Which led tailgate lightbar?

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16laramie4wd

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Just bought my ram a few weeks ago and have done some mods and a lot of reading.... Which bars do you have or want? Looking at putco switchblade or redline triple... need advice...

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gofishn

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60" LEDGLOW - $55

Just be sure to silicone the ends of the lightbar, so it will last longer. Problem with lightbars, the ends allow moisture and ******, no more lights.


install Info here:

http://www.ramforum.com/f17/gofishn...ed_build_thread-83021/index3.html#post1361563


How it looks, when brakes are applied:

ledglow010.jpg


More pics, from Manufacturer:
71iZs%2B%2BghGL._SL1000_.jpg


Bought it here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BL1H0M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No matter which Lightbar you decide upon, I recommend this for wiring it up, quickly, securely & easily:
ledglow006.jpg


Bought it here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009FJ38Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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16laramie4wd

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Now what about the hole for spare tire?

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-B-

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mdifilippo

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I just picked up an Opt7, haven't installed it yet but I think RCFiddyOne's picture is a pretty good endorsement.
 

nateinva

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modify or remove the surround , heat shrink the let down bar and good to go with careful placement of the light bar


BTW get the 5 pin t connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EA6WQ...UTF8&colid=ILNHTIBUG6TF&coliid=I1SSCG5SIDE8JI use the 5 as the reverse wire tap
One more vote for the 5 pin adapter for reverse. I was also able to install my OPT7 bar just above the spare tire access and it clears the tailgate fine when opening....the newer thicker/taller Opt7 bar won't clear the tailgate if it's installed this high though.

e95b9177845ae2c9d7429f7919cd73b6.jpg

The 5 pin is a good splice point for other things as well. Used it to wire up some LED bed light strips.
 

Fergeson

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OPT7's newer one is what I have. 60" with brake, sequential turns and reverse. All one continuous LED strip not LED dots across the lights
 

shibby927

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I have the Winblink 60" LED Tailgate bar from Amazon. It's been on my truck since last year and so far no issues. Pretty impressed with it so far considering it only cost me $25.
 

Chisox

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I bought the Putco 60" light bar and hardwired it to the hitch. It is THE brightest. It was $100 but it is worth it in my opinion.

lInmqF.jpg
 

gofishn

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Now what about the hole for spare tire?

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Grab a few cd cases. Lay them,one on top of the other, in a 3-4 different spoots, on your rear bumper. Lay yourlightbar on top of the cd cases. notonly does thisinsure a perfectly level light bar but it also gives you 'just enough' clearance to use thespare tire acces hole without hitting thelight bar.

you willneed to remove the black plastic "plug" thatgoes around the hole and trim the top edge off. basically, the light bar will sit dead even with the uppermost top part of the access hole. I domean dead even with the metal. hence theneed to cut out the plastic piece, to get it to fit back on themetal opening.
 
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16laramie4wd

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Grab a few cd cases. Lay them,one on top of the other, in a 3-4 different spoots, on your rear bumper. Lay yourlightbar on top of the cd cases. notonly does thisinsure a perfectly level light bar but it also gives you 'just enough' clearance to use thespare tire acces hole without hitting thelight bar.

you willneed to remove the black plastic "plug" thatgoes around the hole and trim the top edge off. basically, the light bar will sit dead even with the uppermost top part of the access hole. I domean dead even with the metal. hence theneed to cut out the plastic piece, to get it to fit back on themetal opening.
65856a2a99704f446495cfa8caf5bcab.jpg

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ckeefer58

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I believe mine is a recon. The reverse option really did not help as far as lighting. But it looks cool. 1d4ef2e214158419fa1b68ba247d3b00.jpg
Kinda off topic, but where did you get your taillights?

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Markcuda

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I just had a Putco Swithblade lightbar installed today, very good quality.
 

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muddy12

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I had one of the stick on bars for a few days(received it as a gift). I like the look of them, until some of the LEDs go out. My research indicated that even with the higher prices ones, it's just a matter of time till the LEDs start to fail.
So, I returned the stick on bar, and I am in the process of adding individual LEDs (read as replaceable) under the tailgate. Only have the center section done at the moment. Center will be marker lights, and outer sections will be brake/turn lights.
Burnt out bulbs really bother me (think it's an OCD thing), and this way, I can replace individual LEDs if they go out, rather than having to purchase a whole new bar.
07d173134bb8a0db5448482346dc2749.jpg


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Okdave

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I bought the Putco Switchblade but I am had trouble with the backup lights on my 2017 Ram failing. Talked to Putco Tech, told me to cut the red wire from the light bar driver and splice to the center pin of my trailer connector to no avail. Now nothing works! Frustrated, will call Putco back on Monday morning. Any one have any ideas. Much appreciated. The bar worked before minus the reverse function. Now dead!
 

crash68

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I bought the Putco Switchblade but I am had trouble with the backup lights on my 2017 Ram failing. Talked to Putco Tech, told me to cut the red wire from the light bar driver and splice to the center pin of my trailer connector to no avail.

Putco needs to read their own installation instructions, the Red wire goes to the +12V pin in the trailer seven pin, the White wire goes to reverse pin(center). If you look on the cap of the Seven Pin on the truck, it indicates which pin is which.

https://www.putco.com/pub/media/productattachments/3274/92009I.pdf
 

Okdave

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Thanks Crash86 makes perfect sense. I was told hook up the red wire to center post (backup lights) and the white wire from driver box to left tail light wire, i will try red to 12V+ and white to backup lights.
 
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