Our readers keep the lights on and the garage heater humming. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Side lights aren’t just for looks—they’re the difference between a driver seeing your trailer’s edge at a dark rest stop and a costly scrape. This guide breaks down the best truck side lights, from simple stick-on strips to hardwired cab markers, so you can pick the right fit for your rig.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind GoCarLife. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you’re upgrading a daily driver or restoring a classic hauler, these picks cover every mounting style and brightness level to keep you visible on any road.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Truck Side Lights
Before you buy, match the light to the job. A running board strip serves a different purpose than a cab marker, and knowing your mounting surface is half the battle.
Match the Light to the Mounting Spot
Running board lights are long strips (60-78 inches) that stick under your doors to light the ground when you open them. Surface-mount markers are small rectangles or ovals that screw onto trailers, fenders, and bumpers. Grommet-mount rounds need a drilled hole but sit flush. Cab roof lights are the teardrop or rectangular markers on top of the cab. Decide where you want light before you pick a style.
Count the LEDs for Real Brightness
The number of LEDs isn’t just a spec—it’s your night-vision. A 60-inch strip with 144 chips will wash your running boards in light, while a small 6-LED marker only needs to define an edge. For trailers, more LEDs mean the difference between a dim outline and a clear signal.
Check the Waterproofing and Wiring
Side lights live in rain, snow, and road salt. Look for an IP67 rating—it means the housing is sealed against dust and safe from temporary water immersion. You also need to know your wiring: most lights run on 12V and come with two wires (positive and ground), but some strips have extra wires for door assist and turn signals.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | LED Count | Style | Waterproofing | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partsam 10x Double Bubble★ Best Overall | Trailer/Utility Markers | 10 per light | Surface Mount | Waterproof | Amazon |
| Nilight 60″ StripsTop Performer | Running Board Lighting | 144 total | Adhesive Strip | IP67 | Amazon |
| Partsam 14Pcs OvalBest Value | Camper/RV Replacements | 6 per light | Surface Mount | Sealed | Amazon |
| Wodvyss 10Pack Round | Flush Grommet Mounts | 9 per light | Grommet Mount | IP67 | Amazon |
| TMH 100-Pack Buttons | Bulk/Fleet Installations | 3 per light | Surface Mount | Waterproof | Amazon |
| LedVillage 20-Pack | Fender/Trailer Markers | 12 per light | Surface Mount | Waterproof | Amazon |
| OPT7 Sidekick 78″ | Premium Running Boards | Strip (Unspecified) | Adhesive Strip | IP67 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Partsam 10x Double Bubble Bullseye LED Marker Light
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A 10-light kit that turns an aging trailer into a brightly outlined rig.
This Partsam kit is the smartest starting point for most owners. Each light packs 10 high-intensity LEDs into a 2×4 inch rectangle, and you get ten of them in the box, so you can cover both sides of a trailer or truck bed without buying a second set. They surface-mount with two stainless steel screws, and the wires come out the center for a tidy install.
Over 30 owners praise the build quality as the standout trait. They’re DOT approved and waterproof, made to live on the outside of heavy trucks like Peterbilt and Freightliner. Buyers report they’re a perfect replacement when old bulb-style markers keep failing, because LEDs don’t have the contact problems that burned-out bulbs do.
Installation is straightforward if you’re comfortable wiring two wires—black to negative, red to positive. The snap-on lens is replaceable, which is a nice touch if you ever crack one. The only mixed feedback is on installation difficulty; if your old lights aren’t the same size, you’ll be drilling new holes. As buyers put it: “Husband said these are a perfect replacement that he needed! Will order AGAIN!”
What Stands Out
- Ten lights in one kit covers most trailers
- Replaceable snap-on lens adds longevity
- DOT approved and fully waterproof
Watch For
- Wires exit the center, which limits mounting angles
- Installation is mixed depending on your old fixture size
Pick this if: you want a complete, bright, and durable marker light kit for a trailer, truck, or RV without chasing multiple orders.
Think twice if: you need a flush, drill-free mount—these are surface-mount only and need two holes each.
2. Nilight Truck Running Board Lights 2PCS 60 Inch LED Side Maker
144 LEDs split between white courtesy light and amber sequential turn signals.
This 60-inch strip is the upgrade for a truck owner who wants their running boards to actually work. It splits 144 high-intensity LED chips into 72 white for step lighting and 72 amber for sequential turn signals, so you get two functions from one peel-and-stick install. No drilling is required—just clean the surface, peel, and stick, with zip ties and mounting brackets included if you want extra security.
Installation is the most-praised feature, with owners noting it’s easy even on newer trucks. The wiring is color-coded: black to ground, red to 12V+ parking lights, green to door assist, and white to the turn signal. The IP67 waterproof rating means the sealed plastic tube keeps the strips working through heavy rain and highway speeds.
