Tailgate Light Bar Wiring

[Barry Boyer]

I am sort of interested in installing a Tailgate Light Bar. I was thinking of the ones with the sequential turn signals.

I am not sure I wan the wiring wrapping up and over the rear bumper to plug into trailer plug. I have the trailer package that has the dual plug mounted into bumper with both 4 and 7 pin connectors.

I was wondering how you guys might be getting around that issue.

Pictures would be helpful if it's not easy to explain.

 

[averageguy]

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Ram/1500/2011/C55384.html?vehicleID=20111175608

 

[Barry Boyer]

Thanks averageguy I didn't realize they could be unplugged on the rear. I guess the 7 pin would also give me an option for the backup lights?

 

[crash68]

I guess the 7 pin would also give me an option for the backup lights?

That harness above doesn't have reverse but this one does:
CURT 56584 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EA6WQU/

 

[Barry Boyer]

Thanks crash I didn't even know there was a 5 pin flat connector. But I'm sure the tailgate lights with reverse don't have the 5 pin connectors do they? They probably figured you'd have to tap somewhere in the harness to get the reverse light power.

Anyone have a Tailgate Light that they recommend? I know most are happy with their purchase but they don't seem to last long. That's why I thought I'd go cheap and replace again if needed.

 

[OC455]

I am using the OPT7 triple with amber sequentials. The Putco ones look good to. I used the Curt T-harness and just tapped into the center white wire of the 7 pin for the reverse lights.

 

[ThunderMug95]

Opt7 Triple w/Red sequential here...used the Curt 55384 behind the bumper, tapped center white wire to power the reverse led’s on bar. Very easy install, looks great.

 

[OC455]

 

[ThunderMug95]

^^Same model Opt7 here except Red signals instead of Amber. Really lights up the night in reverse too!
Thats was my main goal to attain with the bar.

 

[averageguy]

I think I have a Recon white lighting. I didn't want the amber turn signals because all the pictures and videos I saw they looked more yellow than amber.

 

[Barry Boyer]

Hey thanks for all the input and opinions. You guys are great.

SO I might as well abuse you all with one last question.

My Laramie is a 2011 and has a hole to drop the spare. I'm not sure what the newer ones use, but has anybody worked around that issue?

 

[OC455]

Hey thanks for all the input and opinions. You guys are great.

SO I might as well abuse you all with one last question.

My Laramie is a 2011 and has a hole to drop the spare. I'm not sure what the newer ones use, but has anybody worked around that issue?

There is a plastic trim piece that lines the hole that just snaps in. I removed it and placed the light bar where it can be seen and it still has enough room to insert the jack handle to lower the tire. The Putco lightbar actually has plastic mounts that hold the lightbar in place and you can remove the lightbar to access the hole if needed.

 

[ThunderMug95]

Yes.I just trimmed the top 1/2 of it off with an Xacto. Mounted the bar right at the top edge of the metal hole. If you go below it the bumper will block too much light.

 

[madtrucker2016]

2016 Ram 5.7 Laramie I installed a Putco 60 inch tailgate light bar comes with 3 year warranty on it also 2000 cobb led lights on it cost 168 bucks, also purchased a Putco quick connect harness that's plug and play no splicing so you don't void electrical warranty on your truck.here are the two part numbers>>blade quick connect harness#529004>>blade 60 inch led light bar #92009-60 also Putco phone number 800-247-3974>>I got mine at stage 3 motor sports.com on line. this light bar puts them all to shame. the quick connect going behind the bumper so you don't see any wires

 

[ThunderMug95]

“Puts them all to shame”...chuckles...

 

[Ramm5.7]

Opt-7 sequential turn bar here since september 2017...
Working like a champ
Bright as all get out at night!
Curt harness behind bumper
89.99 and price of harness
No shame HERE!!!

 

[crash68]

Thanks crash I didn't even know there was a 5 pin flat connector. But I'm sure the tailgate lights with reverse don't have the 5 pin connectors do they? They probably figured you'd have to tap somewhere in the harness to get the reverse light power.

The 4 and 5 pin flat connectors will plug into each other. You can buy a 5 pin trailer pigtail and use that to connect to the LED bar.
I read somewhere about using neodymium magnets to mount the LED bar so you can move it to access the spare tire hole if needed and easy to swap the LED bar if it goes bad.