Field Testing the BEST LED Bulbs for '15-'17 Ford F-150

Our studio is usually where we conduct all of our testing. In addition to helping you see how much better or worse some of the bulbs we evaluate are in comparison to the OEM parts, we get to set standards for our tests. Seeing the bulbs in action on the road (or the trails) can sometimes make all the difference, even while everything else is OK.

To spice things up a bit, we got some marshmallows, chocolate bars, crackers, and firewood to cook some delectable s'mores for the weekend while we experimented with several types of LED bulbs. After testing a number of bulbs and avoiding mosquito bites, we have compiled a list of excellent and subpar LED bulbs for your 2015–2017 Ford F-150.

THE BENCHMARK

Prior to examining our assortment of aftermarket bulbs in detail, we must first choose the benchmark by which they will all be evaluated. That standard? Standard halogen light bulbs. We have tried some of the worst ones. Their maximum light output on a low beam is a pitiful 60.

The results are reliable when we are in the studio because we can adjust the lighting so that it remains constant throughout all of our tests. Many different factors might come up here. However, the percentage increase between the OEM bulb and the particular aftermarket bulb should be highlighted here. The brightness of the bulb will increase with the size of the rise.

THE TEST

Our candidates are now being tested. Here are seven bulbs you can purchase now, in no certain sequence.

The Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0

Our evaluations of the Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0 bulb are extensive, and they are genuinely great bulbs that emit a lot of light without causing too much glare for passing cars. Osram Olson HKL351.TE LED chips, PCB technology, high-speed internal cooling fans, and 360° rotation to accommodate all reflector housing forms are just a few of its many features.

We gave it a maximum Lux rating of 440 in our field test. The difference between that and the stock bulbs is 633 percent. Even if these might not be the best in our test, purchasing them would not be a bad choice.

Amazon Bulb #1

Since this bulb's brand name was unclear, we believe there isn't a single authentic brand for it. In any case, there shouldn't be any worries about the bulb's performance because it is obvious that it has a fan, and the chip positioning appears to be correct.

We tested this bulb at 200 maximum lumens on a low beam, which is 233 percent more than the stock. The 2Stroke 3.0 that we recently tested is more than twice as bright. It has a respectable beam pattern and a rather solid cold white tint, but we can't vouch for these lights' dependability.

GTR Lighting CSP Mini LED

Naturally, the CSP Mini bulb is a tiny bulb that works well for a wide range of applications. We adore that feature, and considering it's small, the light output is excellent.

We tested it at a maximum brightness of 300 Lux, which is 400% brighter than the original bulb. Compared to the other two that we have examined, this one is substantially wider. The beam pattern on this lightbulb is incredibly appealing.

Xenon Depot Xtreme LED Pro

We have tested this bulb a few times previously and have always loved it. In fact, the Xtreme LED Pro features every feature you could possibly want in a lightbulb. The metal construction is sturdy, the heat sink fins function incredibly well, and the chip is positioned perfectly.

They reach a maximum of 340 Lux on low beam, a 466 percent increase over stock. Although they are not the most intelligent of the ones we tried today, they are renowned for their dependability and are reasonably priced.

Amazon Bulb #2: FS Light

Another enigmatic Amazon bulb, this one from FS Light, is here. If the bulb itself didn't look cool, we would be lying. Although the gold paint gives this lightbulb a high-end appearance, does it have a high-end function?

These measured a maximum of 50 Lux at 30 feet, which is 16% DIMMER compared to the original bulbs. The gold paint job hides these bulbs. Instead of purchasing them, you would be better off putting your money in the trash.

GTR Lighting Ultra 2

We use the Ultra 2 bulb quite frequently; thus, it is difficult to exclude it from our testing. Simply put, the bulb is too good. The Ultra 2 is a fantastic combination of build quality, performance, and dependability that consistently delivers excellent results.

At 540 max, we tested this lightbulb. A low beam of light. That is an absurd 800% increase over the brightest light we tested, the OEM bulb. This bulb has a fantastic color temperature and a superb beam pattern, thanks to GTR Lighting.

S-V.4. LED Bulb (Low and High Beam)

This lightbulb is very popular and with good reason. The latest multi-core LED chip designs, which have a single long crystal spanning the whole diode array to produce a smooth light output source, were used in the S-V.4 bulbs. These chips, which are based on CREE technology, function more closely than the original filament bulb since they don't have light gaps between the diodes.

The S-V.4 bulb tested at 540 max. Lux on low beam, which is the same as the Ultra 2 we tested (an 800% increase). This demonstrates that quality options are available, and it is up to you to decide which LED bulb best meets your requirements.

The S-V.4 LED bulbs were tested at 590 max. Lux, a 555 percent improvement over the OEM part, whereas the stock bulbs for the high beams came in at 90 max. Lux.

Not only is the remarkable beam pattern produced by this LED bulb significant, but so are the variations in brightness between the low and high beams. Our selection for today's installation is based on the S-V.4 bulb's overall performance and cost.

STREET LEGALITY

When it comes to LED replacement bulbs, it's crucial to discuss their legality. The DOT does not allow the use of aftermarket LED and HID light bulbs, but it is acceptable to use them on private land or in the wilderness.

The GTR Lighting Carbide Series and the Morimoto XB LED line-up are excellent options if you want to replace your OEM lights while still having the convenience of DOT-compliant appliances. The former has a more restricted scope. However, Morimoto has several housings for the majority of the most well-liked cars over the past ten to fifteen years.

By reading this far, you most likely owned a Ford F-150 pickup truck from 2015 to 2017. You may get a DOT-approved headlight from Morimoto. In addition to having integrated LED projectors, its XB LED headlights have a fantastic daytime running light (DRL) that also functions as a sequential turn signal. The XB Hybrid LED headlights, which use the OEM turn signal but still have fantastic build quality, DOT rating, and comparable performance, are another option if those are too expensive for you.

Do you want to continue? Morimoto also sells XB LED tails for the Ford F-150 from 2015 to 2020. To accommodate your style, these are available in both a conventional red tint and a smoked-out appearance.

HOW TO INSTALL

The majority of autos have relatively simple bulb installation procedures. This F-150 is no different.

Tools Needed for the Job:

5.5mm Socket

Impact/Ratchet Wrench

Low and High Beam Bulbs

First, loosen the three 5.5mm bolts in your wheel well. Once those are undone, reach behind the headlamp by pulling the fender liner back.

The bulb above is an H11 bulb. To remove the halogen lightbulb from the socket, twist it counterclockwise after removing the rubber dust cover. Additionally, remove the connector that powers the lightbulb.

Next, please insert the desired bulb into the same connector and turn it clockwise to place it.

Now that the low beam is finished, the high beam must be changed. Rotate counterclockwise by reaching into the lowest bulb. Remember to disconnect the connector as well. It's a 9005 bulb.

Please select your preferred lightbulb, attach it to the factory connector, and then turn it clockwise into the headlight housing.

Dust Cap

The S-V.4 bulbs are too large to fit the dust cap back on the housing, so keep that in mind. An aftermarket dustcover is required; we advise the "dome style" 80mm.

Fog Lights

The fog lights are exactly the same. Turn them counterclockwise by reaching in and removing them. The factory connector should then be unplugged.

To finish installing the replacement bulb, insert it into the connector and rotate it clockwise inside the housing.

Now that the fender liner section has been reattached, you may start riding the terrain.

CONCLUSION

We have discussed several lighting options for the F-150, ranging from accessory lights to complete headlight assemblies.