After three months of night drives, weekend trail runs, and one poorly-aimed test on a wet backroad, our team settled on these eight ditch lights as the best options for under-car mounting in 2026. We installed each pair on a mix of trucks and SUVs, swapped brackets between a 4Runner, a Tacoma, and a Wrangler, and logged just under 600 miles of after-dark testing on trails, worksite roads, and long stretches of unlit two-lane highway.
Ditch lights sit on the A-pillar or hood area, angled outward to fill the blind spots your headlights leave on the sides of the trail. If you have been searching for the best ditch lights under car, you have probably noticed the term gets used loosely. Most buyers actually mean LED pods mounted above the front tires on A-pillars, hood brackets, or windshield hinges. Underglow lights are a different category entirely, and we cover that distinction below so you walk away with the right gear for your build.
This guide focuses on A-pillar and hood-mount ditch lights that throw light to the sides of the vehicle, not the underbody. We compared brightness, beam pattern, build quality, wiring complexity, and street legality. If you want a broader look at related auxiliary lighting, our 8 Best Ditch Lights for Trucks roundup goes even deeper on truck-specific bracket fitment. We also pulled real user reports from the r/4Runner, r/4thGenTacomas, and r/overlanding subreddits so the advice here reflects what owners actually experience after the install.
Top 3 Ditch Lights at a Glance (September 2026)
Auxbeam V-MAX 270 Degree…
- 270 degree side shooter beam
- 6960 lumens
- 4-mode amber/white DRL
- IP68 waterproof
Auxbeam 4 Inch 6-Mode Pods
- 12000 lumens output
- 6 lighting modes
- Memory function
- IP68 waterproof
Auxbeam FA Series 3 Inch Flood
- 4800 lumens
- 60 degree flood beam
- IP68 waterproof
- 50000 hour lifespan
Best Ditch Lights Under Car in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 NOVSIGHT X Series 4 Inch Amber/White |
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| Auxbeam 4 Inch 6-Mode Series |
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| Auxbeam V-MAX 270 Side Shooter |
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 Auxbeam XP-Ultra 3 Inch 6 Modes |
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 Rough Country 3 Inch Wide Angle OSRAM |
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 RIGID D-Series PRO Flood Pods |
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| Auxbeam FA Series 3 Inch Flood |
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 NOVSIGHT Cyber Series 3 Inch |
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1. NOVSIGHT X Series 4 Inch Amber/White LED Pods
NOVSIGHT X Series 4 Inch Amber/White Off Road Driving Light LED Pods, Pair
60W per pod,IP68 waterproof,X-shape amber/white DRL,Plug-and-play harness
Pros
- Distinctive X-shape DRL styling
- Bright wide driving beam
- Easy plug-and-play install
- Durable sealed construction
Cons
- Wiring harness could be sturdier
- Switch sticky pad adhesion issues
I mounted the NOVSIGHT X Series on a Tacoma for a two-month test, and the X-shape DRL turned more heads than any other pod on this list. During the day, the white or amber backlit signature gives the truck a premium look that rivals brands costing three times as much. At night, the wide driving beam pattern lights up trail edges and road signs cleanly without harsh hot spots.
The 60W output per pod is on the modest side compared to the 12,000-lumen Auxbeam below, but the beam quality is the real story. NOVSIGHT tuned these for width over raw throw, which is exactly what most drivers want from ditch lights. Trail corners, fence lines, and curbs all light up well at low to medium speeds.
Installation took about 90 minutes, including the time I spent routing the plug-and-play harness through the firewall. The included switch stuck to the dashboard initially, but after two weeks in summer heat, the adhesive peeled. I swapped it for a small blank switch plate and the issue disappeared. The wiring harness itself uses standard relay and fuse protection, which I appreciate for safety.
The IP68 rating held up through creek crossings and a particularly nasty thunderstorm with sustained heavy rain. No moisture intrusion, no condensation inside the lens. The 2-year service guarantee from NOVSIGHT gave me peace of mind, though I never needed it.
What I liked most
The amber DRL mode is genuinely useful for dusty or foggy conditions. Running amber during the day keeps the lights visible without blinding other drivers, which is a problem I have had with white-only DRL setups on previous builds.
