Rock lights have evolved from lights mounted to the front and rear of an off-road vehicle to lights that illuminate the undercarriage of any vehicle on- or off-road to add a little flare to the car’s appearance.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for off-roading lights or wanting to accent your Jeep’s good looks, we will inform you what to look for and give some options we feel are the best Jeep rock lights currently on the market.
Comparison of the Best Rock Lights For Jeeps
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Characteristics of Our Favorite Jeep Rock Lights
Some main characteristics to look for when choosing the best Jeep rock lights are luminosity, durability, and how the lights are turned on or off. We’ll discuss these below.
Luminosity
Luminosity measures radiated electromagnetic power, known as light. It’s the radiant power emitted by a light-emitting object. The unit of measure used for rock lights is lumens.
Simply, lumens (lm) are a measure of visible light emitted by a source. Technically, this is luminous flux. The complete power output of the visible light is described by the total number of lumens radiated. If looking for the light’s power output within a light fixture, look at the number of lumens. The higher the Lumen count, the better you’ll be able to see.
Durability
Durability only applies if you do a significant amount of off-roading. It should also be considered even if your rock lights are being used to accent your Jeep looks because they are mounted under your vehicle and exposed to road debris.
Placement of the rock lights can help shield them from the most direct impacts, but if you spend a lot of time in the mud and rocks, pay attention to how the product is constructed.
Knowing precisely the types of environments your rock lights will be exposed to will help determine how durable they need to be and where they should be placed.
Rock Light Controls
Back in the mid-90s, the only option for light controls was to have them hardwired to a toggle switch somewhere in the vehicle’s cab. However, with the invention of Bluetooth, there are now two options.
If the rock lights are for adding some razzle-dazzle to your Jeep, then the Bluetooth option will be a great addition to show off the technology level, turning your Jeep into something that would make Elon Musk envious.
However, if you’re an avid off-roader who plans on putting the lights to work, spotting potential hazards, hardwiring the lights to a toggle switch might be a good idea because sometimes the Bluetooth might fail, leaving you in the dark. If anyone is familiar with Murphy’s Law, you know this will probably happen at the most inopportune time.
Knowing whether rock lights are a want or a need can help determine how you want them controlled.
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Review of the Best Rock Lights for Jeeps
Ready for the review? Here are some of the best choices on the market today:
Best Overall
Mictuning MIC-CDL-002-82
Specifications
Number of Lights: 8
Control Type: Bluetooth
Colors: RGB
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What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews of this product are a bit mixed. Some state they are delighted with the product’s look and functionality, while others are frustrated that the length of the cables that come with the Mictuning MIC-CDL-002-82 isn’t long enough to reach the back of their two-door Jeep Wranglers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These rock lights stand out to us because they offer good characteristics while they have some faults overall. They produce 500 Lumens, have an aluminum housing, and have an easy to operate Bluetooth connection.
These rock lights also offer a multicolor ability that can display any mood you might be experiencing. With the music option, you can set it to flash with the beat of your favorite tune while cruising down the strip. If these features make you excited, then the Mictuning MIC-CDL-002-82 might be the best Jeep rock lights for you.
Bottom Line
The Mictuning MIC-CDL-002-82 rock lights offer many great qualities. They make a great choice if most of their use is on city streets, with the occasional off-road experience. However, be advised that longer cables will be needed for installation, and the control box isn’t waterproof, so it should be placed accordingly.
Pros
Bluetooth controlled
Music mode offered
Die-cast aluminum housing
Two types of mounting pads
Lights are water, shock, and dustproof
Cons
Control box not water-resistant/proof
Cable leads not long enough to reach rear of Jeep Wranglers
Runner-up
XPrite LED RGB Rock Light Kit
Specifications
Number of Lights: 4
Control Type: Remote
Colors: RGB
Warranty: 1 year
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the reviews for this item were poor. Many comments reflect the product is cheaply constructed and doesn’t last long, even when lightly used off-road. The few that did like the XPrite LED RGB Rock Light Kit commented on how easily the product was installed on their vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The XPrite LED RGB Rock Light Kit stands out because it offers a relatively high Lumen count. At 680 Lumen, they light up well as long as the proper amount of voltage is supplied. It’s easily installed and comes with a remote. If you’re looking for some lights to add an accent to your Jeep, perhaps the XPrite LED RGB Rock Light Kit will be the best Jeep rock light for you.
