What to consider when choosing work truck lighting.

Work trucks are durable vehicles built to handle heavy loads, withstand adverse weather conditions and rough terrain, and endure high mileage. The lighting you choose for your work truck has to match that durability. Work truck lights must be highly durable to function properly in all types of weather, plus they have to withstand vibration and impacts. Today’s LEDs offer long life, low power consumption, and resistance to harsh environments.

Other important factors involved in choosing work truck lighting include compatibility with the truck’s power system (most work truck lights run off 12V or 24V systems) and whether they can be securely mounted on the truck in the intended locations.

In addition, you should select lights with a brightness and beam pattern that is appropriate for the type of work you’re doing. Some lights offer the versatility of adjustable beam patterns. Choosing lights that can meet the required level of visibility for the job is obviously essential as well.

By selecting the right combination of lighting options, you can enhance your work truck's functionality and safety. Here’s a breakdown of popular lighting options and their uses.

LED Light Bars provide high-intensity illumination over a wide area. They are ideal for off-road, construction sites, or any environment where powerful, broad lighting is needed. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various sizes and configurations to fit specific needs.

Work or Task Lights are designed to provide illumination when doing particular jobs. Often mounted on the truck’s bed or toolboxes, they offer focused light for detailed work. The key benefits are their adjustability and durability. Various sizes and light intensities are available.

Auxiliary Spotlights provide a concentrated beam to illuminate distant objects or areas. They provide high-intensity, long-range lighting, making them optimal for nighttime driving in low-visibility conditions.

Beacon Lights, which offer high visibility and come in rotating and flashing patterns, are most often used for visibility and safety in emergency or high-traffic situations. They can be mounted on the roof or back of the work truck.

Tailgate and Bed Lights provide light to the truck bed and tailgate area for better visibility during loading and unloading, improving convenience and safety in low-light conditions.

Underbody Lights are used in the area beneath the truck to provide helpful illumination when performing maintenance tasks under the vehicle.

Emergency Warning Lights flash and offer high visibility to alert other drivers of emergencies or when roadside work is being performed.

Fog Lights are mounted low on the truck to minimize light reflection off fog and provide enhanced visibility in foggy or misty conditions.

Interior and Dome Lights provide enhanced visibility, safety, and convenience when working in cabs or cargo areas inside the vehicle in low-light situations.

Side Marker Lights increase the truck's visibility from the sides, which is particularly important in low-light or adverse weather conditions. They help other drivers recognize the truck's width and length, preventing accidents and collisions.

Austin Hardware has partnered for many years with TecNiq Inc., a leading manufacturer of lighting solutions for work trucks, trailers, emergency vehicles, the marine industry, and more. In addition to many of the lights mentioned here, TecNiq can also provide essential vehicle lights such as stop/tail/turn lights and license plate lighting.

Together, we can provide many energy-efficient and durable lighting solutions for work trucks. To review all our lighting options, check out the Lighting section of our website and contact your Austin Hardware sales representative or your nearest Austin Hardware location for more information on how we can help you.