Work Lights Needed for Pickup Truck Headache Rack

[GulfCoastToad]

I would like some help outfitting my 2004 Z71 Chevy Silverado's headache rack with two work lights. The primary use of these lights will be to illuminate the truck bed and ground nearby, to assist with loading and unloading of the bed at night. I would like a rectangular form factor if possible.

I bought these 55W back up lights for $25 at Academy, but I was wondering if there is something better on the market.

I won't set a price cap on this project just yet, but under $50 would be nice. I will be running the relay/switch/wires and doing the installation myself. Here's my wish list:

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

Doesn't matter. Online or B&M.

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

__X__I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.


3) Format:

Being run from the truck's battery, so 12V.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

About a 1.5" x 4.5" rectangular housing would be perfect.

5) Emitter/Light source:

__X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

OR

__X__Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)


6) Manufacturer:

__X__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.

I've never built a light before.


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

Mostly flood

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

Needs to be waterproof and dustproof.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

Will be turned on and off from in-cab switch.

 

[Diesel_Bomber]

Nice headache rack. Those lights will work great. You might angle them to the sides a bit so that the beams parallel each other without crossing too much in the bed, and give yourself better side to side spread. You can also buy H3 based rubbery-plastic work lights for ten bucks each or so, although they're round. Can even mount a second switch for them inside the tool box.

 

[GulfCoastToad]

I guess I was hopeful that there was some LED solution that was brighter and more efficient. These 55W lights get really hot after just a few minutes of use.

 

[Diesel_Bomber]

Plenty of LED options if you're willing to extend your price a goodly bit.

 

[GulfCoastToad]

I'll bite. Looking is free. What would you suggest?

 

[Diesel_Bomber]

Rigid Industries is the first one that comes to mind for work lights.

There are also backup/dome light options in standard 6" oval and 4" round grommet and rigid mount formats made by Grote, Truck Lite, Maxxima, and others.

 

[Hamilton Felix]

I'm sure there are LED and even HID solutions that are more efficient. But are they more cost effective? We're talking about simple floods that get used now and then. I recall buying some cheap rectangular "sealed halogen" floods from J.C. Whitney years ago; think I may still have some around somewhere. For me, because my vehicles sit outside in wet country and the truck floods see only occasional use, "sealed" is an important factor. If the truck has adequate battery(s) and charging system, I'm not going to spend much on lumens per watt "efficiency." I'll get what fits, throws a useful flood of light, and is sufficiently well sealed that I can count on it to work when I need it. We're talking about a job that can be done by "tractor floods," so I'd look for some lights the fit the available space and are weather resistant. The rest of my money, I'd spend on other features of the truck.

 

[GulfCoastToad]

Good thoughts all around. Thanks for your input, fellas. It's going to be hard to beat the weather-resistant $25 price point. I'll stick with what I've got.

/closethread

 

[teestow]

looks like you have settled on the halogens, I have a trucking company and a lot of our work is off road such as ice roads and temporary winter access where vibration has done a number on halogen filament based lighting and their housings. I started switching all work lights over to LED since the price point has been steadily dropping the past few years. one LED worklight that has been working well for our use is the trucklite 8610. still a bit expensive compared to halogens, but at around $80 per light they are starting to become cost effective compared to changing out the work lights we have been using every year or so.