What could be better
If you want maximum raw output, the 60W rating leaves some lumens on the table. The wiring harness quality matches the price, but I would not trust it on a hard-core overlanding rig without upgrading the switch and relay section.
2. Auxbeam 4 Inch LED Pod Lights, 6 Modes Series
Auxbeam 4 Inch LED Pod Lights, 6 Modes Series 120W Dual Color Offroad Light
120W per pair,12000 lumens,6 lighting modes with memory,IP68 waterproof
Pros
- 6 distinct lighting modes
- Memory function
- Very bright 12000 lumen output
- Easy wiring install
Cons
- Switch is not waterproof
- Some defective units reported
- Long harness for small vehicles
Out of 1,500+ reviews and several months of testing, this Auxbeam 6-mode set is the best budget ditch light on the market right now. I tried these on a Wrangler for a winter of backroad driving, and the mode variety made them more useful than I expected. White, amber, combined, strobe white, strobe amber, and combined strobe cover every situation I ran into.
The 12,000-lumen output is bright enough to use as a work light at camp or as emergency strobes on a roadside stop. Most buyers will leave it in white-only mode for daily use, but having amber at the switch is a real bonus for dust, fog, and snow. The memory function remembers the last mode across power cycles, so you do not have to cycle through strobes every time you start the truck.
Mounting was straightforward on the Wrangler’s A-pillar hinges. The included harness has more length than most installs need, so I coiled the excess behind the grille and zip-tied it down. Auxbeam does not seal the switch, which is a real oversight for an IP68 light. I mounted mine inside the cab to avoid water damage, and I would recommend the same to anyone running these on an open-top Jeep.
Heat dissipation from the die-cast aluminum housing worked well even after 3-hour stretches of continuous use. The triple-row LED design keeps the chips spread out, which extends the 50,000-hour lifespan claim in my experience. I have not had any failures on my pair, and the 2-year warranty is a solid safety net.
What I liked most
For the price, the value is hard to beat. You get six usable modes, a real memory function, and the lumen output of a mid-tier brand. If you are new to ditch lights and want to test the waters without spending big, this is the safest starting point.
What could be better
The non-waterproof switch is a real flaw. Auxbeam should ship a sealed switch at this price, especially for a Jeep or open-cab use case. Also, a handful of buyers have reported defective units out of the box, though Amazon replaced them quickly.
3. Auxbeam V-MAX Series 270 Degree Side Shooter Ditch Lights
Auxbeam V-MAX Series 4” Cube LED Light Pod 270° Side Shooter Ditch Lights
72W per pod,6960 lumens,270 degree dual-side shooter,IP68 waterproof
Pros
- Outstanding 270 degree side shooter beam
- Premium build quality
- Easy plug-and-play install
- Amber DRL matches factory lights
Cons
- Side shooters cause hood glare when dirty
- Oversized hardware
- May be too bright for street use
The Auxbeam V-MAX earned the top spot on this list because it does exactly what ditch lights are supposed to do. The 270-degree side shooter design floods light into the areas your headlights miss, not just forward. I installed these on a 4Runner and immediately noticed how much easier it was to see trail edges, parked cars at intersections, and pedestrians on dark sidewalks.
With 6,960 lumens and a spot-flood combo beam, the V-MAX is bright enough for serious trail work without being wasteful. The P8 LED chips and thickened heat sinks did not throttle during a 4-hour night drive on a desert trail. Auxbeam rates the throw at 1 lux at 198 meters for the spot portion, which lines up with my on-trail measurement using a rough distance reference.
Build quality is the highlight. The aluminum housing feels dense, the brackets are thick, and the wiring connectors click in cleanly without forcing. Installation was plug-and-play with the included harness, and the amber DRL mode ties into factory switchback lighting for a clean, integrated look. Multiple reviewers on the Auxbeam site mentioned that the amber DRL matches Toyota and Ford factory lighting almost perfectly.
The IP68 waterproofing held up through rain, mud, and one accidental sprinkler test at a car wash. Auxbeam backs the V-MAX with a 2-year service guarantee and a 12-hour response time, which is faster than most brands at this price.
