Swapping to LED Illumination

LED lighting is a common thing on modern trucks. But what if you have an older truck or even a base-model truck? Only in the last few years have vehicle manufacturers started doing all-LED lighting, so a ton of trucks are still on the road with the older, halogen-style lights. Having new LED lights not only provides better visibility for the driver, but they also allow others to see the truck better, especially at night. Upgraded lighting also makes the truck look like a higher-end model. In my case, with my XL base-model ’23 Ford Maverick, other than the headlights and tag lights, all other bulbs were halogen. 

I’m sure you’re thinking the same thing I am: “Why would a manufacturer do half and half? Surely, the cost for the bulbs during the build process isn’t that much different.” Fortunately, companies like Diode Dynamics offer a full LED upgrade for pretty much every vehicle on the road, so I reached out to place an order for this little truck. By doing this LED upgrade and seeing this truck on the road, not only does it look like a higher trim level vehicle, but it also provides better visibility.

Of course, these bulbs swap out like standard bulbs do, but they offer far greater light output. For the front running lights that are turn signal bulbs, I upgraded to an LED switchback. By doing this, the running light is a bright white LED that looks better and adds more front-facing lighting for those dark nights, but when the turn signal is activated, the bulbs turn orange for the turn signal. When adding LED turn signals to most vehicles, a resistor must be added to eliminate the hyper flash caused by the new bulbs. Diode Dynamics also supplied those so we could have a complete install.

While swapping out the bulbs, it was a must to replace the ugly orange front bumper lenses with something a little classier. For this, I got with Klearz Manufacturing, which offers a clear lens for the Maverick. Klearz has a few options with these lenses as far as color and tint. Because my truck is white, I chose white housing and clear lenses, which pretty much disappear into the bumper when the lights are turned off.

Follow along to see the transformation from dull, halogen bulbs to the super modern LED bulbs. I also upgraded all the bulbs in the taillights, making the truck safer by adding more light for people following you.

SOURCES

• Diode Dynamics
  314-205-3033
  www.diodedynamics.com
  @diodedynamics
• Klearz
  www.klearz.com
  @klearzmanufacturing

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