Peterbilt 387 Lights

Frequently Asked Questions About Peterbilt 387 Lights

What year models of Peterbilt 387 are these lights compatible with?

Our Peterbilt 387 lights are designed to fit model years 2000-2010. The 387 was discontinued after 2010, so all production years are covered. However, please note that mid-year changes in 2005 affected some mounting points for auxiliary lights. If you have a 2005 model, we recommend calling our tech support at 1-888-875-7787 to verify fitment before ordering.

Do I need any special tools or wiring harnesses to install these lights?

Most headlight replacements require basic hand tools including a Phillips screwdriver, socket set (typically 10mm and 13mm), and wire strippers if splicing is needed. For LED conversions, you may need an anti-flicker harness or load resistor kit to prevent hyperflashing, which we sell separately. Marker lights and auxiliary lights often come with plug-and-play connectors that match OEM harnesses, but some models require hardwiring with provided pigtails.

What's the difference between DOT approved and off-road only lights?

DOT approved lights meet Department of Transportation standards for on-road use and will pass vehicle inspections. These include proper beam patterns, brightness levels, and color temperatures (typically 3000K-6000K for headlights). Off-road lights often feature higher lumens, different beam patterns, or colors not legal for highway use. All our product pages clearly mark DOT compliance status. If you need lights for commercial operation, always choose DOT approved options to avoid citations.

How do chrome, black, and clear lens options affect light output?

The housing finish (chrome vs black) doesn't impact light output - it's purely aesthetic to match your truck's style. Lens options do matter: clear lenses provide maximum brightness and crisp white light, while smoked or tinted lenses reduce output by 15-30% but offer a custom appearance. For headlights, we recommend clear lenses for safety. For marker and accent lights, smoked lenses are popular and still meet DOT requirements when paired with appropriate bulbs.

Will LED lights work with my 387's electrical system without modifications?

LED headlights and fog lights typically work with your 387's 12V system but may trigger dashboard warnings due to their lower power draw. This is solved with a simple CANbus decoder or load resistor (usually included with our complete LED kits). Marker lights and turn signals are generally plug-and-play. The main consideration is that pre-2003 387s have different connectors than 2003+ models, so double-check the connector type listed in our product descriptions against your truck's year.