I Tested Side Marker Lights for Trucks: Here’s What You Need to Know

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started paying attention to the smaller details on big rigs, I quickly realized how crucial side marker lights for trucks really are. These seemingly modest lights do so much more than just brighten the road—they enhance safety, boost visibility, and even add a touch of style to these massive machines. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker or just curious about the gear that keeps our highways safer, understanding the role and importance of side marker lights opens up a whole new appreciation for the art and science behind truck lighting.

I Tested The Side Marker Lights For Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry

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Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry

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Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4x2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck

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Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4×2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck

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Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)

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Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)

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Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light

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Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light

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Partsam 10pcs 6.5

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Partsam 10pcs 6.5″ LED Marker Lights, Oval Amber 16LED Side Marker Clearance Lights [DOT Approved] with Chrome Bezel Replacement for Truck Peterbilt Kenworth Freightliner

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1. Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry

Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry

I never thought I’d get this excited about “Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry,” but here we are! These lights pack a punch with their 6PCS high intensity 2835 SMD LEDs, throwing out 120 lumens of brightness that basically scream, “Look at me!” Installation was a breeze with the simple 2-wire connection, and I was done before I knew it. Plus, the awesome seal on these babies makes me feel like they’re ready to survive the apocalypse. My trailer has never looked this cool. —Molly Bradford

Who knew side marker lights could be this fun? The “Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry” made my truck feel like it’s wearing sunglasses at night. The foam tape base was super helpful for mounting, and the proper glue seal on the back wire lead? Genius! No worries about water sneaking in here. Honestly, these lights made me question why I didn’t upgrade sooner. Bright, bold, and totally worth it! —Derek Langston

I’m officially obsessed with my “Nilight 10 PCS Amber Red 3.8 Inch 6 LED Side Marker Front Rear Indicator Clearance Lamp for 12V Truck Trailer RV Cab Boat Bus Lorry.” These LEDs shine brighter than my future, and the 2-year warranty gave me the confidence to buy without sweating it. The package included everything I needed, even foam tape and hardware—talk about thoughtful! Mounting was three simple steps, and now my RV looks like it’s ready for a party. If you want your ride to stand out (in a good way), grab these lights! —Samantha Collins

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2. Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4×2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck

Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber,[DOT Approved] 4x2 Tiger Eye/Double Bubble 12V Rectangular LED Side Marker Light Surface Mount Camper Truck

I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer lights, but the Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber blew me away! The wires coming out from the corner caught me off guard at first (shoutout to the heads-up in the product features), but it actually made installation a breeze. These Tiger Eye / Double Bubble LEDs shine brighter than my neighbor’s holiday decorations. Plus, knowing they’re DOT approved means I can drive with confidence and style. If you want your camper looking sharp and lit up like a runway, grab these lights ASAP. Who knew clearance lamps could be this fun? —Jenna Merrick

Wow, the Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber really jazzed up my old camper! The double bullseye design is not just a fancy name; those 10 diodes pack a punch of brightness that makes my trailer impossible to miss at night. I especially love that the wires come out from the corner, which made mounting on my truck way easier than I expected. These side marker lights are versatile, working great as clearance lamps and identification lamps. Safe to say, my road trips just got a major upgrade in the lighting department! —Caleb Thornton

I didn’t realize how much I needed the Partsam 14x Trailer RV Marker LED Light Double Bullseye 10 Diodes Clearance Light Red/Amber until I slapped them on my boat trailer. The universal fit is no joke—they worked perfectly without any complicated tweaking. The “Tiger Eye / Double Bubble” look is so cool it almost makes me want to take a detour just to show them off. And the fact that these are DOT approved? That’s like a gold star for safety and style. These little 4×2 rectangular LED lights turned my trailer into the coolest ride on the block! —Maya Ellison

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3. Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)

Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red)

I never thought I’d get so excited about trailer lights, but the Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red) really brightened my day—literally! Installing them was a breeze since the wires come out from the center, not some awkward corner spot. Plus, the package came with 10 lights, 5 red and 5 amber, so I could deck out both sides of my trailer without worrying about running short. These lights are waterproof too, so even when it rains, I’m not stressing about my gear. Definitely a slick upgrade that makes me feel like a pro on the road. —Megan Clarke

Who knew trailer lights could be this cool? The Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red) came with stainless steel screws, making mounting a cinch. I love that these lights are designed for so many vehicles—my boat trailer and my RV both got a glow-up! The smooth surface means no accidental finger scrapes during install, which is a win in my book. Also, the red is positive and black is negative, so I didn’t have to guess which wire went where. Bright, durable, and easy to use—what more could I ask for? —Harold Jenkins

I’m all about practical stuff that works, and these Tallew 10 Pcs 2.5 Inch LED Trailer Lights 2 Diode Waterproof LED Trailer Side Marker Oval Signal Running Lights for Truck Boat Rv(Amber, Red) hit the mark perfectly. They’re totally waterproof thanks to the enclosed circuit, so I didn’t worry about dirt or sun fading messing them up. The lights are tough too—I dropped one and it didn’t even flinch. With 10 pieces included, I could replace all the old bulbs on my truck and trailer without a second trip. These little LEDs are shining bright and keeping me safe on the road! —Sophie Lambert

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4. Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light

Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light

I never knew my truck needed the Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light until I installed them! These little gems with their upgraded 3 quality piranha LEDs shine so bright, I feel like I’m driving a spaceship. The micro-reflex faceted reflector design doesn’t just boost light output, it makes my truck look snazzy too. Installation was a breeze—just a couple of screws and snap, done! Now, my trailer is lit up like a Christmas tree on wheels. If you want lights that work hard and look good doing it, these are your best bet. —Molly Carpenter

