The "Raptor" Look: How to Install Grille Marker Lights on an XLT or Lariat
Share
The Ford F-150 Raptor is an icon. And one of its most distinctive features isn't the suspension or the engine—it's those three amber marker lights tucked into the grille.
Federal law requires them on the Raptor because the truck is so wide, but for XL, XLT, and Lariat owners, they just look cool.
Adding "Raptor Style" grille lights is one of the cheapest and most impactful mods you can do to the front of your 2021+ F-150. But it’s not "one size fits all." The honeycomb grille on an STX is completely different from the chrome bars on a Lariat, meaning you need specific brackets to make it look factory.
In this guide, we break down the different grille kits available, how to tap into your parking lights so they turn on automatically, and why you definitely want Amber LEDs instead of White.
Compare Accent Types
Subtle Marker or Full Underglow?
|
Lighting Type |
Function |
Install Difficulty |
Best For |
|
Raptor Grille Lights |
Style/Marker. 3 Amber lights in grille. |
Easy. Clips in; 2-wire splice. |
The "Raptor" Look. Essential for non-Raptor trims. |
|
Rock Lights |
Ground Effect. Lights up tires/suspension. |
Hard. Wiring 4-8 pods to one hub. |
Lifted Trucks. Showing off shocks and wheels at meets. |
|
Wheel Ring Lights |
Show. LED ring behind brake rotor. |
Hard. Requires removing wheels/brakes. |
SEMA Builds. Maximum visual impact. |
|
Tailgate Bar |
Safety/Style. Red/White strip under tailgate. |
Medium. Plugs into trailer port (sometimes). |
Visibility. Brake/Turn/Reverse signal enhancement. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Accent Lighting)
How do I wire grille lights if I don't have Upfitter switches?
You use a Fuse Tap. You route the wire from the grille, through the firewall, to the fuse box in the passenger footwell. You tap into a fuse that is "hot" when the ignition is on (like the rain sensor or USB power). This way, the grille lights turn on automatically whenever you start the truck.
Are rock lights illegal?
It depends on color and usage. In most states, driving with White or Amber underglow is legal. Driving with Blue or Red is strictly illegal (impersonating a police vehicle). Flashing colors are also usually illegal while in motion. Always check your local state laws; most owners use RGB colors for parking lots/meets only.
Will these drain my battery?
Not if installed correctly. Modern LED controllers have "Low Voltage Cutoff" or are wired to an ignition source (so they can't turn on when the truck is off). If you wire them directly to the battery without a switch, you must use the app to turn them off, or they will slowly drain the battery over a week.
Make your build stand out.
From Raptor grille markers to RGBW rock lights. Shop our verified collection of [2021–2025 F-150 Accent Lighting].