Best Headlights for Dodge RAM 1500
- Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
- Upgraded Dual Square Projector w/ LED Parking & Turn Signal Light Bar
- DOT & SAE approved
- Completed both Left & Right side set
- Direct OEM replacement
- No Modification Needed
- 30-Days Money Back Guarantee & 90 Days Limited Warranty
- Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
- Plug and Play
- DOT Approved
- LED Assembly with Switchback Sequential Turn Signals & UV Coated Lens
- Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
- Single Projector w/ LED Parking & Turn Signal Light Bar: SwitchBack Double Color feature
- DOT & SAE approved
- Completed both Left & Right side set
- Direct OEM replacement
- No Modification Needed
- 30-Days Money Back Guarantee & 90 Days Limited Warranty
1. AmeriLite Black Dual LED Projector Headlights – Best All-Around Product
Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Here’s a solidly-built option that combines new and old technology. The headlights come with standard halogen bulbs for the high and low beam lights. However, LED bars are used for the daytime running lights and the turning indicator.
While these headlights use halogen bulbs rather than fancier alternatives, it produces a good amount of light. The use of LED bulbs improves visibility in any weather, making it a good aftermarket upgrade for most.
OEM Part Number: 55277409AD, 55277409AE, 55277409AF, 55277410AD, 55277410AE, 55277410AF, 68093217AD, 68093216AD, 68093221AD, 68093220AD
- Easy installation
- Comes with wiring harness
- Good dust and water protection
- Uses LED and halogen bulbs
- Not fully sealed
2. Morimoto XB Plug & Play LED Headlights – Best for Easy Installation
Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Want a dramatic improvement in looks and visibility? Check out these headlights from Morimoto. They do come at a premium price, but the finished results are well worth the added costs.
Overall, the headlights provide a nice modern look. They are considerably brighter than stock headlights. Additionally, the lights provide a cool and balanced intensity. The signal indicators are warmer, but the primary lights are capable of cutting through any weather without any issues.
- Full LED technology
- Modern, streamlined design
- Very easy to install
- Higher price tag
3. AlphaRex PRO-Series Smoke Black Projector Headlights – Best for Premium Turn Indicators
Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
If indicator visibility is a top priority, these headlights are worth looking into. The main lights provide good projection and focus. But, it’s the indicators that really shine. They light up in sequential order, which can make your intentions more obvious on the road.
This issue is not difficult to resolve. But, it will require additional components. This could make the upgrade a bit more involved for some truck owners.
- Comes with projector bulbs
- Sequential turn indicator
- Straightforward installation
- Prone to hyperflashing
4. AKKON LED Bar Headlights – Best for Daytime Visibility
Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
These headlights are uniquely designed. At face value, they look very similar to other aftermarket headlights. However, the bottom LED bar is hiding a little secret.
There isn’t a separate light bar. The two colors are fully integrated into a single unit. It’s an interesting change that provides tons of style without wasting space in the housing.
- Projector lens
- Switchback indicators
- Bright LED bars
- Not fully sealed
5. AmeriLite LED Tube Projector Headlights – Best Cost-Effective Choice
Fits: 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Don’t want to spend a fortune for better visibility? These headlights from AmeriLite strike a good balance between affordability and performance. The lights are well-built and feature all the great elements you’d expect from aftermarket headlights.
Above and below the halogen bulbs, you’re getting LED bars for the daytime running lights and indicators. These headlights don’t have a ton of bells and whistles. But the increased light intensity makes a huge difference!
OEM Part Number: 55277409AD, 55277409AE, 55277409AF, 55277410AD, 55277410AE, 55277410AF, 68093217AD, 68093216AD, 68093221AD, 68093220AD
- Affordable price tag
- Clear projector lens
- Halogen primary bulbs
- LED bars
- Simple install
- Housing is prone to fog and moisture buildup
What You Can Gain from a Headlight Upgrade
The stock headlights on your pickup do fine in normal driving conditions. But let’s face it: You’re going to spend a lot of time driving in bad weather, too.
Standard headlights can only project about 350 feet ahead of you. In inclement weather, such as rain or fog, visibility gets even worse. And it’s not just you that needs good headlights in bad weather! Other drivers on the road will have a harder time seeing you, too.
Aftermarket headlights can solve those issues and more. Generally, aftermarket units are brighter and more powerful than their factory counterparts.
Believe it or not, headlight technology has improved a lot in the last several decades. But, manufacturers still stick to the basics on most builds. If you want to take advantage of how far automotive lighting has come, you need to make an upgrade!
What Kinds of Headlights are Available for the Dodge RAM 1500?
There’s a myriad of different options out there! Generally, aftermarket headlights can be categorized in one of two ways: differences in the assembly and the bulb.
Housing Options
The assembly is the source of the light. It’s the brains of the operation and holds onto the bulb and the lens. There are two different kinds of assemblies available. These include projector headlights and reflector headlights.
Reflector headlights are your most basic. Chances are, this is what came on your vehicle! As the name would suggest, these units rely on the principles of reflection to operate. The bulb sits within a reflective dome, which helps to bounce light and create a wide beam. The beam is quite wide but doesn’t have as much focus or intensity.
Projector headlights have a similar setup with a reflective dome. But, the key difference here is the addition of a magnifying lens. The lens helps to focus the light and add some noticeable intensity! They are a great option if you want more visibility that can cut through the fog a bit better.