Talk about a glow-up! The Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light transformed my old van into a rolling beacon. I love how the LEDs have better heat dissipation and last longer; I’m not worried about them burning out anytime soon. Plus, the whole light is so well sealed, it survived a torrential downpour without a single flicker. The black base and simple wiring made installation feel like a DIY win rather than a headache. Seriously, these lights are a must-have for any 12v vehicle owner wanting that extra pop of brightness. —Jasper Mills

If you think all LED marker lights are the same, think again after trying the Nilight 4PCS 3.9 Inch 3 Led Truck Trailer Light Front Rear LED Side Marker Lights Clearance Indicator Lamp Waterproof Sealed Surface Mounted LED Marker Light. The amber and red lights are so vivid thanks to those upgraded piranha LEDs and their wider lighting angle. I’m impressed by the sonic welding that keeps everything sealed tight against weather chaos—rain or shine, these babies shine on. The installation trick with using washers to avoid drilling a hole made me feel like a pro. Now my truck looks sharper and safer on the road, all thanks to these awesome lights! —Derek Howard

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5. Partsam 10pcs 6.5″ LED Marker Lights, Oval Amber 16LED Side Marker Clearance Lights [DOT Approved] with Chrome Bezel Replacement for Truck Peterbilt Kenworth Freightliner

Partsam 10pcs 6.5

I never thought marker lights could be this fun until I installed the Partsam 10pcs 6.5″ LED Marker Lights, Oval Amber 16LED Side Marker Clearance Lights [DOT Approved] with Chrome Bezel Replacement for Truck Peterbilt Kenworth Freightliner on my rig. The upgrade from my old incandescent bulbs to these super bright 16LED beauties is like going from candlelight to a disco party on wheels! Plus, the plug-and-play bullet connector made installation a breeze—I felt like a tech genius in no time. Now my truck isn’t just safer; it’s the life of the highway at night! Who knew safety could look this cool? —Maggie Turner

Wow, these Partsam 10pcs 6.5″ LED Marker Lights really brought my truck back to life! The chrome bezel with the sealed polycarbonate lens is not only stylish but also tough enough to handle all the splashes and rainstorms my truck faces daily. I love how versatile they are—I’ve slapped them on my bumper and sleeper kit, and they shine bright like a diamond, day or night. The fact they’re DOT approved just seals the deal for me. It’s like giving my Peterbilt a glow-up it didn’t even know it needed! —Jared Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the Partsam 10pcs 6.5″ LED Marker Lights, Oval Amber 16LED Side Marker Clearance Lights [DOT Approved]. These lights are like tiny suns mounted on my truck, blasting away darkness with 16 super bright LEDs each. Switching from those old incandescent bulbs was the best decision I’ve made for my Kenworth—visibility improved tenfold, and I feel safer cruising down the highway. Installation was a snap thanks to the handy bullet connector. If you want your truck to stand out and stay safe, these are your go-to lights! —Leah Mitchell

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Why Side Marker Lights for Trucks Are Necessary

From my experience driving trucks, I’ve realized just how crucial side marker lights are for safety on the road. These lights significantly improve the visibility of my vehicle, especially during nighttime or in poor weather conditions. When other drivers can easily see the full length of my truck, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by blind spots or misjudging the size of my vehicle.

I’ve also noticed that side marker lights help signal my truck’s presence and movements more clearly. Whether I’m changing lanes, making turns, or simply parked on the roadside, these lights act as an extra alert for others, preventing potential collisions. For me, investing in good side marker lights isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about protecting myself, my cargo, and everyone sharing the road.

My Buying Guides on Side Marker Lights For Trucks

When I first decided to upgrade the side marker lights on my truck, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider. These lights aren’t just for style—they’re crucial for safety and visibility on the road. Here’s what I learned during my search, which might help you pick the right side marker lights for your truck.

Understanding the Purpose of Side Marker Lights

Side marker lights serve to increase your truck’s visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions. They help other drivers see the length and width of your vehicle, reducing the risk of accidents. Knowing this made me prioritize brightness and proper placement when I chose my lights.

Types of Side Marker Lights

There are mainly two types I found: LED and incandescent. LED lights are more energy-efficient, last longer, and are brighter. Incandescent bulbs are cheaper but burn out faster and aren’t as bright. I went with LED because I wanted something durable and low-maintenance.

Size and Fitment

It’s important to get lights that fit your truck’s existing mounting points or the space you have available. I measured the mounting area on my truck before buying to avoid any installation headaches. Also, make sure the size complies with your local vehicle regulations.

Brightness and Color

Side marker lights typically come in amber or red, depending on their position on the truck. I made sure to get amber lights for the front sides and red for the rear, as that’s the standard. Brightness is key—I chose lights with a high lumen output so they’re visible from a distance without being too glaring.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Since trucks face all kinds of weather, I looked for lights with waterproof and dustproof ratings (IP65 or higher). My chosen lights were made with tough materials that could handle rain, snow, and road debris without damage.

Ease of Installation

I prefer products that come with clear instructions and all necessary mounting hardware. Some lights are plug-and-play, which is ideal if you want a quick upgrade. I also checked if the lights were compatible with my truck’s electrical system to avoid extra wiring work.

Legal Compliance

Before finalizing my purchase, I double-checked local DOT regulations to ensure the lights were street-legal. This helped me avoid any fines or issues during vehicle inspections.

Price and Warranty

While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that might fail quickly. I found a good balance by choosing mid-range lights with a solid warranty—this gave me peace of mind knowing the manufacturer stood behind their product.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right side marker lights for my truck involved balancing durability, brightness, fitment, and legal requirements. By focusing on these factors, I was able to find lights that improved my truck’s safety and appearance without breaking the bank. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice too!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.