The honesty here: quality gets mixed feedback. Some owners mention strips failing within a week, though most say they’re bright and hold up well. One buyer wired them to their trailer plug instead of the truck and called them well worth the price. Another noted the install on an Escalade took real effort. Customers note: “Easy to install, amazing and bright visibility both during the day and night, adhesive quality is strong.”
Why It’s a Top Performer
- Dual-function: white courtesy + amber sequential signals
- Truly drill-free peel-and-stick install
- IP67 rated for harsh weather
The Trade-Off
- Quality is inconsistent—a few units fail early
- Install directions could be clearer for wiring
Reach for this if: you want maximum running board brightness with a professional sequential signal look and no drilling.
Look elsewhere if: you’re not comfortable figuring out multi-wire connections—this strip needs more than just a positive and ground.
3. Partsam 14Pcs 4 Inch Rectangle Trailer RV 6 LED Side Marker
A 14-piece kit that gives an old camper a modern, bright face-lift.
This kit is the go-to for RV and camper owners because it includes everything: 7 amber lights for the front corners and 7 red for the rear, plus screws. Each 4-inch oval uses 6 LED diodes with a built-in reflex reflector, so you don’t need a separate reflector. At just 5 watts per light, they draw far less current than the old incandescent bulbs they replace.
Brightness is the top praise, with 26 owners calling it the standout feature. Owners of a 1994 Starfire and a 1977 Go Tag A Long both said the LEDs made their vintage campers look a decade newer. The fit is exact for standard camper lights, which is why it’s such a popular replacement option.
The real-world caveat is water resistance. Several reviewers point out water intrusion, and the lights don’t include a gasket, so you’ll want silicone or butyl tape around the wiring holes. Shoppers say: “So much better than the old bulb style marker lights. Nice and bright. Real easy to install.”
Great For
- Complete amber/red kit for front and rear
- Exact fit for standard camper light sizes
- Built-in reflex reflector saves a separate part
Consider
- No gasket included—sealant is required
- Occasional water intrusion reported
Best for: camper and RV owners wanting a complete, bright LED upgrade without hunting for parts.
Skip for: anyone who wants a truly sealed, maintenance-free install—you must add your own sealant.
4. Partsam Amber Teardrop Cab Light 9LED 5pcs Kit
Flush-mount rounds that disappear into the body and just glow.
If you want a clean, flush look, this 10-pack of 2-inch rounds is your answer. Each light carries 9 ultra-bright LEDs with micro-reflex faceted reflectors that multiply the light output. They press into rubber grommets—no screws needed—so the final look is smooth and professional. The package includes 5 amber and 5 red lights.
Brightness is the top praise, with 12 owners highlighting it. The lights work with standard 2-prong plugs and come with pigtails: white is ground, black is positive. You’ll need to drill a 2-5/16 inch hole for the grommet, but after that, installation is just press-and-go. The IP67 waterproof rating means they’re sealed against rain and dust.
These are a popular choice when space is tight but you still want to be seen—think air cleaner light bars, cab and sleeper kits, and bumpers. Owners who upgraded from fewer-LED lights noticed the difference immediately. One reviewer noted they needed breakers, so check your trailer’s setup before install.
Why It Wins
- Flush grommet mount with no visible screws
- 10-pack covers a whole rig
- Micro-reflex reflectors boost output
Keep In Mind
- Requires drilling a 2-5/16 inch hole per light
- Standard 2-prong plugs may need adapters
Ideal for: owners who want a sleek, flush-mounted light that doesn’t snag on anything and disappears into the panel.
Not for: those avoiding drilling—each light needs a hole for the grommet.
5. TMH 100-Pack 3/4 Inch Amber LED Clearance Button Marker Lights
A 100-pack that outfits an entire fleet for the price of a tank of fuel.
This is the bulk buy for anyone lighting multiple trailers or a whole fleet. You get 100 miniature 3/4-inch round lights, each with 3 SMD LEDs pushing 60 lumens. The build quality is the top praise, with 18 owners noting the solid feel. The 100,000-hour rating means these LEDs outlast the truck they’re mounted on.
Each light runs on 12V DC with black wire positive and white wire negative. The PC lens is waterproof, shockproof, and dust-proof, and TMH backs them with a 5-year warranty. For accent lighting and side markers, these are a fantastic value proposition.
Owners describe them as bright, inexpensive accent lights. The honest catch: in a pack of 100, a few units may not work—one owner found 9 dead ones. That’s a small fraction of the total, and the 5-year warranty covers replacements. If you need to mark every edge of a trailer or light up a whole yard, this is the most cost-effective route.