Bottom Line
While most of the reviews for this product aren’t good, they do the job well as long as the proper power of 30 volts is provided. These aren’t recommended for even light off-road use, but if you stick mainly to city streets, they should do well.
Pros
Easy install
Remote controlled
Water, shock, and dustproof
Seven preset static colors and patterns
Polycarbonate lens for heat dissipation
Cons
Remote doesn’t last a long time
Trouble Connecting to App
Best for the Money
MustWin RGB LED Rock Lights
Specifications
Number of Lights: 4
Control Type: Bluetooth
Colors: RGB
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What Recent Buyers Report
Individuals that purchased the MustWin RGB LED Rock Lights were overall thrilled once they had them installed. In fact, most of the complaints about this product had to do with installation. Once properly installed, though, even tougher critics admitted they worked great.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The MustWin RGB LED Rock Lights stand out because they offer 15 lights per pod and have a durable construction. While installation might be a little more difficult than other install jobs, they perform quite well once they are in. The brake warning function also stood out. When the brakes are applied, the lights switch to read, allowing the drivers behind you to know you’re stopping. For these reasons, the MustWin RGB LED Rock Lights make our list of best Jeep rock lights.
Bottom Line
For the money, we feel the MustWin RGB LED Rock Lights are top-notch. They perform the task desired of them and more. If you’re searching for a set of rock lights that won’t break the bank, these might be the best Jeep rock lights for you.
Pros
15 LEDs per pod
Built-in sensitive mic
Water and dustproof
Brake warning function
Multi-color and music mode
Cons
Not easy to install
Reports of Bluetooth connection problem
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Best Jeep JK Rock Lights
Mictuning MIC-8RL-379
Specifications
Number of Lights: 8
Control Type: Bluetooth
Colors: RGBW
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have rave reviews about this product. With the upgraded Bluetooth connection and the aircraft aluminum construction, it’s easy to understand why. It should be noted a few individuals did have issues due to phone compatibility.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Mictuning MIC-8RL-379 stands out because it has many upgraded components. With upgraded Bluetooth that provides a better connection with fewer dropped signals and the aircraft aluminum construction for added durability, it’s a better-engineered rock light than some of its competitors. For these reasons, we feel the Mictuning MIC-8RL-379 makes the cut for the best Jeep rock lights.
Bottom Line
This model of rock light is great for the multi-purpose Jeep. They do well on paved roads when heading out for a cruise down the strip or when wanting to head off-road and you need to see the hazards lurking under your Jeep.
Pros
Easy to install
Great reviews
Upgraded bluetooth connection
Up to 11.5 feet of installation cable
Durable aircraft aluminum construction
Cons
Some phone models might not connect
Control box can’t be placed near the engine or potentially hot areas
Best Jeep TJ Rock Lights
BukNikis 100829
Specifications
Number of Lights: 6
Control Type: Remote
Colors: White
Warranty: Lifetime
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What Recent Buyers Report
Almost all that purchased the BukNikis 100829 were extremely pleased with how well these little lights perform. Some of the comments suggested they were so bright that some had to be tented. The reviews of this product were so good we had difficulty finding any negative comments.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BukNikis 100829 stand out to us because what they lack in color options and controls they more than make up for in construction and durability. With a lifetime warranty, you know the company is confident their product won’t fail. The wiring is a heavier gauge than other LED lights adding to the better quality of the product. These rock lights are so small they can be installed practically anywhere. If you’re looking for a set of rock lights for those rugged off-road adventures, these might be the best Jeep rock lights for you.
Bottom Line
The design of the BukNikis 100829 rock lights are extremely well built and have a lifetime warranty to back them up. If you spend a lot of time in your Jeep rock-crawling in canyons and don’t want to worry about your lights turning off at the wrong time, these might be the best Jeep rock lights for you.
