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I've been planning on doing this for a while. Just haven't had time to do it. I'm going to use dual function lights in that spot from Truck-Lite.com. I already have 2 mounted below the tail lights (aka Raptor style) that functions with tail light and turn/brake lights. Also have 2 amber ones in the front that are lights/turn. I figure when I install the three in the center below the tailgate, I will have to run a wire from the high mounted stoplight in the cab to the back in order to make them operate as a brake light as well. Can't tie into the tail lights or they will blink with the turn signal. At one point I was thinking about mounting them on the tailgate even with the other two on the fenders (where the black X's are in the pic). But looks to be pretty difficult to get inside down there plus it might interfere with the back-up camera.
On the 12th gen, there is a pigtail under the hood for brakelights such as on a cap. Likely the 13th gen does as well, maybe go to a cap shop and ask them about that. Would sure save a lot of screwing around for you, run one wire back, and ground in a handy spot.
I haven't looked too closely yet, but it appears in your photo there's room to do the same as I did before. Only I just used them for markers.
Last edited by johnday in BFE; Nov 30, 2017 at 02:42 PM.
Finished the light install the other day... finally. Decided to go with the GM light, part # 15248604. The light comes with little mounting nubs on the back side that I cut off along with a support for the wiring harness support that I cut off. I don't have many pictures of the back side of the light before I installed it as it was really cold and wanted to get it done. The light got hooked up to the trailer harness running light wire (Brown) and grounded to a body ground on the passenger side frame rail near the rear bumper. The light works great and leaves between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch of space at its tightest when the tailgate opens and closes. If you guys are interested in more pics I can take some more soon.
That looks a lot like what I did with my Super Duty's and 250HD, only I used the markers for a dualie.
Looks great! I like it.
Is that whole strip red? It would blend in nicely with my Ruby Red, almost invisible. Did you drill and bolt it on?
I'm very interested in seeing some more photos, maybe some closeups.
And finally, where did you go to get that.
Again, nice job!!
Excellent! I looked and found that light, $58USD, I'm not complaining, and I think I'm going to order it in the morning. Instead of bolting it though, I think I'll try to use some of those trim push button things. That's what I did on all my 250's. They were predrilled, and I used the regular Ford lights. Since my truck is aluminum, I think that would be better than dissimilar metals.
Maybe even use some 3M double stick, no holes to drill then.
Lol and after seeing the gm in person I realized it is fairly small and would have a better chance of it fitting vs the ford unit or one from an auto parts store meant for a trailer
Here is some more pics, if you leave the nub on the back for the wire harness you just have to drill another hole but like me if you just take a sawzall blade and by hand cut it carefully you can run the wire into where the camera harness goes in.
Here is some more pics, if you leave the nub on the back for the wire harness you just have to drill another hole but like me if you just take a sawzall blade and by hand cut it carefully you can run the wire into where the camera harness goes in.
Great tip on the wires, think I'll do the same as yourself. I "was" going to drill a hole for it, but not now.
You really did a nice clean install.
Thanks for the additional photos.
Light should be here this week, I hope. Will post up a photo or two when I get it in.
It's on my list !
I'm going to use dual function lights in that spot from Truck-Lite.com. I already have 2 mounted below the tail lights (aka Raptor style) that functions with tail light and turn/brake lights. Also have 2 amber ones in the front that are lights/turn. I figure when I install the three in the center below the tailgate, I will have to run a wire from the high mounted stoplight in the cab to the back in order to make them operate as a brake light as well. Can't tie into the tail lights or they will blink with the turn signal. At one point I was thinking about mounting them on the tailgate even with the other two on the fenders (where the black X's are in the pic). But looks to be pretty difficult to get inside down there plus it might interfere with the back-up camera.
