There’s a universal moment of frustration every truck owner knows. It’s well past sunset, you’ve got a tonneau cover pulled tight over the bed, and you need to find that one specific tool, piece of gear, or grocery bag that has inevitably slid to the very front. You pull out your phone, turn on the flashlight, and try to contort your body to shine a sliver of light into the cavernous darkness. It’s inefficient, annoying, and makes the simple act of using your truck bed a chore. For years, this was my reality. I’d tried stick-on battery-powered lights that fell off in the summer heat and barely lasted a few weeks. The thought of a professional, integrated lighting system was appealing, but the cost was a major deterrent. What I needed was a powerful, durable, and affordable solution that could permanently transform my truck bed from a black hole into a usable workspace, day or night. This search for the perfect blend of performance and value is what led me to test the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit.
- FEATURES: Total of 8 Decorative Lighting Pods housing a total of 24 Ultra-Bright SMD LEDs. allowing...
- WEATHERPROOF: Waterproof Rate: IP67, shockproof, design to withstand harsh weather conditions....
What to Consider Before Buying a Powersports Accessory Light Kit
A powersports or vehicle accessory light kit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for enhancing utility, safety, and personalization. For truck owners, it’s about turning an often-unusable dark space into a fully functional cargo area at any hour. For off-roaders, it could be about ground illumination (rock lights) for navigating treacherous terrain or adding visibility in dusty conditions. These kits solve the fundamental problem of inadequate factory lighting, providing bright, targeted illumination exactly where it’s needed without relying on handheld flashlights or temporary fixes. The primary benefits are immense: increased productivity when working out of your vehicle at night, improved safety when loading or unloading cargo, and the simple convenience of always having a well-lit space at the flick of a switch.
The ideal customer for a product like the Xprite kit is a hands-on individual who isn’t afraid of a straightforward DIY project. This includes truck owners with tonneau covers, tradespeople who work from their vehicles, campers, overlanders, and anyone who frequently uses their truck bed after dark. It’s also perfect for those looking to add custom lighting to boat compartments, RV storage bays, or even under the hood of a car. However, this type of kit might not be suitable for those who want a simple plug-and-play solution with no wiring involved, or for someone who requires complex, multi-color, app-controlled lighting effects for show purposes. For those individuals, a more advanced (and significantly more expensive) system or professional installation might be a better route.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Wiring and Layout: This is the most critical factor. Examine the kit’s wiring configuration. How much wire is there between each light pod? How long is the lead wire that runs from the lights to your power source? As we found with the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit, many users find they need to purchase extra wire to comfortably reach the vehicle’s battery or a preferred power tap, especially on larger trucks.
- Brightness and Light Quality: Don’t just look at the number of lights; consider the type of LEDs used (SMD LEDs are common and efficient). You want a clean, bright light that provides a wide, even spread, not just a few dim hotspots. The goal is to eliminate shadows and illuminate the entire target area, whether it’s a full-size truck bed or the undercarriage of a UTV.
- Materials and Durability: Your vehicle lives a hard life, and any accessory attached to it must be able to keep up. Look for a high Ingress Protection (IP) rating, like IP67, which indicates the components are dust-tight and can withstand water immersion. The housing of the light pods should be shockproof and made from durable materials that won’t crack or fade from sun exposure.
- Ease of Use and Installation: How do the lights mount? Most kits use a combination of strong 3M adhesive tape and optional screw holes. We’ve found that for a permanent, worry-free installation, using both is the best method. Also, consider the included switch. Is it a simple toggle, or does it integrate with your vehicle’s existing systems? For many, a dedicated switch mounted in the bed is the most convenient option.
Understanding these elements will ensure you choose a lighting kit that not only meets your immediate needs but also provides reliable service for years to come.
While the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit is an excellent choice for utility lighting, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader world of accessory lights. For a wider look at all the top models, especially those geared toward off-road flair and visibility, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Deceptively Simple, Impressively Bright
Unboxing the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit, the first thing we noticed was its minimalist, no-frills approach. Inside the simple packaging were two strands of wire, each with four rectangular LED pods attached, a basic on/off toggle switch, and a small bag of mounting screws. The pods themselves are the star of the show. They are incredibly thin—just a quarter of an inch thick—and feel dense and robust in the hand. This ultra-slim profile immediately stood out as a major advantage, as it meant they could be tucked discreetly under the bed rails, remaining completely invisible until switched on. Each pod houses three bright, white SMD LEDs, for a total of 24 across the entire system. The wiring felt adequate for a low-draw 12V system, with sturdy, waterproof connectors between each pod. The kit is divided into two strands of four pods, with about two feet of wire between each pod, giving you plenty of flexibility for placement along the length of a standard truck bed. Our initial take was that this kit prioritized function over form, providing all the essential components for a powerful lighting setup without any unnecessary complications. You can see its full feature set and user photos to get a better sense of its minimalist design.
