Opt-y Tailgate Bar - did you need the tow package module?

bretthays · Jan 6, 2023

I am going to be installing an Opt-7 triple tailgate bar soon. On their site the module says it's only needed for 2015+ Fords but someone on the forum said they had to have the module because of the backup camera on their Ram. I have a 2016 with the backup camera, just trying to see if I need to get the module or not.

https://www.opt-7.com/tow-package-module-for-redline-led-tailgate-bars/

RAM DRVR · Jan 6, 2023

This is the one I have on my 2014 with back up camera. No module needed.
I have the tow package also. Tapped onto rear light wires.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z8TGR4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

crash68 · Jan 6, 2023

you don't even need to tap into the taillights, buy this harness from CURT:

Replacement OE 5-Way Flat Socket (T's into USCAR)

Stress is the last thing you should feel when towing a trailer -- whether you're hauling your RV to that favorite camping destination, your ATVs up to the hunting grounds or your fishing boat to the new hidden hotspot. At CURT, we think your towing equipment should add to the enjoyment of your...

www.curtmfg.com

That will give you a five flat which includes reverse, it will practically be plug-n-play

chopperman1 · Jan 6, 2023

The Curt 5-way adapter is awesome! Much cheaper on Amazon too. https://www.amazon.com/CURT-56584-C...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520395861809&psc=1

chopperman1 · Jan 7, 2023

bretthays said:
I am going to be installing an Opt-7 triple tailgate bar soon. On their site the module says it's only needed for 2015+ Fords but someone on the forum said they had to have the module because of the backup camera on their Ram. I have a 2016 with the backup camera, just trying to see if I need to get the module or not.

https://www.opt-7.com/tow-package-module-for-redline-led-tailgate-bars/

To directly answer your question, no you do not need the module for your Ram, their website is very confusing, at least to me. I used the Curt 5-way adapter from above. I then took the reverse wire from the bar (which is the only wire that needs "hardwire") and put a bullet connector on it. The bullet connectors are a bit smaller than the hole in the 5-way and need to be spread out with a razor/small screw driver and then plugged right in to the 1st port on the 5-wire (blue wire from what I rememember).

Another thing I did was to take the bar mounting clips and 3M'd them on to the truck rather than taping the whole bar on. This way I can remove it should I need to access my rear tire winch. Some folks just install in higher/lower than the winch hole. My OCD wouldn't have that, I needed it centered which makes the winch hole useless.

bretthays · Jan 7, 2023

chopperman1 said:
To directly answer your question, no you do not need the module for your Ram, their website is very confusing, at least to me.

No doubt. It contradicts itself on various pages. On the page for the module it's very explicit that it's only needed for Ford but then on the page for the bar it says if you have a tow package or a backup camera you need it. I ordered the Curt 5-way adapter too.

chopperman1 said:
Another thing I did was to take the bar mounting clips and 3M'd them on to the truck rather than taping the whole bar on. This way I can remove it should I need to access my rear tire winch. Some folks just install in higher/lower than the winch hole. My OCD wouldn't have that, I needed it centered which makes the winch hole useless.

My OCD can be pretty bad as well, thanks for the tip. I shall do the same.

crash68 · Jan 7, 2023

chopperman1 said:
Another thing I did was to take the bar mounting clips and 3M'd them on to the truck rather than taping the whole bar on.

@bretthays another tip that others have done mounting tailgate light bars on the Gen4 trucks is to use neodymium magnets.

RAM DRVR · Jan 7, 2023

I mounted mine with magnets. Makes for easy removal. Been on for 5 years now with no issues.

Spsully · Feb 20, 2023

Are you guys having issues with these bars going to junk seemingly right away? I have always liked the idea of them, but every single one I have seen had at least one if not very many bulbs go bad. Kinda looke like a red neck light bright

chopperman1 · Feb 20, 2023

Running the OPT7 tri bar, zero issues, all burning bright. They come with a full 2yr warranty.

Dinky · Feb 20, 2023

Spsully said:
Are you guys having issues with these bars going to junk seemingly right away?

I have had mine installed for a year now and no issues at all still like ne

bretthays said:
I am going to be installing an Opt-7 triple tailgate bar soon.

Like stated above use the curt wire adapter and run off the trailer wire system. The trailer system is on a different circuit and is more forgiving as trailer change shape and amount of lights. Do not tap into the tail lights on our trucks it could make it go bonkers.

bretthays · Feb 20, 2023

Mine has been great. No complaints. Turned out to be a faulty Dorman tail light socket causing all of my issues

Spsully · Feb 21, 2023

im kinda getting excited by all these positive reviews of these things lasting longer

Shawn Burns · Feb 28, 2023

Spsully said:
Are you guys having issues with these bars going to junk seemingly right away? I have always liked the idea of them, but every single one I have seen had at least one if not very many bulbs go bad. Kinda looke like a red neck light bright

I've had the same concerns. Does anyone have photos handy of the bars installed on their trucks and the brand they chose? I think it is one the next mods that I'd like to do.

Badger 13 · Feb 28, 2023

I have the Putco Blade on mine. It has been on since 2018 with no problems.

Spsully · Sep 18, 2023

No pictures yet.....

but I installed Opt-7 redline and so far am very impressed with it.

Opt-y Tailgate Bar - did you need the tow package module?

Senior Member

Senior Member

ACME product engineer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

ACME product engineer

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Attachments

Senior Member

Similar threads

Forum statistics

Share this page