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The Best Tailgate Light Strip

Last updated on August 14, 2024
Categories Electronics Tags

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Tailgate Light Strips

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

KUFUNG Waterproof Universal Fit Tailgate Light Strip, 48-Inch

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

KUFUNG

Waterproof Universal Fit Tailgate Light Strip, 48-Inch

This great 48-inch-long truck tailgate light bar strip by Kufung is made from waterproof silicone backed with strong adhesive and offers one row of white and red LED lights that brighten for turn signaling, braking, reversing and running lights.

Overall Take

Bright Signaling for VehiclesStick this affordable light strip onto the back of your truck, and you'll be fully confident drivers see what you're doing in even the worst weather.

 Runner Up

Nilight Brake & Turn Signal Functions Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

Nilight

Brake & Turn Signal Functions Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

No drilling is required to install this great 60-inch-long LED tailgate light; its rigid adhesive backing stays put and can be mounted anywhere with a 12V power source. It also features IP67-sealed housing to keep it safe from inclement weather.

Overall Take

Use the Right IndicatorThese fabulous lights also shine 35% brighter than standard LED chips, so you're getting a great value with this product.

 Strong Contender

Mega Racer Rust-Resistant Aluminum Body Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

Mega Racer

Rust-Resistant Aluminum Body Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

Made with 270 colored 2935 SMD diode chips and IP67 waterproof-rated silicone, this powerful LED tailgate light bar weighs only 9.6 ounces, sticks securely to surfaces and makes your truck much safer to drive. You won't need to worry about it falling off or breaking, either.

Overall Take

Premium Quality, Easy InstallationThis well-made auto accessory is durable enough to last as long as your truck does!

 Also Great

OPT7 No Drill Installation Full Function Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

OPT7

No Drill Installation Full Function Tailgate Light Strip, 60-Inch

Housed within a sturdy aluminum frame, this handsome tailgate light strip is up to 300% brighter than other models, has three rows of LED lights, features sequential turn signals and can be mounted two ways.

Overall Take

Framed in for SafetyGet the upgraded look you've been after with this top-of-the-line light strip, and rest assured that you're buying the best for your money.

Buying Guide

Tailgate light bars enhance the visibility of tail lights and rear turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights and reverse and running lights. And not only do they improve safety on the road, but these waterproof accessories also upgrade the appearance of trucks and other vehicles. The less costly models have adhesive strips on the back; all you need to do is peel off the backings and stick them onto the tailgate. Others are made into frames that you have to drill into. The frames add to the weight, but the light strips are still lightweight and shouldn’t be more than 3 pounds.

Most of these are sold in 60-inch lengths, appropriate for most pickup trucks. If you want a smaller size, you can find ones that are 48 inches, but keep in mind that the length must be shorter than the truck bed’s width.

They have from one to three rows of lights, usually red and white; others also have amber and perform more features. Some are thinner than others; wider ones can be seen from farther distances. And if you want upgrades like sequential turn signaling, you’ll have to pay more; the higher-end ones cost more than $100.

To install a tailgate light strip, you’ll first need to clean the area where you plan to put it. It’s also important to measure carefully and make marks because you don’t want the light strip to be crooked. You have to hardwire these accessories into the truck’s wiring, so you’ll need to perform minor electrical work. If you’re not comfortable with this, take it to a licensed mechanic or electrician.

What to Look For

  • Some LED tailgate light strips are much brighter than others, which could be troublesome for drivers who are too close (this can prevent tailgating, though!).
  • The strips are usually sold in rolls, and you should never fold or bend them after rolling them out.
  • You can also use tailgate light strips as awning lights, tent lighting, step bars, side doors and other uses as long as you can wire them in.
  • These light strips are also suitable for heavy traffic, especially at night.

More to Explore

There are some pretty large pickup trucks on the roads, but few can compare to the world’s biggest monster trucks. One of the best-known is Monstermax 2, which sports oversized agricultural tires that weigh 1,500 apiece; the two axles weigh 26,000 pounds.

It also has two Duramax diesel engines, two transmissions and a 3-foot thick, chain-driven drop box that is likely larger than your pickup truck. This bear of a beast also has four diesel tanks (20 gallons each) and a battleship horn to let everyone know when it’s approaching, as if they weren’t already well aware!

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