Advantages
- Incredibly bright and clean white light output
- Versatile design suitable for beds, rock lights, interiors, and more
- Ultra-slim pods are easy to conceal for a clean, factory look
- Durable construction with an IP67 waterproof rating
- Exceptional value for the price point
Drawbacks
- Power lead wires are too short for many vehicles, requiring extension
- Adhesive backing can fail in extreme temperatures without reinforcement
A Deep Dive into the Xprite Light Kit’s Real-World Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to get your hands dirty and put it through its paces in the environment it was designed for. We installed the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit on a 2017 Ford F-150 with a spray-in bedliner and a hard tri-fold tonneau cover, a combination that represents a significant portion of the target user base. Our testing focused on the entire user experience, from the challenges of installation to the final, brilliant result.
Installation: A Straightforward DIY Project with One Major Caveat
The core installation process for the Xprite kit is refreshingly simple, especially for anyone with basic wiring knowledge. The kit’s design, with two separate strands of four lights, is ideal for a truck bed. We ran one strand down the driver’s side and the other down the passenger’s side, placing the pods evenly under the lip of the bed rail. The two feet of wire between each pod proved to be the perfect length for our 6.5-foot bed, allowing for even spacing without excess slack. The dual mounting option is a thoughtful touch. We started by thoroughly cleaning the underside of the bed rail with isopropyl alcohol to ensure a clean surface for the pre-applied 3M adhesive. The pods stuck firmly in place, but echoing the sentiment of many experienced users, we didn’t want to rely on tape alone. For ultimate security, we used the small mounting holes on each end of the pods to drive in self-tapping sheet metal screws (we opted for slightly larger ones than those included for a more robust hold). This combination of adhesive and screws creates a rock-solid mount that we’re confident will withstand years of vibration, cargo shifts, and temperature swings.
However, the process hits a significant and widely reported snag: the length of the lead wires. The wires extending from the first pod on each strand, which need to run to the switch and power source, are quite short. On our F-150, there was simply no way to route them cleanly out of the bed and all the way to the engine bay battery without adding more wire. This is not a dealbreaker, but it is a crucial point for potential buyers. As one user noted, “I definitely recommend having some extra wire and connectors on hand…there may not be enough to run where you need to go.” We ended up splicing in about 10 feet of 16-gauge primary wire, using heat-shrink butt connectors to ensure a weatherproof seal. For power, you have several options. You can wire directly to the battery, tap into an existing 12V source like the trailer harness (a popular choice), or for trucks with factory bed lights, you can even splice into that circuit to use the existing cab switch. We chose to use the included switch, mounting it in a plastic recess near the tailgate for easy access without having to open the cab. While the extra wiring step added about 30 minutes to the install, the overall project was completed in under two hours and resulted in a clean, professional-looking setup.
Lighting the Void: Brightness and Coverage That Exceeds Expectations
Once the wiring was complete, it was time for the moment of truth. We waited until dark, closed the tonneau cover, and flipped the switch. The result was nothing short of transformative. The truck bed, once a pitch-black void, was flooded with bright, even, and incredibly clear white light. The 24 total SMD LEDs punch well above their weight class, creating a shadow-free environment that feels like a well-lit workshop. The strategic placement of four pods per side provides complete coverage from the tailgate to the bulkhead, with no dark spots or dim corners. The light quality is a cool, pure white, which is perfect for identifying objects and colors accurately.
We found the brightness to be perfectly calibrated for its purpose. It’s powerful enough to find a small dropped screw on the bed floor but not so blindingly intense that it creates harsh glare. This was confirmed by multiple users who praised the light output, with one stating they were “happy with the amount of usable light with the tonneau on and off.” Another creative user even installed a set in their engine bay, noting the adhesion held up even in high heat and provided much-needed light for maintenance. This versatility is a key strength; while sold as a “bed light kit,” the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit is a universal utility lighting solution. Its performance proves that you don’t need a huge, power-hungry system to achieve brilliant illumination. The efficiency and output of these small pods are genuinely impressive and represent the kit’s single greatest strength.
Built for the Elements: Durability and Weatherproofing in Action
Accessory lights mounted on a vehicle’s exterior are constantly under assault from the elements. Rain, snow, mud, road salt, and high-pressure car washes are all part of the daily grind. This is where the Xprite kit’s IP67 rating becomes more than just a number on a spec sheet. The IP67 designation means the pods are completely sealed against dust and can be submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes without issue. In our testing, this translated to complete peace of mind. We subjected the installed lights to multiple automatic car washes, heavy rainstorms, and blasts from a pressure washer (from a safe distance) with zero signs of water ingress or failure. The sealed polycarbonate housings feel tough and have shown no signs of yellowing or cracking from UV exposure.
