Field Testing for the BEST LED Bulbs for the ‘15-‘17 Ford F-150 | HR Tested
Typically, we do all our testing inside of our studio. We get to set benchmarks for our tests and help show you just how much better or worse some of the bulbs we test are compared to the OEM parts. While this is all well and good, sometimes seeing the bulbs in action on the road (or the trails) makes all the difference.
To vary it up some, we grabbed some firewood, marshmallows, chocolate bars, and some crackers to make delicious s’mores for the weekend while we tested out several LED bulbs from a variety of brands. After several bulbs and mosquito bites, we have ourselves a list of great and not-so-great LED bulbs for your 2015-2017 Ford F-150.
THE BENCHMARK
Before we dive deep into the collection of aftermarket bulbs we have, we need to first establish the standard that they will all be measured against. That standard? The stock halogen bulbs. These are some of the worst we have tested. They put out a dismal 60 max. Lux on low beam.
When we are in the studio, the results are very consistent because we can control the lighting to be the same during all our tests. Out here, there are all sorts of variables that can arise. Nevertheless, what should be noted here is the percent increase from the OEM bulb to the specific aftermarket bulb. The larger the increase, the brighter the bulb will be.
THE TEST
Now begins the testing of our contenders. In no particular order, here are seven bulbs you can buy today.
The Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0
We have done a lot of reviews on the Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0 bulb, and they are truly excellent bulbs that provide a lot of light while not producing much glare for oncoming drivers. It has all the goodies like 360° of rotation to accommodate all reflector housing shapes, PCB technology, high-speed internal cooling fans, and Osram Oslon HKL351.TE LED chips.
In our field test, we rated it at 440 max. Lux. That is a 633 percent increase over the stock bulbs. While it may not be the brightest in our test, you would not be making a poor decision by buying these.
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Amazon Bulb #1
There was no clear brand name for this bulb, so we suspect there is no singular true brand for this bulb. Regardless, it clearly has a fan, and the chip placement looks correct so there should not be much concern over the bulb’s performance.
We tested this bulb at 200 max. Lux on low beam, a 233 percent increase over stock. That is less than half as bright as the 2Stroke 3.0 we just tested. The color is a pretty solid cool white, and the beam pattern is decent. We cannot speak for the reliability of these lights, however.
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GTR Lighting CSP Mini LED
The CSP Mini bulb is (unsurprisingly) a small bulb that fits so many applications. We love that about it and the light output is really good for its size.
This one we tested at 300 max. Lux, which is 400 percent brighter than the OEM bulb. This one is noticeably wider than the other two we have tested. We really like the beam pattern on this bulb.
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Xenon Depot Xtreme LED Pro
This is another bulb we have tested a few times before and we have always adored it. The Xtreme LED Pro really has everything you are looking for in a bulb. The chip is in a great position, the heat sink fins work extremely well, and the metal construction is solid.
On low beam, they come in at 340 max. Lux. That is a 466 percent increase over stock. They are not the brightest of the ones we have tested today, but they are known for being reliable and the price point makes it a great value.
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Amazon Bulb #2: FS Light
We have another mysterious Amazon bulb, this time from FS Light. We would be lying if the bulb itself did not look cool. The gold paint makes this bulb look premium, but does it perform in a premium way?
At 30 feet, these came in at 50 max. Lux. That is 16 percent DIMMER than the OEM bulbs. That gold paint job is just a façade for these bulbs. You would be better off throwing your money in the garbage than buying these.
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GTR Lighting Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 is a bulb we feature pretty regularly, and it is hard to not include it in our tests. It is just too good of a bulb. A great intersection of performance, reliability, and build quality, the Ultra 2 always comes out on top.
We tested this bulb at 540 max. Lux on low beam. That is an insane 800 percent increase over the OEM bulb, by far the brightest bulb we tested. GTR Lighting provides this bulb with a great beam pattern and incredible color temperature.
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S-V.4. LED Bulb (Low and High Beam)
This is an extremely popular bulb and for good reason. The S-V.4 bulbs utilized the newest multi-core LED chip styles that feature one long crystal over the entire diode array to create a seamless light output source. Those chips are based on technology developed by CREE and have no light gaps between the diodes to give it a closer function compared to the original filament bulb.
On low beam, the S-V.4 bulb tested it at 540 max. Lux, the same as the Ultra 2 we tested (an 800 percent increase). This goes to show you that there are good options out there and it is down to you to choose which LED bulb best suits your needs.
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For the high beams, the stock bulbs came in at 90 max. Lux, where the S-V.4 LED bulbs, were tested it at 590 max. Lux, a 555 percent increase over the OEM part.
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Both the low and high beam brightness differences are important, but so is the incredible beam pattern generated from this LED bulb. For the installation today we are choosing to showcase the S-V.4 bulb because of its overall performance and price point.
STREET LEGALITY
Something that is important to discuss when talking about LED replacement bulbs is their legality. Aftermarket LED and HID light bulbs are not DOT-compliant. It is okay to use them out in the wilderness or on your own property.
If you are looking for an alternative to your OEM lights but want the comfort of having DOT-compliant appliances, we recommend looking into the Morimoto XB LED line-up and the GTR Lighting Carbide Series. The former of which is limited in its scope, but Morimoto has a number of housings for most of the most popular vehicles of the last 10-15 years.
Since you have gotten this far into the article, you probably own a 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pick-up truck. Morimoto has you covered for a DOT-approved headlight. Their XB LED headlights offer built-in LED projectors with an incredible daytime running light (DRL) that doubles as a sequential turn signal. If those are a little too pricey for you, they also have the XB Hybrid LED headlights that utilize the OEM turn signal but maintain the incredible build quality, DOT rating, and similar performance.
Want to go even further? Morimoto also offers XB LED Tails for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150. These come in both a standard red color and a smoked-out look to cater to the style you are looking for.
HOW TO INSTALL
Putting bulbs on most cars is a pretty easy process. The same applies to this F-150.
Tools Needed for the Job:
5.5mm Socket
Impact/Ratchet Wrench
Low and High Beam Bulbs
To being with, go to your wheel well and unscrew the 3 5.5mm bolts. Once those are undone, pull the fender liner back enough to reach in behind the headlight.
The bulb on top is an H11 bulb. Remove the rubber dust cover and then twist the halogen bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the socket. Also, remove the connector powering the bulb.
Then take the bulb you desire and plug it into the same connector and twist the bulb clockwise into position.
Now that the low beam is done, the high beam needs to be replaced. Reach into the lowest bulb and twist counterclockwise. Do not forget to remove the connector, too. This bulb is a 9005 bulb.
Grab your bulb of choice and connect it to the factory connector and then twist it clockwise into the headlight housing.
Dust Cap
Something to note about the S-V.4 bulbs is that they are a little too big for the dust cap to go back on the housing. You will need an aftermarket dustcover, we recommend the “dome style” 80mm.
Fog Lights
The fog lights work the exact same way. Reach in and turn them counterclockwise to remove. Then unplug the factory connector.
Then take the new bulb and plug it into the connector and then turn it clockwise into the housing to complete the installation.
Now all you need to do is reattach the portion of the fender liner and you are all set to hit the trails.
CONCLUSION
We have covered a number of different lighting modifications for the F-150, from full headlight assemblies to accessory lights. Either way, if you are looking to change up the look and feel of your F-150, check out all the lighting options available for your truck on Headlight Revolution.
If you are more of a visual learner, be sure to check out our video showing all these LED bulbs in action. While you are there, make sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest lighting upgrades for your vehicle.
Have any questions about one of the products we mentioned? Contact us today, and our customer service team would be happy to help.