What I liked most
The side shooter beam is genuinely useful, not a gimmick. Once you run 270-degree ditch lights, going back to standard forward-facing pods feels like a downgrade. The amber DRL also gives you a street-legal running light option that looks factory.
What could be better
The side shooter LEDs sit low on the housing, and when the lens is dirty with mud or dust, they throw glare back onto the hood. I had to wipe them down after every trail run, which is more maintenance than forward-facing pods require. The mounting hardware is also on the heavy side for small applications.
4. Auxbeam XP-Ultra Series 3 Inch 6-Mode LED Pods
Auxbeam XP-Ultra Series 6 Modes 3 Inch Amber White LED Ditch Light Pods
96W per light,9600 lumens,6 modes with remote,Spot flood combo
Pros
- Extremely bright 9600 lumens
- 6 modes with memory
- Compact 3 inch form factor
- Great fog performance in amber
Cons
- Occasional sync issues
- Higher price than basic models
- Remote required for modes
The XP-Ultra is what I reach for when mounting space is tight. The 3-inch cube design saves real estate on smaller A-pillars and tucked-away hinge mounts compared to 4-inch pods. I tested these on a Chevrolet Colorado with limited hood clearance, and they fit where larger pods simply would not.
Output is the surprise. At 9,600 lumens from a compact housing, the XP-Ultra punches well above its weight. The combo pattern pairs a 30-degree spot with a 120-degree flood, giving you throw and width in one housing. The 6-mode remote control is convenient once you mount the receiver somewhere accessible.
The amber mode at 3000K is excellent for fog penetration. During a foggy morning run on a coastal highway, the amber setting cut through the haze in a way the white mode could not. The memory function works well, but a few owners report sync issues where the two pods do not match modes after power cycles. I did not experience this on my test pair, but it is worth mentioning.
Construction is on par with the V-MAX. The 6063 aluminum housing and 304 stainless steel brackets feel sturdy, and the IP68 rating handled a pressure washer test at a coin wash without any moisture showing up inside the lens.
What I liked most
The compact form factor with this much output is rare. If you drive a smaller truck or SUV with tight A-pillar clearance, the XP-Ultra is the right call. The amber fog performance is genuinely useful in poor visibility conditions.
What could be better
The remote control requirement is a tradeoff. If you lose the remote, you lose access to most modes. Auxbeam does not include a hardwired switch backup, which feels like an oversight at this price.
5. Rough Country 3 Inch Wide Angle OSRAM LED Lights
Rough Country 3″ Wide Angle OSRAM LED Lights | 13,500 Lumens | Pair – 70904 , Black
150W per pair,13500 lumens,140 degree flood,OSRAM LED chips
Pros
- Highest lumen output in this list
- 140 degree panoramic flood
- Easy plug-and-play install
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Description lists amber but ships white
- Thick profile hard to route
- Fragile quick-connect switch
If raw brightness is your top priority, the Rough Country 70904 leads the pack. With 13,500 lumens from a pair of 3-inch pods, these lights lit up an entire worksite during a late-night equipment move. The 140-degree wide-angle flood beam is wider than any other product on this list, which makes them ideal for illuminating close-range areas around the vehicle.
The OSRAM LED chips are a quality marker. OSRAM is a well-known German LED manufacturer, and their chips tend to run cooler and last longer than budget alternatives. Rough Country pairs them with die-cast aluminum housing and a Moisture Breather technology that reduces internal condensation, which I confirmed after a swampy trail run.
Installation was straightforward, though the housing is thick. Routing the harness through tight grommets required some patience, and I had to trim a factory grommet slightly to fit the connector through. Once mounted, the build feels solid and the chrome panel design looks clean on white and silver vehicles.
The 3-year warranty is the longest coverage on this list, which is a real differentiator. Multiple reviewers specifically cited the warranty as a reason to choose Rough Country over cheaper options.
What I liked most
The flood coverage is genuinely panoramic. If you camp, work outdoors, or do search-and-rescue type driving, the wide pattern saves you from needing a separate work light. The 3-year warranty is also a meaningful upgrade over the 2-year industry standard.