The shockproof design also proved its worth. While loading heavy equipment, we inadvertently knocked one of the pods with a metal toolbox. A quick inspection revealed no damage, and the light continued to function perfectly. The wiring, while noted by some as being a thin gauge, is perfectly sufficient for the low amperage draw of these LEDs and is sheathed in a durable, flexible coating that protects against chafing. One of the more clever design features we appreciated is the waterproof connectors between each pod. As one user pointed out, this means “you can disconnect individual lights in the event one burns out or your cargo breaks it.” This modularity makes potential repairs simple and inexpensive, as you wouldn’t need to replace an entire strand. After months of daily use and exposure, the entire lighting system continues to perform flawlessly, confirming that its robust build quality is more than capable of handling the harsh life of a truck accessory.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user feedback for the Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit paints a very clear and consistent picture. The overwhelming majority of owners are thrilled with the brightness and the value the kit provides. One user succinctly put it, “I recommend these lights as a cheap way to brighten up your bed.” Another, who integrated them with their factory lights on a 2017 F-150, said, “I have the factory bed lights but wanted a little more light… Overall pretty easy install, took an hour.” This highlights the adaptability of the kit for users with varying levels of pre-existing equipment.
However, the praise is almost always accompanied by the same two critiques we experienced. The first is the short lead wires. A Ford Ranger owner confirmed our findings, stating, “There is plenty of wire between the lights, but not much coming off from each strand… I definitely recommend having some extra wire and connectors on hand.” The second common complaint revolves around the adhesive. One user who meticulously cleaned the surface beforehand still had issues: “Biggest complaint was coming out today(literally put them on 24hrs ago) and some were hanging down.” This reinforces our recommendation to use screws or another mechanical fastener in addition to the tape for a permanent installation. These critiques aren’t dealbreakers for most, but they manage expectations: this is a fantastic, budget-friendly kit for the capable DIYer who is prepared to make minor additions for a perfect install.
How Does the Xprite Kit Compare to the Alternatives?
When looking at the broader category of powersports accessory lighting, it’s important to differentiate between utility and style. The Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit is a pure utility player, designed for illumination. The common alternatives in the market often focus on aesthetic flair, safety, and visibility, as seen in LED whip lights. The choice isn’t about which is “better,” but which is right for your specific application.
1. NR NIRIDER 4ft RGB LED Whip Light with Flag
- OVERVIEW - 360° illumination with 280 LEDs, the black look 4ft LED Whip is 100% brighter than any...
- SAFETY & DURABILITY - IP67 Waterproof / Dustproof rating. 180° twistable and bendable, no issues...
The Nirider LED Whip Light serves an entirely different purpose. This product is designed for UTVs, ATVs, and dune buggies to enhance visibility on trails and in dusty conditions, while also providing a spectacular light show. It features spiral RGB LEDs that can chase, strobe, and display countless color combinations via remote control. If your goal is to make your off-road vehicle stand out, comply with safety flag rules at sand dunes, and create a custom look, the Nirider is an excellent choice. However, for the task of illuminating a truck bed or undercarriage for work, its focused, vertical light beam and higher cost make it the wrong tool for the job.
2. Nilight 3FT RGB LED Whip Lights
- Safety & Cool Style: Spiral design. Lighted whips glow in 360°direction, light up the night with...
- Upgrade To Last: Use upgrade base with spring to add flexibility for more swings and buffer pressure...
Similar to the Nirider, the Nilight Whip Lights are all about visibility and customization for the off-road crowd. This two-piece kit offers synchronized lighting effects, a flexible build to withstand branches and rollovers, and a spring base for added durability. They are a direct competitor to other whip light brands and are intended for vehicles like the Polaris RZR or Can-Am Maverick. Someone choosing between the Nilight whips and the Xprite kit is deciding between two completely different functionalities: trail safety and style versus cargo area utility. You wouldn’t use the Nilight whips to light a truck bed, just as you wouldn’t use the Xprite pods as a safety flag.
3. Ehaho 2 Pack 3FT LED Whip Lights with Spring Base
- Spiral RGBW Chasing 3ft Whip Lights: 3 foot whip lights for UTVs with hundreds of colors, dancing...
- Dual Control and Music Syncing: Easily explore a variety of color, brightness, and pattern settings...
The Ehaho whip lights push the technology even further, incorporating App and remote control, music sync modes, and a robust spring base. This is a premium option for the serious off-roader who wants maximum control over their vehicle’s aesthetic. The feature set is geared entirely towards expression, safety, and fun during recreational use. It directly competes with Nilight and Nirider, not with a utility lighting kit like Xprite. The comparison simply highlights the specialization within the accessory lighting market. If you need to work, you choose Xprite. If you need to play and be seen, you choose a whip light system like Ehaho.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the DIY Enthusiast
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the **Xprite 8 PCS Pickup Bed Light Kit** is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional performance for its incredibly low price point. It solves the common and frustrating problem of a dark, unusable truck bed with a solution that is bright, durable, and discreet. The clean, powerful illumination transforms your cargo area into a functional workspace at any hour, and the rugged, weatherproof construction ensures it will last for years. Yes, it has its quirks—namely the short power leads that will likely require extension and the adhesive that should be reinforced with screws. However, for any truck owner comfortable with a bit of basic wiring, these are minor hurdles that are easily overcome.
We recommend this kit without hesitation to any truck owner, camper, or tradesperson looking for a high-performance lighting solution on a budget. The value proposition is simply unmatched. If you’re ready to banish the darkness from your truck bed for good and aren’t afraid of a small weekend project, this is the kit for you. You can check the latest price and order your kit here.