Rock lights are LED lights you can install underneath your Jeeps or trucks. The primary purpose of adding rock lights is to provide illumination the headlights cannot offer. These rock lights are pretty essential for truck drivers, particularly if they need to drive at night.
If you want to learn how to install rock lights on your vehicle, below are step-by-step instructions on how to do it properly.
Facts About LED Rock Lights
LED rock lights are also called underbody lights simply because they are usually installed underneath the vehicle. They can transform your truck at night. If you want to make your car stands out on the road at night, adding rock lights is a good idea. Your vehicle will look different and unique from other vehicles on the road. Some drivers call these lights under glow lights or ground effect lighting.
These lights will illuminate the wheels, adding a spotlight on rugged tires. Rock lights are pretty popular with truck drivers who lift their vehicles, and these lights can provide lights to them. Also, they provide added element of safety when driving offroad at night as they offer better illumination.
Where to Mount Rock Lights?
The primary purpose of installing rock lights is to brighten the road. Headlights and spotlights can illuminate the street, but they are not as bright as the rock lights. So, where do you mount rock lights? It depends on the type of vehicle you have.
On Jeep JK Wrangler
Most rock lights are installed underneath the vehicle so drivers can see the rocks and debris before hitting them, which can cause damage to the Jeep. The rock lights are protected with a durable housing made of high-end aluminum and toughened glass. These rock lights are not only waterproof but also shockproof, dustproof, and rust-proof.
On Truck
Install the rock lights on areas where you can drill and mount a firm grip. It could be underneath, underside, at the rear, or in front of your truck but make sure the spot is sturdy enough to hold the brackets. Also, consider your purpose for buying the lights. Is it only to support the headlights, or will you use it as your primary lighting equipment to brighten the road ahead?
Steps on Installing Rock Lights
Below are the steps on how to install rock lights. Since you will be working with electrical wires and with your vehicle’s battery, you should know about them to avoid any issues or problems along the way.
Step #1 Position Your Vehicle In a Spacious Area
Park your vehicle in a spacious area without debris or clutter that could distract you while you are working. Make sure your emergency brake is activated as you will be working on the wheel wells area. It is necessary to have enough lighting when working and the place is dry, as you will be dealing with electrical components.
Step #2 Power Off and Disconnect the Battery
Before you touch anything, make sure the power is off, and the battery is disconnected. You need to be very careful when dealing with wires and batteries to avoid possible accidents and injuries.
Step #3 Decide Where to Position the Rock Lights
Check your wheel wells and determine where to place the LED rock lights. You will need to drill a small hole to attach the brackets and lights.
Step #4 Screw the LED Rock Lights in Place
Once you are done with the drilling in the wheel well, you can now attach the LED rock lights and screw it tightly. You can use the hardware included in the kit.
Step #5 Connect the Wirings – Steps on How to Wire Rock Lights
Connect the wires to each LED rock light. Then, run the cables underneath the vehicle to the front end where the battery is located. Make sure the wires will not get in the way of any moving parts of your vehicle. Here are steps on wiring the rock lights:
- It is best to zip-tie the wires for every 12 inches of the LED strip to attach the cable securely.
- If needed, extend the wires until they reach the front of the vehicle. The kit includes extension wires just in case you need one.
- Tap the black wire to negative or ground and red wire to battery positive. If the cables have optional wires, consult the installation manual to determine what it is for.
- Position the module box near the battery, but it should be away from the engine to reduce the risk of damage. Make sure the area is dry all the time. Extend the antenna on the module box to have better reception.
- Test to ensure the rock lights work well. If it is not working, maybe it requires some tweaking and test again.
Step #6 Reconnect Power and Battery
Once you are done connecting the wires and your rock lights, reconnect the battery and power on your vehicle. Make sure all the LED rock lights get the energy they need.
Ensure the lights illuminate the direction you intend to brighten, and you are pleased with the look.
Step #7 Close the Hood and Test Drive
Close the hood of your vehicle once you are done. You can test drive and start blazing colorful lights wherever the road may take you. Driving offroad with these rock lights can assure you of a safe and fun experience on the road.
Additional Tips on Installing LED Rock Lights
The installation of LED rock lights is relatively easy and straightforward. It is the favorite part of many drivers for this season, as the process does not require major tools. Also, the visual element they add to your ride is unequaled. The rock light set usually includes four pieces, one for each wheel well. But, if you prefer to combine different colors for a unique effect, you can purchase several sets.
When mounting LED rock lights, aside from working in a dry, clean area, activating the emergency brake, and disconnecting the battery before installing, it is also best to do the installation several hours of not running. Metal parts and the engine tend to become very hot after driving. Let it cool down for an hour or two before you start to make sure it is cool enough to work with.
Also, when buying LED rock lights, find the kits that are impact and weather-resistant. Since you will be installing the lights permanently, make sure that they are safe from harsh weather. And, if you offroad driving or drive into rough terrain, you have assured the parts will be able to withstand the elements and will last longer.
Conclusions
The steps on how to install rock lights on trucks or jeeps are not that difficult to follow. You just need to have some knowledge of the proper wiring of LED lights to do this. So, the best thing to do is first examine the vehicle and check the areas where you will install the rock lights. Once you get familiar with the areas in your vehicle, you will have an easier time following the instructions in installing the rock lights.
Make sure you work in a spacious and dry area as you will be dealing with wires and batteries, so you have to be careful. Most of the things you need are included in the kit, like additional wires and others, so you don’t have to worry.
So, if you have decided to buy rock lights for your Jeep or truck, keep this guide as your reference when installing them. With this guide, you will not have any issues completing the work. If you have any questions or inquiries about the topic, feel free to write them in the comment box below.