Pros
Lifetime warranty
Water and dustproof
Die-cast aluminum for better durability
The mini design makes for easy installation
Polycarbonate lens has epoxy resin for added internal component protection
Cons
Single color LEDs
Not remote or Bluetooth controlled
Best Jeep LED Rock Lights
Sunpie RGB 8542101667
Specifications
Number of Lights: 8
Control Type: Bluetooth
Colors: RGBW
Warranty: 1 year
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers reports suggest these rock lights are hit or miss as far as performance is concerned. Some buyers stated everything worked according to plan, while others had difficulty getting some or all desired functions to work. The same can be said about the customer care service from the manufacturers. Some had a great experience, while others couldn’t make contact after their problem’s first suggested fix failed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Sunpie RGB 8542101667 stands out because it offers a multitude of options. Having a high-temperature resistant material that allows for prolonged use means you don’t have to worry that the LEDs will overheat and melt. Using an app or a remote gives two options to control the lights should one option fail. Add in they provide all the tools needed for installation suggests that it’s a simple process. These are the reasons we feel this product makes the list of best Jeep rock lights.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for rock lights with a range of options, the Sunpie RGB 8542101667 might fit that bill. It has many great qualities but keeps in mind white light isn’t one of those options. Still, if white light isn’t something you’re looking for anyway, then these might be the best Jeep rock lights for you.
Pros
One-year warranty
All tools included for easy installation
Music mode and multiple color options
Use Bluetooth app or remote to control
High-temperature resistant materials for extended use
Cons
No white light option
All lights stay the same color, multiple colors at once not an option
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What Are Rock Lights?
Rock lights are aftermarket lights installed on vehicles to provide more light than standard headlights or taillights. Rock lights come in a multitude of colors and styles, allowing vehicle owners to choose from many options.
What Are Rock Lights Used For?
People use these for a variety of reasons. Whether for practicality, visibility, or cosmetics, these can be a great addition to a Jeep.
Off-Road
Rock lights originally were lights applied to off-road vehicles to offer drivers more light than the standard headlights. With the invention of LEDs, the ability to place lights in the vehicle’s undercarriage meant off-roaders could step out of the vehicle and see any debris that might be stuck in the mechanics or check if they had enough clearance to overcome an obstacle. Rock lights are still used in this manner.
Rock lights give off-roaders the ability to light up the ground under their vehicle to see treacherous terrain better.
Vehicle Decorations
Rock lights have made their way onto city streets, allowing car owners to spice up their rides with different color lighting. Just like decorating your house with Christmas lights, adding rock lights to the undercarriage of your car can add that extra pop to make your car stand out amongst the others.
If you have a show car and want to add a little personality to some of the car’s darker areas, rock lights are a great way for this to be accomplished.
Emergency Vehicles or Situations
Many volunteer emergency personnel have begun adding rock lights to their vehicles because they’re now available in strobe options. Many everyday drivers are doing the same with rock lights because they can be synced with the brake lights to give extra warning to drivers behind them that might not be paying attention.
Rock lights also come in handy if stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery and you want to attract some help. They’re also great if you need to change a flat tire in the middle of the night and don’t have someone to hold a flashlight.
Rock lights are useful to volunteer emergency service personnel and everyday civilians. If you are looking for a little more security when driving your vehicle, adding some rock lights might be a good idea.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
As mentioned initially, some main characteristics to look for when choosing the best Jeep rock lights are luminosity, durability, and how the lights are turned on or off.
Luminosity
The unit of measure for luminosity used for rock lights is lumens. So the higher the lumen count, the better you’ll be able to see. Keep this in mind when shopping for rock lights as they vary, and some descriptions might not include this detail.
Durability
Durability only applies if you do a significant amount of off-roading. It should also be taken into consideration even if your rock lights are just to accent your Jeep because they are mounted under your vehicle and exposed to road debris. Placement of the rock lights can help shield them from the most direct impacts, but if you spend a lot of time in the mud and rocks, pay attention to how the product is constructed.
Knowing precisely what types of environments your rock lights will be exposed to will help determine how durable they need to be and where they should be placed.
Rock Light Controls
If the rock lights are for adding some razzle-dazzle to your Jeep, then the Bluetooth option will be a great addition to show off the technology level. However, if you’re an avid off-roader who plans on putting the lights to work, spotting potential hazards, hardwiring the lights to a toggle switch might be a good idea because sometimes the Bluetooth might fail.
