Smokewagun

I'm seeing 2015+ F150s with tailgate bars everywhere. They aren't having issues. I'm going to tap into my tail light to power my Recon Line of Fire with backup lights. I know the BLISS won't work if I tap the trailer wiring, so the tail light I'd suspect will not cause any issues. The amp draw on the LEDs can't be enough to worry about.

VTX1800N1

I think it's only the trucks with LED tail lights that have this problem.

jwmustang

I have LED tails and the bar does mess up the Bliss system when plugged into trailer plug..
I was gonna connect it to the tail lights but you guys proved that wont work either. Before I bought them I asked the place I got them from if it would work from the trailer plug, they said yes. Well they didnt know what they were talking about.
I wish I never got it.

Smokewagun

Why would it not work tied into the tail lights directly? When the circuit is energized, it doesn't know where the electricity is going. It'd be different if these were higher-draw incandescent bulbs, but they are LED's. Has anybody actually wired directly to each wire of the Taillight? The OP says they wired into the circuit... was this at the taillight? If this supposedly won't work, then it must mean that my grounded probe tester won't light when I pierce the wire to test for the correct wire. I'm thinking that's incorrect.

centex99

The problem is the circuit only provides enough power to power the low current LED lights. When you add a much higher power light bar, it over drives the circuit which shuts off. I mentioned earlier the addition of an SSR (solid state relay). This would add very little current to the circuit that exists now (I don't know if it's too much and won't work, but I'd guess it will be ok and work). You would then wire a non computer controlled 12V source to the input of the relay and the output of the relay would then drive the more power hungry light bar.

VTX1800N1

Yes, the shop tried to wire the bar directly to the tail/brake/turn circuit at the tail lights. It deactivated the truck's brake lights completely (other than the CHMSL) unless the truck's lights were on. My guess is that the truck computer senses the extra current load from the bar and for whatever reason shuts the brake lights off.

Smokewagun

Thanks, guys. I have Recon Big Rig amber bars I was going to mount on my rockers just above the boards, but now I guess I'll have issues with them as well. I may be installing them, but forgoing the turn signal feature.

Another member posted about his successful use of a trailer converter, but hasn't offered the part number. I'd like to try that, as it performs the relay function for all signals and would work well I think.

lionn

Any update on this ? This tailgate light bar looks awesome. I don't think theres another one on the market that has the smooth continuous appearance.

VTX1800N1

Not until Putco releases an updated version of it. Last I spoke with them it was going to be mid Feb.

Markc1

I stopped by Action truck accessories today and got a part number for the new Putco light bar for 2015 and up that is supposed to solve all the issues. Putco part number is 92009-60. They had no stock yet but it was available to order. They also did not have a price yet either but figured it would only be a little more then the current bar from Putco.

Figured they should have some in a couple weeks.