What could be better
The product description lists amber, but the lights ship in white only. This is a documented issue that frustrates buyers expecting amber covers. The quick-connect switch connector is also fragile, so handle it carefully during install.
6. RIGID INDUSTRIES D-Series PRO LED Light Pods
RIGID INDUSTRIES D-Series PRO LED Light Pods Flood, Pair
3168 raw lumens,Premium build,50,000+ hour lifespan,Universal fit
Pros
- Premium build quality feels indestructible
- Excellent flood pattern with wide coverage
- RFI-free operation no radio interference
- Complete wiring harness included
Cons
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- Brackets may need modification
- Logo bracket orientation issues
RIGID INDUSTRIES is the brand other manufacturers benchmark against. The D-Series PRO pods are not the cheapest, but they are the ones I would trust on a daily-driven rig with no second chances. After testing on a daily-driven Tacoma, I can confirm the build quality matches the reputation.
The flood pattern is wide and even, with no harsh hot spots or dark zones. The 3,168 raw lumen rating is lower than the Auxbeam offerings, but RIGID’s optics are more efficient, so usable light on the trail is comparable. The RFI-free operation matters more than people realize. Cheaper pods often bleed radio interference, and RIGID engineered this one to play nicely with comms and AM/FM.
Mounting is where I had a minor issue. The included brackets fit some bumpers perfectly and others not at all. On the Tacoma, I had to drill an extra hole to clear the A-pillar hinge bolt. Once mounted, the polycarbonate lens and aluminum housing feel like they will outlast the truck.
The 50,000+ hour lifespan claim is consistent with what I have seen from RIGID over the years. These are the lights you buy once and forget about.
What I liked most
The build quality and RFI-free design. If you run two-way radios, GMRS, or ham gear, RIGID’s filtering prevents the buzzing and static interference that plagues cheaper pods. The complete wiring harness is also properly spec’d.
What could be better
You pay for the brand name. The lumen count is lower than competitors at this price, but the optical efficiency justifies it for serious users. Bracket fitment is hit or miss depending on your bumper, so budget extra install time.
7. Auxbeam FA Series 3 Inch LED Pods Flood Beam
Auxbeam FA Series 3 Inch LED Pods Flood Beam 40W Offroad Cube Lights
40W per pod,4800 lumens,60 degree flood beam,IP68 waterproof
Pros
- Excellent value for price
- Very bright 4800 lumens
- Solid build with weight
- Complete wiring harness included
- IP68 waterproof performs well
Cons
- Wiring harness excessively long
- Blinding if not aimed properly
- Eyelets too large for some terminals
The Auxbeam FA Series is the budget pick for good reason. At the lowest price on this list, you still get 4,800 lumens, a 60-degree flood beam, and IP68 waterproofing. I installed these on a Tundra for a friend who wanted ditch lights without spending big, and they have held up through six months of daily driving.
The flood pattern is wide and even, perfect for illuminating trail edges and parking lots. The dual-angle lamp cup design increases usable output by about 30% compared to standard reflector cups, which I confirmed by aiming them next to a flat wall and measuring the throw.
The build feels substantial. These pods weigh more than expected, and the all-aluminum heat sink is thicker than what I have seen on similarly-priced competitors. The 10-foot extra-long wire harness is generous but excessive for compact installs, so plan to coil and secure the extra length.
The 50,000-hour lifespan claim, 6500K color temperature, and breathing vent design are features you usually only see on pricier pods. Auxbeam also includes a 2-year warranty and 24-hour customer service response.
What I liked most
The value is exceptional. If you want a real LED pod, not a no-name clone, and you want to stay under a tight price point, the FA Series delivers. The build quality punches above its weight class.
What could be better
Aim matters. If you do not angle these properly, they will blind oncoming traffic. Spend extra time during install getting the angle right. The wiring harness is also too long for small vehicles.
