If you want a high-mount brake light specifically engineered for the rugged, older body style of 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra trucks, choose PIT66 LED 3rd; if you need a modern, OE-replacement unit with strict SAE/DOT compliance for the sleeker 2015-2021 models, choose CHEDA High Mount 3rd. This isn't about guessing which brand is "better" in a vacuum; it is about matching the right hardware to your specific truck generation and the kind of DIY repairs you are tackling. Both units aim to solve the same core problem—enhanced rear visibility—but they approach it through different design philosophies and material constraints that dictate their real-world utility.
• PIT66 LED 3rd: Offers superior waterproofing via high-density foam padding and a sealed cover, making it ideal for harsh winter conditions, but its smoky lens finish may not appeal to everyone seeking a stock red look.
• CHEDA High Mount 3rd: Built with impact-resistant polycarbonate and ABS alloys meeting SAE/DOT standards for extreme durability, yet it requires precise fitment checks for regular cab models in later years.
• Best For: The PIT66 is the go-to choice for owners of first-generation classic trucks needing a durable, weather-tight upgrade, while the CHEDA fits those restoring or repairing second-generation platforms who prioritize regulatory compliance and impact resistance.
The PIT66 LED 3rd Brake Light is designed with a very specific audience in mind: owners of 1999 through 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. If you are looking to perform DIY repairs on one of these classic heavy-duty pickups, this unit addresses the unique mounting requirements of the older chassis. It references specific part numbers like 5978318 and 16525205, suggesting a direct swap capability that minimizes the guesswork often associated with aftermarket parts for older vehicles.
One of the most critical features for anyone working on a truck that sees all-weather use is the sealing mechanism. PIT66 has addressed this by padding the back of the third brake light cover with high-density foam. This isn't just a cosmetic detail; it creates a perfect seal around the edges to prevent water, mud, and snow from leaking into the housing. In my experience analyzing these specs, this level of protection is essential for preventing internal corrosion, which is a common failure point in aging electrical systems. The smoky color option provides a distinct aesthetic shift from the factory red, offering a cooler look while maintaining excellent illumination.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. If you drive a 2015 or newer model, this part will simply not fit your vehicle, regardless of how many adapters you try to find. Furthermore, while the installation is described as easy, the recommendation for professional installation suggests that even a straightforward swap might require tools or expertise beyond a basic screwdriver. You should skip this unit if you prefer a traditional red lens over the smoky finish or if you are working on a truck outside the 1999-2007 production window. It is a specialized tool for a specific job: keeping the rear end of a classic Silverado or Sierra dry and bright.
On the other side of the aisle sits the CHEDA High Mount 3rd Brake Light, which targets a completely different era of American pickup trucks. This unit is built for the 2015 through 2021 range of Silverado and Sierra models. The distinction here is crucial because the body lines and mounting points changed significantly after 2014. CHEDA focuses heavily on material science, constructing the housing from high-quality polycarbonate, ABS, and PC alloy. These materials are chosen specifically for their resistance to impact, high temperatures, corrosion, and deformation. For a DIY repair on a modern truck, knowing the plastic won't crack under stress or warp in the summer heat is a massive advantage.
Safety and compliance are central to the CHEDA design philosophy. Unlike generic replacements, this unit claims SAE/DOT approval, meaning it undergoes strict quality control to meet federal safety standards. The manufacturer emphasizes that the light turns on faster than stock units, a feature designed to reduce tailgating accidents by giving drivers behind you more reaction time. The construction also includes waterproof, dust-proof, anti-aging, and anti-yellowing properties. This suggests that the red lens is intended to maintain its clarity and color fidelity over many years, resisting the UV degradation that often plagues cheaper aftermarket plastics.
Fitment for the CHEDA unit requires careful attention to the cab configuration, particularly for the 2019-2021 model years. While it covers almost all 2015-2018 models across the board, the 2019-2021 compatibility is restricted to regular cab configurations only for the 1500, 2500, and 3500 series. If you have a Crew Cab or Double Cab from these later years, this specific part number will not work. This is the product for someone who wants a reliable, regulation-compliant replacement that feels like an original equipment part rather than a cheap add-on.
• Best for 1999-2007 Models: Only PIT66 LED 3rd fits the earlier generation trucks; CHEDA will not mount correctly.
• Best for Modern Trucks (2015-2021): CHEDA High Mount 3rd is the correct choice for the newer platform designs.
• Best for Extreme Weather Sealing: PIT66 wins with its high-density foam padding and sealed cover against snow and mud.
• Best for Impact Resistance: CHEDA uses a polycarbonate and ABS alloy blend designed to withstand impacts and deformation better.
• Best for Regulatory Compliance: CHEDA explicitly lists SAE/DOT approval, ensuring it meets federal lighting standards.
• Best for Faster Reaction Time: CHEDA claims enhanced illumination speed to help avoid tailgating accidents.
• Best for Aesthetic Customization: PIT66 offers a smoky lens for a cooler look, whereas CHEDA sticks to a standard red OE replacement.
• Best for Regular Cab Owners (2019-2021): CHEDA works, but only if you have a regular cab; double-check your body style before buying.
When I look at the raw data and the specific use cases these products address, the choice comes down entirely to the year of your truck. For those performing DIY repairs on a 1999-2007 Silverado or Sierra, the PIT66 LED 3rd is the clear winner because of its specialized sealing and perfect fitment for that era. However, for anyone working on a 2015-2021 model, the CHEDA High Mount 3rd is the only logical path forward due to its modern material construction and safety certifications. In my opinion, if you need a part that guarantees it will meet safety standards and resist the wear of modern driving conditions without warping, the CHEDA unit stands out as the more engineered solution for contemporary vehicles.
No, the CHEDA unit is compatible with the 2019-2021 Silverado 1500 only if it is a regular cab model. It does not fit Crew Cab or Double Cab variants from those years.
The PIT66 LED 3rd appears better suited for snow due to its high-density foam padding and perfectly sealed cover designed to prevent water and snow leakage.
Both products suggest that while installation is easy, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper function and fitment.
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