In the modern truck accessory market, few upgrades make a more noticeable impact than a high-quality tailgate light bar. Among all the options available, the 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar by Putco stands out as one of the most advanced, durable, and visually impressive choices on the road. It’s more than just a lighting upgrade — it’s a combination of safety, technology, and design precision tailored for today’s pickup truck owners.
If you’re searching for a way to enhance your truck’s rear visibility, improve driving safety, and add a bold, modern touch to its appearance, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Putco 60" Blade LED tailgate light bar — its features, benefits, installation tips, compatibility, and value.
What Is the 60 Inch Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar by Putco?
The Putco 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar is a premium rear lighting accessory designed specifically for trucks and SUVs. Installed just below the tailgate, it provides bright, attention-grabbing illumination whenever you brake, signal, or reverse.
Unlike generic light bars, the Blade series from Putco is engineered with advanced COB (Chip-On-Board) LED technology, which produces a continuous, smooth band of light rather than individual visible diodes. This gives it a clean, factory-quality appearance that integrates seamlessly with your truck’s design.
Key Specifications:
Length: 60 inches (ideal for full-size pickup trucks)
Lighting Technology: COB LEDs for maximum brightness and durability
Functions: Running lights, brake lights, reverse lights, hazard, and sequential turn signals
Compatibility: Works with most full-size trucks and SUVs with a 2-inch hitch or flat tailgate area
Waterproof Rating: IP69K – one of the highest ratings in the automotive industry
Why Truck Owners Choose Putco’s 60 Inch Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar
Truck enthusiasts and professional drivers choose Putco’s lighting solutions for a reason. Let’s explore the advantages that make the 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar a top-tier product in its category.
1. Exceptional Visibility and Safety
Rear-end collisions often occur due to poor visibility, especially in low-light or bad-weather conditions. The Putco Blade LED tailgate light bar dramatically improves your truck’s rear lighting, making it impossible to miss when you brake or signal.
With high-intensity red LEDs for brake and running lights, amber sequential turn signals, and white reverse illumination, other drivers immediately recognize your movements — reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Advanced COB LED Technology
Unlike older SMD or traditional LED setups, COB (Chip-on-Board) LEDs create a uniform light output with better thermal management, meaning no visible light gaps or hot spots. This results in a sleeker, more modern look while enhancing overall brightness and energy efficiency.
3. Rugged Build Quality
Putco designs its lighting accessories for long-term use. The Blade LED tailgate light bar features:
IP69K waterproof housing, meaning it can withstand rain, snow, and even high-pressure car washes.
Impact-resistant lens that resists cracking and fading.
Heavy-duty adhesive backing for secure mounting.
Whether you drive in harsh winters, dusty trails, or urban environments, this tailgate light bar is built to last.
4. Effortless Installation
Putco’s 60 inch Blade LED light bar uses a plug-and-play design with a 4-pin connector that easily integrates into your truck’s existing wiring harness. For vehicles equipped with trailer hitches, the light bar connects directly to the trailer light plug — no splicing required.
The kit typically includes:
60” light bar
Wiring harness
4-pin and optional hardwire adapters
Mounting brackets or adhesive backing
Most users can install the light bar in under 30 minutes with basic tools.
5. Stylish and Modern Appearance
Beyond functionality, the Putco Blade LED light bar adds a touch of sophistication and customization to your truck. The continuous light band enhances the truck’s design lines, giving it a high-end aesthetic typically found in luxury vehicles.
When the lights are off, the bar blends subtly under the tailgate; when activated, it creates an unmistakable, futuristic glow that instantly elevates your vehicle’s presence.
Key Features in Detail
Let’s look deeper at what makes this particular Putco tailgate light bar so distinctive:
Feature Description
Multi-Function Lighting Running, brake, reverse, hazard, and turn signals all built into one unit.
Sequential Amber Turn Signals Dynamic flow effect for a modern, eye-catching look.
COB LED Technology Continuous light beam without visible LED dots.
Waterproof & Dustproof (IP69K) Resistant to mud, snow, water, and extreme conditions.
Plug-and-Play Installation Connects via 4-pin trailer connector or optional hardwire.
Universal Fit Designed for most full-size trucks, including Ford, Chevy, RAM, Toyota, and GMC models.
Durability Tested Vibration-resistant and corrosion-proof materials.
Compatibility and Vehicle Fit
The 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar by Putco fits almost all full-size pickup trucks including:
Ford F-150 / F-250 / F-350
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 2500
GMC Sierra
RAM 1500 / 2500
Toyota Tundra
Nissan Titan
Putco also offers 48-inch versions for mid-size trucks, but the 60-inch variant is the standard choice for full-size models with wider tailgates.