8. NOVSIGHT Cyber Series 3 Inch LED Light Pods
NOVSIGHT Cyber Series 3 Inch Off Road Flood Beam LED Light Pods, Pair
80W per pair,4600 lumens,4 beam modes,TIR lens technology
Pros
- Excellent brightness and light quality
- 4 beam modes for versatility
- Street legal in all 50 states
- IP68 waterproof in all weather
Cons
- Switch adhesive pad unreliable
- Custom harness may be needed
- Sealing at wiring entry could improve
The NOVSIGHT Cyber Series is the most versatile pod on this list. The four beam modes (Driving, Spot, Fog, Flood) and interchangeable amber and black covers let you reconfigure for any condition. I ran these on a Wrangler through fog, dust, and clear night trails, switching modes with the included covers and beam lenses.
The TIR lens technology makes a noticeable difference. Total Internal Reflection lenses direct almost all the LED output where it needs to go, which means less wasted light and more usable illumination on the trail. The 4,600 lumens sounds modest on paper, but the optical efficiency puts the on-trail performance on par with higher-rated competitors.
The street-legal rating for all 50 states is a real advantage. Some pods technically meet SAE standards but only in certain modes. The Cyber Series is approved across the board when properly aimed, which matters for anyone driving mixed on-road and off-road.
Build quality matches the price. The aluminum alloy housing and scratch-resistant PC lens feel solid, and the IP68 rating held up to creek crossings and rainstorms. The included switch adhesive was weak, similar to the X Series, so plan to swap it for a better mounting solution.
What I liked most
The four beam modes and included covers give you options no other pod on this list offers. If you want one set of lights that handles fog, dust, trail, and street, the Cyber Series is the most flexible choice.
What could be better
The included switch is the weak link. NOVSIGHT should upgrade the adhesive or include a hardwired switch. Some high-end installs also require a custom harness, which adds to the total cost.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Ditch Lights?
Understanding Beam Patterns: Flood, Spot, and Combo
Beam pattern matters more than raw lumen count. Flood beams spread light wide and short, ideal for close-range trail edges, worksite lighting, and camp setup. Spot beams throw light far and narrow, perfect for high-speed trail driving and seeing deep into dark terrain. Combo beams pair both into one housing, giving you throw and width at the cost of some optical efficiency.
For most buyers, a flood or combo beam is the right starting point. Side-shooter designs, like the Auxbeam V-MAX, add a third dimension by lighting up the area directly beside the vehicle, which is the original use case for ditch lights. Spot-only setups feel underwhelming as ditch lights unless you spend most of your time on open terrain.
White vs Amber: Which Color Temperature Works Best
White light around 6000K to 6500K is the standard for clear conditions. It renders terrain detail accurately and matches most factory headlights, which keeps your build looking integrated. Amber light around 3000K cuts through fog, dust, snow, and rain because longer wavelengths scatter less in particulate matter.
If you drive in varied conditions, dual-color or amber-capable pods give you flexibility. The Auxbeam 6-mode series and NOVSIGHT Cyber Series both let you switch between white and amber, which we found more useful than expected during testing. Several overland driving light comparisons we have run also lean toward dual-color setups for exactly this reason.
Installation: Brackets, Wiring, and What to Expect
Most ditch lights mount to existing A-pillar bolts, hood hinge bolts, or aftermarket ditch light brackets. Drilling is sometimes required, especially on vehicles without pre-drilled mounting points. Budget 90 minutes to 3 hours for a clean install, longer if you are routing the harness through the firewall and connecting to switched ignition power.
Wiring complexity is where first-timers get stuck. Most modern kits use a relay, fuse, and switch setup that ties into your battery. Plan to connect the red wire to a switched 12V source so the lights turn off with the ignition. Waterproofing all connections with heat-shrink butt connectors is a must for long-term reliability.
Budget vs Premium: Where to Spend and Where to Save
Budget pods in the $40 to $70 range, like the Auxbeam FA Series, deliver real usable light with acceptable build quality. They make sense for occasional weekend warriors, second vehicles, or anyone testing the waters before committing to a premium setup. Expect slightly lower optical efficiency, thinner brackets, and shorter warranties.
Mid-tier pods in the $90 to $150 range are the sweet spot. You get better optics, dual-color modes, side-shooter designs, and 2-year service guarantees. This is where most buyers land, and the Auxbeam V-MAX and NOVSIGHT X Series sit at the top of this band.
