Tailgate LED LightBar Question...

[RCFiddyOne]

All, I've searched but didn't quite find the answer to my question. For those of you that have installed an LED tailgate light bar, is there another 4-pin connector you used for power or did you just plug it into the one on the bumper near the tag? I read somewhere that the 4th Gens have another 4-pin under the truck so I figured I would ask here first. I want to install a rear light bar but I like the clean look of nothing visible plugged in.

 

[Sparkyy]

I don't know about the 4th gen trucks, but my third gen has a 7 pin plug in the bumper and under/behind the bumper is a 4 pin plug. I tied in to that for my lightbar and used the 7 pin for the reverse lights.

It might be wrapped up in the tape but it wasn't far behind the bumper itself. Hopefully that gets you an idea where to look.

 

[mjd91]

No they don't have one underneath.
I used one of these to add another one. I'm just like you, want my stuff looking clean.
Amazon.com: CURT Manufacturing 55384 T-Connector: Automotive

 

[BlownGP]

No they don't have one underneath.
I used one of these to add another one. I'm just like you, want my stuff looking clean.
Amazon.com: CURT Manufacturing 55384 T-Connector: Automotive

Yup, used the same thing.. Works great.

 

[xrsman]

I had a light bar on my 2011. I just bought a 4 pin hook up from the hardware store and spliced it in. Make sure that if you live where they salt the roads that you solder the connection and seal it well! Otherwise the **** from the road in the winter will eat your wires! Then it's a real headache to fix! That's why I haven't put it on my 2014 yet lol

 

[mikz86ta]

I did a lighted receiver hitch plug. For $4 bought a short ' extender' 4way plug and cut it. Used the half I needed with pigtail of wire and hardwired it under the truck

 

[RCFiddyOne]

No they don't have one underneath.
I used one of these to add another one. I'm just like you, want my stuff looking clean.
Amazon.com: CURT Manufacturing 55384 T-Connector: Automotive

Perfect! I will use this so I can keep everything clean.

Any ideas on a good LED Tailgate lightbar? I've been Googling the heck out of them and 2 things I've noticed. 1. A lot of them seem to be a bit sketchy where LEDs will sometimes fail and 2. You have to get the placement just right since you don't want to cover the hole for the spare. I've been looking for ones with magnetic backing but those seem harder to find.

 

[mjd91]

I have a Recon bar with no complaints.
I've had a bunch of their lights with no problems.

 

[BlownGP]

Perfect! I will use this so I can keep everything clean.

Any ideas on a good LED Tailgate lightbar? I've been Googling the heck out of them and 2 things I've noticed. 1. A lot of them seem to be a bit sketchy where LEDs will sometimes fail and 2. You have to get the placement just right since you don't want to cover the hole for the spare. I've been looking for ones with magnetic backing but those seem harder to find.

I just have a flexible $40 off ebay. The first one was defective, but got a replacement in 3 days.

It was a bit tricky to mount being flexible. Would have helped if I had another person to help me.

 

[2-6Battalion]

I got lazy when I went to install mine.. Just plugged it into the harness on the back bumper. Not as clean as I'd like but not a terrible eye sore either..


However I will be tapping into my brake lights shortly when I feel the need to change it.

 

[danburch73]

I see this thread is old, but maybe I can still get an answer. I bought one of these lightbars but I am trying to figure out how to install it with the spare tire access hole right there. How did you guys work around that?
06 megacab
Thanks for any help!

 

[busterbrown]

I recently installed a OPT-7 Redline light bar on my 4th Gen megacab. I don't know if an 06 has the spare tire access hole in the same position as my 4th Gen but I had to remove the plastic rim protector afixed to the hole in order to have the light bar lay agaist the sheet metal. The light bar covers about 1/3 of the hole but I can still insert the jack handle into the lowering mechanism. I did cut the plastic protector down so it will fit back into the hole. Looks good.

 

[Ramm5.7]

I recently installed a OPT-7 Redline light bar on my 4th Gen megacab. I don't know if an 06 has the spare tire access hole in the same position as my 4th Gen but I had to remove the plastic rim protector afixed to the hole in order to have the light bar lay agaist the sheet metal. The light bar covers about 1/3 of the hole but I can still insert the jack handle into the lowering mechanism. I did cut the plastic protector down so it will fit back into the hole. Looks good.

Same here....made it fit..lol

 

[Pull Ya]

As far as hooking the light bar up I think the Curt is the best way to go. There is also one of the light bars that attach using clips that attach to the truck and then the light bar snaps into the clips. You can remove the light bar from the clips if you need to get into the spare tire "opening". I don't remember which manufacture. Also many people that have installed these light bars say that they silicone the ends of the strip to prevent any moisture from getting into the strip.
Jay