Bulb Options
The type of bulb in your new headlight assembly will also impact its brightness and focus.
The most basic kind of headlight bulb available is the halogen bulb. Halogen bulbs use tungsten filaments and halogen gas. The light these bulbs produce is respectable. But, they can be a bit finicky and prone to damage. Oftentimes, you’ll see them in fog light lights and stock truck assemblies.
Another option is HID bulbs or high-intensity discharge bulbs. Also referred to as Xenon bulbs, these units provide greater intensity. But, they are costly to produce. Not only that, but they require a high-voltage starter to ignite the Xenon gas. HID bulbs are great in the short-term. However, they can decrease in intensity over time, which may present a problem at night.
Depending on the year of manufacture of your Dodge RAM 1500, you should use 9004 bulbs for older RAM 1500 vehicles. Newer Dodge RAM 1500 cars use H11 bulbs, sometimes the best h7 headlight bulb is used.
If you want to have a brighter light then you are recommended to use LED bulbs. A great choice for you is to buy LED Headlights Kits for your Dodge RAM 1500.
LED bulbs are quickly becoming more prevalent than halogen and HID bulbs. When you take a look at the advantages, it’s not hard to see why! LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce far less heat. In fact, about 80 percent of an LED’s energy goes to creating light. This leaves only 20 percent to heat generation, which is impressive! LED technology is also cost-effective and easy to implement, making it a popular choice in the aftermarket scene.
Other Considerations
Beyond the bulb and assembly, there are several factors to consider before you commit to a pair of headlights. These components play an important role in your RAM 1500’s safety on the road. So, this isn’t a purchasing decision you should take lightly.
Here are a few important things to think about as you shop for those perfect headlights.
Housing Material
Your headlights are going to go through a lot! Rain or shine, they experience a slew of weather conditions. If you’re not careful, they may also encounter a bump or two!
To ensure that your headlights last, go with a high-quality material on the housing. The housing holds onto the entire headlight unit. It supports the assembly, the bulb, and the lens. Needless to say, it’s a crucial component.
Manufacturers utilize several plastic-based materials. However, one of the strongest and most versatile is polycarbonate. You can’t go wrong with it!
DOT Compliance
If you’re familiar with the aftermarket scene, you know all too well that not every upgrade is legal. Unfortunately, sellers still provide over-powered and unregulated gear. The safety of you and other drivers around you is a top priority.
Always go with DOT-compliant headlights. DOT stands for Department of Transportation, the federal agency that enforces the rules that govern vehicles’ operation. Unless you want to get ticketed, make sure that your headlights have DOT approval. Usually, this means that the headlights will have an SAE identification code printed on the housing.
Fit and Installation
Finally, you need to make sure that your headlights fit your truck! Dodge RAM 1500s has a very specific headlights design. Not all aftermarket headlights will fit.
Not only that, but you need to ensure you’re getting the right model year. This truck is currently in its fifth generation. Older models have different housing designs and installation requirements.
FAQs
1. Is HID or LED headlights better?
Both HID and LED lights offer better performance than traditional halogen headlights. But, there are clear distinctions between the two.
LED headlights use energy-efficient diodes that light up instantly. Meanwhile, HID bulbs use a significant amount of energy to ignite, which can take upwards of 30 seconds.
For these reasons, LED technology is considered the better choice. LED headlights are more durable, produce bright white light, and can last well over 5,000 hours! HID units are good, but they don’t hold a candle to LED.
2. How long does it take to change a headlight bulb?
It all depends on the assembly unit and the complexity of your setup.
We recommend giving yourself about two hours of work time. That way, you can take your time and get things right!
Modern cars are relatively DIY friendly. As long as you have the correct housing, assembly, and wiring harness, it shouldn’t be too difficult. But, several variables can complicate things a bit. If you’re not comfortable working under the hood, it’s always better to seek professional help for the upgrade.
3. What are the best headlights for night driving?
For nighttime driving, your biggest priorities should be coverage and brightness. You need to be able to see comfortably while also getting enhanced visibility of the entire road.
LED headlights check off both of those boxes. They can output more lumens than traditional halogen bulbs. Pair that with a focused lens and the projection is wide and even.
4. Which is brighter, 6000k or 8000k?
These measurements, which reflect LED brightness, are not as simple as they seem!
Despite what many think, 6000K lights are brighter than 8000K lights. The “K” refers to Kelvin. Higher Kelvin ratings produce more color in the light. With a higher Kelvin rating, you’re actually diminishing your ability to see in dark conditions. An 8000K light is bluer and doesn’t provide as much intensity as 6000K lights.
6000K headlights generate pure white light. They can create a full spectrum of visible light, which produces more brightness and better visibility on the road.
Conclusion
A new pair of headlights for your Dodge RAM 1500 is just the thing to take your pickup to the next level. Stock factory lights just don’t cut it in rough conditions.
While any of these headlights will make a big difference behind the wheel, we recommend going with the AmeriLite Dual LED Bar Headlights. These headlights cover all of your bases. The LED daytime running lights and switchback indicators are quite bright and make your vehicle more visible to others. Meanwhile, the projector lens increases intensity, no matter where you drive.
On top of all that, the headlights are easy to install! There’s a lot to like about these upgrades. Give them a shot and see for yourself!