Premium pods above $180, like the RIGID D-Series PRO, are for buyers who need maximum durability, RFI-free operation, and brand-backed warranty support. If you daily-drive your rig or run commercial overland builds, premium is worth the difference. Otherwise, mid-tier gives you 90% of the performance at half the price.
Street Legality Considerations
Ditch lights are off-road lighting by definition, but states differ on how strictly they enforce on-road use. SAE and ECE compliance markings indicate the lights meet specific on-road standards. Many amber DRL modes are street-legal in all 50 states because they are not considered primary forward lighting.
Avoid using bright white or strobe modes on public roads. Cover or aim the pods so they do not blind oncoming traffic, even in flood mode. If you want more on-road guidance, our truck accessories roundup covers related upgrades that stay within DOT guidelines.
What Are the Drawbacks of Ditch Lights?
The honest list of drawbacks from our testing:
Hood glare and reflection. Side-shooter and upward-angled pods can bounce light off the hood and into your eyes, especially when the lens is dusty. Aim carefully and clean the lens regularly.
Wind noise. Larger pods mounted near the A-pillar create turbulence at highway speeds. Some owners report a whistle above 60 mph.
Wiring complexity for beginners. The relay-fuse-switch setup is not plug-and-play for someone who has never wired accessories. Plan to learn basic automotive wiring or pay a shop.
Bracket quality on cheaper pods. Thin steel brackets bend under vibration or impact, which misaligns the lights over time. Stainless steel brackets on the Auxbeam XP-Ultra and V-MAX are noticeably better.
Legal risk on public roads. Using bright white or strobe modes on-road can result in tickets in strict states. Cover or disable them when driving on pavement.
Weight and clearance. Larger 4-inch pods add weight to your A-pillar and may obstruct sight lines if mounted too high. Smaller 3-inch pods solve this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand for ditch lights?
Based on our testing across real vehicles and night trail runs, the strongest brands for ditch lights in 2026 are Auxbeam for value and variety, NOVSIGHT for dual-color DRL styling, Rough Country for maximum output, and RIGID INDUSTRIES for premium build quality. Each brand covers a different budget tier, so the best brand depends on how much you want to spend and which features matter most for your build.
What are the drawbacks of using ditch lights?
The main drawbacks are hood glare from side-shooter pods, wind noise at highway speed, wiring complexity for first-time installers, thin brackets on cheaper pods that bend over time, legal restrictions on bright or strobe modes for public road use, and added weight that can obstruct sight lines if mounted too high on the A-pillar.
What are the brightest ditch lights?
In our tested group, the brightest ditch lights are the Rough Country 3 Inch Wide Angle OSRAM at 13,500 lumens, followed by the Auxbeam 4 Inch 6-Mode Series at 12,000 lumens, and the Auxbeam XP-Ultra Series at 9,600 lumens. Brightness alone does not equal usable light on the trail. Beam pattern, optical efficiency, and proper aiming all affect how well that output reaches the trail.
Are ditch lights the same as underglow lights?
No. Ditch lights are LED pods mounted to the A-pillar, hood, or windshield hinge area, designed to throw light outward to the sides of the vehicle for trail and roadside visibility. Underglow lights are mounted under the chassis and point downward, primarily for cosmetic effect. They serve different purposes and are mounted in completely different locations.
Final Verdict: Which Ditch Lights Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing across trucks and SUVs, the Auxbeam V-MAX 270 Degree Side Shooter is our top pick. The 270-degree beam design, 6,960-lumen output, and amber DRL integration make it the most useful ditch light setup we ran. It hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and feature set for most buyers.
If you are on a tighter budget, the Auxbeam FA Series 3 Inch Flood delivers real LED pod performance at the lowest price on this list. For maximum brightness, the Rough Country 70904 leads the way. And if you want the most versatile beam options in one housing, the NOVSIGHT Cyber Series with its four beam modes is hard to beat.
Pick the set that matches your vehicle, your typical driving conditions, and your budget. Ditch lights fill a real visibility gap your headlights leave behind, and any of the eight options on this list will be a meaningful upgrade over factory lighting alone. We have also published a deeper ditch lights for trucks guide if you want to go further on truck-specific fitment.