The Perks
- 100 lights for whole-fleet coverage
- 60 lumens each from just 3 LEDs
- 5-year warranty and 100,000-hour life
The Reality
- A small number of units arrive dead
- Miniature size limits light output per fixture
Grab this if: you need to mark a lot of vehicles or trailers on a budget and don’t mind sorting a few duds for the warranty.
Skip if: you want a few high-brightness fixtures—these are accent markers, not floodlights.
6. LedVillage 20-Pack Amber LED Side Marker Lights with 2-Wire Plug
Twelve premium LEDs per light for the brightest surface-mount markers here.
This 20-pack from LedVillage packs 12 premium 2835 SMD LEDs into each surface-mount light, making it noticeably brighter than the 6- or 9-LED options. They’re designed for nighttime visibility even in rain or fog, with a low power draw. The kit includes 2-wire connector plugs (black positive, white ground) and mounting screws for fast installation.
The wiring plug is the standout feature—it makes installation much faster than hardwiring each light. Owners with a Peterbilt 379 confirmed these fit the original LED bezels perfectly. One owner noted they don’t build moisture like more expensive brands after a couple of months, which speaks to the waterproofing.
Reliability gets mixed feedback—some units don’t last long or arrive non-functional, but the 1-year warranty with free replacements offsets the risk. At 2.7 pounds for the 20-pack, this is a solid kit for fender and trailer markers where you want serious light output.
What You Get
- 12 LEDs per light for high brightness
- 2-wire plug connectors speed up install
- 1-year warranty with free replacements
What to Watch
- Mixed reliability—some units fail early
- Check dimensions before mounting for fit
Best if: you want maximum brightness from a surface-mount marker and appreciate the plug-and-play wiring.
Consider other options if: you’re on a strict budget or can’t handle a few dead units despite the warranty.
7. OPT7 Sidekick 78″ Running Board Lights with Sequential Amber Turn Signal
A 78-inch strip with a true sequential turn signal and door-assist lighting.
The OPT7 Sidekick is the premium running board light. At 78 inches, it covers the full length of your running boards and syncs to your turn signals, courtesy lights, parking lights, or running lights. The sequential amber turn signal can be seen even in daylight, and the white courtesy light activates when you open the doors—a genuinely useful feature for passengers getting in and out at night.
It’s IP67 waterproof and rated to function between 40°F and 185°F, so it handles extreme weather. The authentic 3M tape keeps it firmly attached. Owners praise the smooth, continuous lighting effect and how it illuminates the running board, with one noting it lights up their F250 when the door opens.
The catch is installation. Wiring diagrams vary by year, model, and options, and an F250 owner called it “very challenging” without a dependable diagram. The connectors could also be better. But owners who push through say it’s worth it—one hooked it up to their trailer plug for testing and liked what they saw.
Premium Features
- Exclusive sequential turn signal function
- Door assist white courtesy lighting
- IP67 rated for extreme weather
Installation Reality
- Wiring can be tricky without proper diagrams
- Connectors could be more sturdy
Worth it for: truck owners who want the most advanced running board lighting with real functional benefits like door assist.
Not for: beginners who want a simple two-wire hookup—this needs careful wiring planning.
Understanding the Specs
LED Counts and Brightness
LED count directly drives how visible you are. A 6-LED marker defines an edge, a 9-LED light gives a clear signal, and a 144-chip strip floods your running boards with light. More LEDs generally mean more brightness, but check the lumen rating too—some high-count lights tune for efficiency over raw output.
IP67 Waterproofing
This rating means the housing is sealed against dust and safe from temporary water immersion. Side lights live in rain, mud, and road salt, so this rating matters. A light without it may let moisture in, fog up the lens, or fail entirely after a few storms. Always check for IP67 or at least “waterproof” in the specs.
FAQ
What is the difference between surface mount and grommet mount lights?
How do I know if these lights will fit my truck or trailer?
What does the wiring mean when a light has two wires?
Do I need a resistor or flasher relay for LED marker lights?
How long do LED truck side lights last?
Can I use amber lights on the red side of my trailer?
What is the best way to waterproof my new side lights?
Are DOT approved lights required for use on public roads?
Can I install running board light strips on any truck?
Why do some side lights fail after a few months?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the strongest truck side lights pick is the Partsam 10x Double Bubble because it delivers ten bright, DOT-approved lights with replaceable lenses in one complete kit. If you want the modern running board look with sequential signals, the Nilight 60″ Strips bring 144 LEDs and dual functions. And for a heavy-duty cab upgrade on a big rig, the Partsam 17 LED Chrome delivers the most visible roof lighting you can mount.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, GoCarLife earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.