Rock Lights for Jeep – Comparison Overview
How do these lights compare to other types? Here’s a look to help you decide.
Underglow vs Rock Lights
Underglow aftermarket car lighting, in comparison to rock lights, typically aren’t as bright. They offer a more subdued light aesthetic than rock lights. Rock lights tend to be bright enough to allow the driver or passengers enough light to see in detail what is under or around the vehicle.
Mini vs Regular Rock Lights
The main difference between regular rock lights and mini rock lights is size. However, other than that, the mini rock lights often won’t have the same amount of lumens or won’t have as many options as the regular-sized rock lights might have.
How to Install Rock Lights
Installing rock lights might seem like a daunting task, and if you’re not mechanically inclined, you might be right. However, if you have a basic working knowledge of electrical systems, have a drill, and have basic hand tools, you should be able to handle the installation.
What you need:
- A cordless drill with drill bit equal to the mounting holes on the light housing
- Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers
- Electrical tube connectors or soldering iron and solder
- Electrical pliers
- Electrical tape
- 9-volt battery for testing
Using the 9-volt battery, place the red wire of one of the LED rock lights to the battery’s positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal of the same battery. The rock light should illuminate. Repeat this process with the remaining rock lights to ensure they’re all functioning.
Once you have established all the lights work, begin installation under the front driver’s side wheel well. Attach the LED using a zip tie to the metal frame portion under the fender. Repeat this process on the passenger side
Next, mount a rock light behind the front grill, if you choose to, by opening the hood and removing the grill. Attach LEDs to the frame using zip ties.
Now mount a rock light under the front bumper using another zip tie. If you have enough rock lights, you can then mount a rock light under each Jeep door by attaching the lights to the frame with zip ties.
Next, install a rock light under the rear bumper using another zip tie. Then, using your drill, drill three holes through the plastic of the driver’s side rear wheel well. Feed power cable through the center hole and attach zip tie using the other two holes. Repeat this process on the passenger side wheel well.
Lastly, connect the wiring to the main power wire coming from the battery to the Jeep’s back. Attach wire ends using tube connectors or soldering iron. If using tube connectors, use a pair of electrical pliers to crimp both ends of the tube connector and then wrap it in electrical tape.
We have attached a video to act as a visual aid to assist you with the installation better.
Where Do You Put Rock Lights On a Jeep?
In most applications, rock lights are placed under each wheel well and on the Jeep’s front and the rear bumper, you have enough under each door and behind the front grill.
Where Do You Put Rock Lights on a Jeep TJ?
Placement of rock lights on a Jeep TJ doesn’t vary from other Jeep models unless the owner has a personal preference.
Where to Put Rock Lights on a Jeep JK?
Again placement of rock lights on a Jeep JK doesn’t vary from different models of Jeeps. There are many different ways rock lights can be applied. So it depends largely on owner preference.
Conclusion
Rock lights can be a great accessory to a Jeep, especially if that Jeep is often used off-road. However, even if you rarely or never take your Jeep off-road, rock lights can add style to your ride. We hope this article has helped you find the best Jeep rock lights.
Quick Summary – Best Jeep Rock Lights
Here’s a quick wrap-up of the best Jeep rock lights:
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People Also Ask
There are always a few questions we fail to answer in the main body of the article, so we have done our best to include them below. We hope we’re able to get the question you’re seeking answered.
Most rock lights are designed to be waterproof, but some models report failure in this category.
There are no relevant Texas laws that specifically restrict or prohibit installing underbody lighting; therefore, we consider it legal to use while driving.
No flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights are permitted on civilian vehicles (the only exception is in Sec. 547.331. which permits emergency lamps when there are traffic hazards). Red lights may not be visible from the front of the motor vehicle. Although it’s not expressly prohibited unless flashing, we recommend avoiding colors blue and red or a combination of red, white, and blue on any car lighting.
Most rock light colors are legal as long as red, blue, and white aren’t used together or in a manner that might simulate an emergency vehicle. It also depends on the state.
No, it’s normally acceptable to wire rock lights directly into a switch.
Because the colors green, red, and blue are used for emergency purposes, they are prohibited in most states.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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