Finding a reliable license plate bulb housing is essential for consistent nighttime visibility and legal compliance. This guide highlights five practical options tailored to common American car pairs and trucks, focusing on easy installs, durable construction, and compatibility. Ideal buyers include DIY enthusiasts seeking quick upgrades, fleet managers needing quick replacements, and everyday drivers aiming to improve plate illumination without modifying their vehicle.
The table below provides a quick snapshot of the featured products, including vehicle compatibility and primary benefits. Use it to compare at a glance before reading deeper product details.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Pack 13502178/13502179 Housing | GM Chevy/GM SUV Owners | Wide compatibility; no vehicle modification |
| LESAUCE Chevy Silverado Light Housing (2) | Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra Fans | OEM-fit; easy install; secure clip design |
| HERCOO LED White Lens (2) | 2000s-2010s GM Trucks | Durable, IP68, anti-scratch; bright white light |
| HERCOO Black Housing (2) | Classic black finish look | Plug-and-play; weather resistant; reliable |
| LESAUCE Full LED (2) | Bright rear illumination upgrades | 18 SMD LEDs; 6000K daylight tone |
2 Pack 13502178/13502179 Housing
Type: License plate light housing with integrated lens (bulb not included). Direct OE replacement for part numbers such as 13502178, 13502179, GM2870100C, and 22854057. Best for owners of 2013-2022 Chevy Trax/Traverse, 2011-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX, and 2013-2020 Buick Encore, among others. Fits both driver and passenger sides, removing fitment guesswork. The unit simplifies maintenance by bundling the lens and housing together, reducing the number of individual parts to handle.
Why choose this: It matches OEM-like fit and preserves standard nighttime visibility without requiring vehicle alterations. The model is particularly suitable for buyers who want a straightforward, no-hussle swap with broad model compatibility. A potential limitation is that bulb compatibility must be verified for older or non-listed variants since bulbs are not included.
LESAUCE Chevy Silverado Light Housing (2)
Type: OEM-fit license plate light housing with four cutouts for a snug fit. Designed for a broad range of Chevrolet and GMC trucks, including Silverado 1500/2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, and Escalade families. The four-cutout design aims to improve stability in the license plate light wall, ensuring a secure hold and reducing wobble during driving.
Best for: Silverado and Sierra owners who want a robust, installation-friendly solution that aligns with OEM dimensions. Better for: those who value a precise fit and a quick replacement without modifications. Caution: verify vehicle year and model to ensure full compatibility beyond listed references.
HERCOO LED White Lens (2)
This housing is designed to fit 1999-2013 GM trucks and SUVs including Silverado/Sierra/1500-series variants. It features durable PC clips, a four-cutout design to replace traditional two ears, and a smooth chrome finishing lens. The light is IP68 waterproof and anti-scratch, offering long-term reliability in harsh weather. The LED bulb is 12-30V capable and provides 6000K daylight brightness.
Best for: drivers seeking a bright, weather-resistant upgrade that keeps a chrome aesthetic. Better for: installations requiring a snug fit with reduced risk of moisture ingress. Limitation: detailed fit notes show certain years/models; confirm compatibility with your exact truck or SUV year before purchasing.
HERCOO Black Housing (2)
Type: Black housing version with a four-cutout design for Silverado/Sierra-era vehicles and other GM platforms. It emphasizes a smooth black finish that complements darker vehicle trims. Installation is plug-and-play, requiring no tools. The product is IP68 waterproof and features an anti-scratch finish for durability.
Best for: owners who prefer a stealthy look and sturdy, tool-free installation. Better for: those who want a consistent black aesthetic across their rear lighting. Caution: not all GM variants support the two-ear design; double-check the exact model year of your vehicle to ensure compatibility.
LESAUCE Full LED License Plate Light (2)
Type: Full LED assembly with 18 SMD LEDs delivering a 6000K white tone. Marketed as brighter than factory lights, this unit aims to maximize rear-end illumination while remaining camera-friendly. Installation is designed for fast plug-and-play in the original housing.
Best for: drivers who want a dramatic brightness upgrade for better plate visibility. Better for: parking in poorly lit areas or driving with a backing camera. Caution: ensure the LED color and brightness meet local regulations, as excessive brightness can occasionally affect camera exposure or reflections in some setups.
LESAUCE License Plate Sun Light Housing (Ford F-Series)
Type: Pack of 2 for Ford F-Series including F-150, F-250, F-350, and related models. The housing features four cutouts for a secure fit, a smooth black lens, and IP68 waterproof properties. It’s designed to be a direct replacement for factory components and emphasizes a simple, tool-free installation process.
Best for: Ford truck owners seeking a reliable, straightforward upgrade with minimal installation effort. Better for: those who want a uniform look across Ford trucks. Caution: not compatible with all Ford variants; confirm the exact year and trim before buying.
Buying Guide: License Plate Light Housing Essentials
- What to look for: Compatibility with your vehicle’s year, make, and model; whether the unit is a direct OE replacement; presence of integrated lens and housing; and whether bulbs are included or not.
- Installation: Preference for plug-and-play designs that require no tools. Consider whether you want a single-color white light (standard) or a brighter LED option with 6000K color temperature for higher visibility.
- Durability: Look for IP ratings like IP68 or IP67 to assess weatherproofing. Durable materials such as PC (polycarbonate) and corrosion-resistant finishes help ensure long-term reliability.
- Aesthetics: Black housing offers a stealth look, while chrome or clear lenses provide a more traditional appearance. Confirm that the chosen housing matches your vehicle’s trim and lighting style.
- Safety and legality: Ensure that the brightness and color comply with local laws and do not create glare for other drivers or interfere with rear-view cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do license plate bulb housings require professional installation? Not usually. Many options are designed for straightforward, tool-free, plug-and-play installation.
- Are lights included with these housings? It varies. Some listings specify bulbs are not included; others provide full assemblies with LED modules built in.
- Will these housings fit my exact year and trim? Compatibility depends on the OE part numbers and vehicle generation. Always verify the model year and part numbers listed by the seller.
- Are LED options brighter than stock bulbs? Yes, many LED assemblies offer higher brightness and longer illumination ranges, which can improve license plate visibility at night.
- Is waterproofing important for license plate lights? Yes. Weather resistance reduces the risk of moisture damage and ensures consistent performance in rain or snow.
- Can I mix and match parts from different brands? It’s best to use housings designed for your vehicle’s specific dimensions. Mixing can lead to fitment issues or gaps around the license plate area.