For vehicles with advanced towing or trailer packages, the optional Putco Blade Adapter ensures full functionality across all lighting modes.
Real-World Benefits
The Putco 60 inch LED tailgate light bar isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a safety investment and a performance enhancer.
✅ Improved Road Communication
Sequential turn signals clearly indicate direction changes, while bright red brake lights immediately grab attention.
✅ Enhanced Rear Visibility
The reverse function emits bright white light, making night parking, towing, or backing up in dark areas much safer.
✅ Better Durability in Harsh Conditions
Tested for extreme temperatures, salt, and debris exposure, the light bar maintains performance in environments where other lights fail.
✅ Legal Compliance
Putco designs the Blade series to meet DOT-compliant brightness levels, ensuring legality across U.S. and Canadian highways.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
While the Putco 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar is simple to install, following a few best practices ensures optimal performance and longevity:
Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Use alcohol wipes to remove dirt or wax before applying the adhesive mount.
Check Functionality Before Final Mounting
Plug in the light bar to confirm that running, brake, reverse, and signal lights operate correctly.
Secure Wiring with Zip Ties
Keep cables away from exhaust pipes, suspension components, or sharp edges.
Use Dielectric Grease
Apply a small amount to the connector to prevent corrosion and moisture buildup.
Avoid Over-Bending
The light bar is flexible, but excessive bending can damage internal LED circuits.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Putco Blade LED light bar requires very little maintenance. To maximize its lifespan:
Wash gently using mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners.
Inspect periodically for debris accumulation or wire wear.
Check connections during seasonal maintenance to ensure waterproof seals remain tight.
With proper care, these LEDs can last over 50,000 hours of operation — effectively the lifetime of most vehicles.
Cost vs. Value
While the 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar by Putco may cost more than basic alternatives, the long-term value easily justifies the price.
Here’s why:
Premium materials mean fewer replacements.
Improved safety could prevent costly accidents.
Increased resale appeal for your vehicle.
Energy efficiency — LEDs draw minimal power without affecting other systems.
Most owners view it as a functional and aesthetic investment that pays off daily, both in safety and style.
Comparison: Putco vs. Generic Tailgate Light Bars
Feature Putco Blade 60” Generic Light Bars
LED Technology COB continuous light SMD or segmented LEDs
Brightness Extremely high Moderate
Waterproof Rating IP69K IP65–67
Installation Plug-and-play Often requires manual wiring
Build Quality Premium aluminum housing Plastic casing
Aesthetic Factory-grade seamless design Visible diode gaps
Warranty Typically 3-year limited 1 year or none
Putco’s craftsmanship clearly puts it ahead of lower-cost competitors, especially for drivers seeking durability and professional-grade performance.
Who Should Buy the 60 Inch Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar by Putco?
This product is ideal for:
Truck owners who frequently drive at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Towing enthusiasts who need enhanced rear signals for trailers.
Off-road adventurers looking for rugged and reliable lighting.
Drivers focused on vehicle aesthetics, seeking a modern, customized look.
Fleet or commercial operators prioritizing visibility and compliance.
Whether you’re driving a brand-new Ford F-150 or an older Chevy Silverado, this light bar can transform both your safety and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the 60 inch Putco Blade LED light bar compatible with trucks that have backup sensors?
Yes. It installs below the tailgate, so it doesn’t interfere with backup sensors or tailgate cameras.
2. Does it require drilling?
No. The bar mounts securely with 3M automotive-grade adhesive or included brackets.
3. Can I use it in extreme weather conditions?
Absolutely. With an IP69K rating, it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, tested for snow, mud, and heavy rain.
4. Is the light bar street legal?
Yes. It’s designed within DOT visibility standards when installed correctly.
5. Does it fit SUVs or other vehicles?
Yes, as long as the installation surface allows for a 60-inch bar and has access to a trailer connector.
Conclusion
The 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar by Putco represents the perfect balance between performance, safety, and aesthetics. Designed for modern truck owners who value quality and innovation, it delivers unmatched illumination, advanced LED technology, and rugged durability.
From everyday commutes to off-road adventures, this light bar enhances visibility, communication, and confidence behind the wheel. Backed by Putco’s reputation for precision engineering, it’s a reliable upgrade that not only looks stunning but also keeps you and others safer on the road.
If you’re ready to upgrade your truck’s rear lighting with a product that performs as good as it looks, the Putco 60 inch Blade LED tailgate light bar is one of the best investments you can make — combining modern design, advanced safety, and long-lasting value in one sleek package.
