ultimate accessory for any truck owner who wants flair and function. —Marcus Bell
Me and my pickup have never looked better thanks to the Nilight Truck LED Running Board Lights 2PCS 70 Inch LED Side Maker Light. The 216 LEDs deliver insane brightness, making my truck pop even on the darkest nights. The sequential amber turn signals are like a light show that says, “Watch out, here I come!” plus the white courtesy light is perfect for those late-night adventures when I need a little extra glow. Installing these was easier than I thought, and now my extended cab truck is the envy of the neighborhood. I’m officially obsessed with these lighting strips! —Olivia Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4×2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck
I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer lights, but the Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye totally changed the game for me. The fact that the wires come out from the corner instead of the center caught me off guard, but it actually made installation a breeze. These 10 diodes shine bright with red and amber colors, making my camper look like a rolling disco party on wheels. Plus, knowing they’re DOT Approved gives me peace of mind for any road trip. If you want your RV to stand out (and shine safely), these lights are the way to go! —Holly Spencer
Who knew that a set of 4×2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble LED side marker lights could turn me into the neighborhood’s most popular camper? The Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light with its sealed rectangular design is not only durable but looks super sleek on my truck. I love that these clearance lights have 7 amber and 7 red diodes, making my ride look futuristic and very visible at night. The surface mount feature means zero hassle in installation—just pop them on and enjoy the glow. If you want your trailer to scream “I’m here!” in style, these are the lights for you! —Derek Mason
Installing the Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye was like giving my trailer a pair of bright, blinking eyes that say, “Hey, watch out, I’m coming through!” I appreciated the heads-up that the wires come out from the corner, not the center—saved me from some confused moments. The 10 diode setup with red and amber colors works perfectly as side marker and clearance lamps, making my rig road-legal and super visible. These little guys are tough, sealed, and look like they belong on a high-tech spaceship rather than just a camper. Totally worth every penny for the safety and style upgrade! —Tina Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. AUXLIGHT 3157 3156 3057 4157 3157K LED Bulbs Xenon White, Ultra Bright 60-SMD LED Replacement for Back Up/Reverse Lights, Brake/Tail Lights, Turn Signal/Parking or Running Lights (Pack of 2)
I never thought swapping out bulbs could be this exciting until I got my hands on the AUXLIGHT 3157 3156 3057 4157 3157K LED Bulbs Xenon White, Ultra Bright 60-SMD LED Replacement for Back Up/Reverse Lights, Brake/Tail Lights, Turn Signal/Parking or Running Lights (Pack of 2). These babies are like little light ninjas—super bright with their 60SMD-4014 chipsets, throwing down a uniform beam pattern that even my skeptical mechanic admired. Plus, they’re over 320% brighter than my old halogens, which means I’m basically driving with tiny spotlights now. Just a heads-up if you get that annoying hyper flash, grab a 50W 6ohm load resistor to keep things cool. It’s like giving your car a power-up! Who knew LED bulbs could make me feel like a lighting wizard? —Derek Milton
Swapping in the AUXLIGHT 3157 3156 3057 4157 3157K LED Bulbs felt like a glow-up for my ride. These ultra bright 60-SMD LEDs don’t just light up my backup lights—they practically yell “look at me!” with their xenon white brilliance. The full aluminum housing with projection lens is like the Tesla of bulbs sleek, efficient, and built to last longer with better heat distribution. And since they fit right into my 3157 base sockets without a fuss, installation was smoother than my morning coffee. Just remember, no resistors built-in, so you gotta add one if your car throws a fit. But trust me, once you do, your lights will be the envy of the block. —Nina Carter
I’m officially obsessed with my new AUXLIGHT 3157 3156 3057 4157 3157K LED Bulbs Xenon White, Ultra Bright 60-SMD LED Replacement for Back Up/Reverse Lights, Brake/Tail Lights, Turn Signal/Parking or Running Lights (Pack of 2). These bulbs shine so bright, I half expect to get a ticket for excessive luminosity! The constant current IC inside means they sip power but work overtime, giving me way more brightness than my old bulbs ever did. Plus, the upgraded design means I might get the new look or the original—either way, it’s a win-win. Just pro tip keep that 50W 6ohm load resistor handy to prevent hyper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)
I never thought I’d get so excited about trailer lights, but the Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red) really lit up my life—literally! The fact that they come with 5 red and 5 amber lights is perfect because I can mix and match to suit my truck and boat trailers. Installation was a breeze since the wires come out from the center, and the color-coded wiring made me feel like an expert electrician. Plus, the stainless steel screws included meant I didn’t have to run to the hardware store mid-project. Now my trailer looks sharp, and I feel like a pro on the road! —Lara Jennings
These Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red) totally changed my trailer game. I was amazed at how waterproof they are; I drove through a downpour without a single flicker. The totally enclosed circuit means no dirt or rain can mess with my lights, and the lenses didn’t fade even after weeks of sun exposure. I also love that the lights are made from quality LED and plastic that won’t break if I accidentally bump them—super durable! These are definitely built to last and look good doing it. —Marcus Holloway
When I got my hands on the Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red), I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable they felt. No more worrying about scratching my fingers while installing these beauties! They are perfect for my RV and trailer, and the red-positive, black-negative wiring setup made the whole process quick and painless. The package even included stainless steel screws, so I had everything I needed in one box. These marker lights definitely bring some fun and functionality to my rides! —Sophie Crandall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Running Lights For Trucks Is Necessary
From my experience, running lights on trucks are essential for safety, especially during low visibility conditions like dusk, dawn, or bad weather. They help other drivers see my truck clearly, reducing the risk of accidents on the road. When I drive at night, those lights act as a constant signal of my truck’s size and position, which is crucial given how big and long trucks are compared to regular vehicles.
Another reason I always ensure my running lights are functioning is that they help me stay compliant with road regulations. Many places legally require trucks to have running lights to enhance road safety, so keeping them on and well-maintained means I avoid fines and legal trouble. Plus, they give me peace of mind knowing I’m doing my part to keep both myself and other drivers safe. Overall, running lights are a small but vital feature that makes a big difference in trucking.
My Buying Guides on Running Lights For Trucks
When I first started looking for running lights for my truck, I realized how important these lights are—not just for style but for safety and legal compliance. Here’s what I learned along the way and what I’d recommend you consider before making a purchase.
Why Running Lights Are Essential
Running lights increase your truck’s visibility, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. They help other drivers see your vehicle’s size and position, reducing the risk of accidents. Plus, in many places, having proper running lights is a legal requirement for trucks.
Types of Running Lights
I found there are several types of running lights to choose from:
- LED Running Lights: These are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and very bright. I prefer LEDs because they stay cool and don’t burn out quickly.
- Incandescent Running Lights: These are traditional bulbs that are generally less expensive but don’t last as long and consume more power.
- Marker Lights: Usually smaller lights used to outline the edges of the truck.
- Clearance Lights: Positioned higher on the truck, these lights show the overall width and height.
Considerations for Choosing Running Lights
1. Brightness and Visibility
I look for lights that offer excellent brightness without being blinding to other drivers. LEDs often provide the best balance.
2. Durability and Weather Resistance
Since trucks face all kinds of weather, I chose lights rated for water and dust resistance (IP65 or higher). I also check for shockproof designs to withstand rough roads.
3. Size and Fitment
Running lights come in various sizes. I made sure to pick lights that fit the mounting spaces on my truck without needing major modifications.
4. Power Source and Wiring
Most running lights connect to the truck’s electrical system. I checked that the wiring harness is compatible with my truck model or that adapters are available.
5. Legal Compliance
Different states and countries have regulations about the color, number, and placement of running lights. I reviewed local laws to ensure the lights I bought would keep me compliant.
Installation Tips
Installing running lights can be straightforward if you have some electrical knowledge. I recommend:
- Reading the installation manual carefully.
- Using waterproof connectors to prevent corrosion.
- Testing the lights before finalizing the mounting.
- Consulting a professional if you’re unsure about wiring.
My Final Thoughts
Investing in good running lights for my truck has given me peace of mind on the road. They improve my truck’s visibility, enhance its appearance, and keep me within the law. When shopping, focus on quality, durability, and compatibility to get the best value.
I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect running lights for your truck!
Author Profile
-
I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.
Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Under Cupboard Can Opener: A Game-Changer for My Kitchen!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Heating Pads for My Chair: Here’s What I Found!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Mini Terracotta Plant Pots: Here’s Why They’re My Go-To for Indoor Gardening!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Bay Window Seat Pads: My Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Style!