2024 Ranger Raptor Tailgate LightBar

[HPUNIT164]

Hello All,

I installed a RECON 49" White Lighting Tailgate Light Bar on my Truck, and discovered that plugging it into the trailer plug causes many of the safety features at the rear of the vehicle (ie. BLIS, Full Function of the Rear camera etc.) In discussion with RECON, they suggested to hardwire it into the Taillights themselves, my tech that does my work like this said hard wiring would not fix the BLIS(Trailer Connection Issue). I also contacted Putco(Ford's goto aftermarket lightbar manufacturer) and asked if they were going to develop a lightbar that would work, and they said "correct due to the choices Ford made when developing the Raptor trim they sadly made it impossible for our lightbars to work." So my question(s) Has anyone out there experienced this issue?...and if so, what were your results?

Thanks

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[Muscleford]

There is the same iissu with generation 5 Rangers. The only onr that works i s the Putco at close to $700.

 

[HPUNIT164]

Thanks I tried that one at the dealership, and they wouldn't install it, because it would not work.

 

[hookem57]

Hello All,

I installed a RECON 49" White Lighting Tailgate Light Bar on my Truck, and discovered that plugging it into the trailer plug causes many of the safety features at the rear of the vehicle (ie. BLIS, Full Function of the Rear camera etc.) In discussion with RECON, they suggested to hardwire it into the Taillights themselves, my tech that does my work like this said hard wiring would not fix the BLIS(Trailer Connection Issue). I also contacted Putco(Ford's goto aftermarket lightbar manufacturer) and asked if they were going to develop a lightbar that would work, and they said "correct due to the choices Ford made when developing the Raptor trim they sadly made it impossible for our lightbars to work." So my question(s) Has anyone out there experienced this issue?...and if so, what were your results?

Thanks

Ok so I have a '21 Tremor with the tow package. Mine also is not compatible with Bliss. Here's what I did. If you look underneath on the driver's side you'll see the harness where it splits. One goes to the hitch. I went in before the split and wired it in direct. I have sequential turn signals all that. Worked for two years no prob. You have to go in before the split though. Got my wiring diagram from Ford specific. Hope this helps.

 

[OFC Ranger]

This is a known issue with all modern truck trailer wiring. We could get into the technical aspect behind it, the pulse width modulation system, the resistances, etc etc

This is yet another ignorant company not willing to use the proper components and/or R&D the products they sell. Sadly the industry is rife with this crap.

Again, this has nothing to do with "Fords design". They are lazy and basically just ignorant wanting to make money.

My Alucab camper had the same exact problems on my Chevrolet and yes, direct wiring to the tail lamps is the resolution.

I believe the PUTCO system works properly because they include extra components (ie; signal converters and such) in their wiring pigtail to account for how the electrical system functions with LEDs.

 

[CTYankee]

I haven't tried adding a light bar to the Ranger yet, but did solve this problem on my Maverick by using a Putco light bar and a plug and play harness from Curt that T-connects into the tail light harness at the tail light independently of the towing circuits.

Other Maverick owners have used that Curt harness with other brand light bars and one recently reported that Opti7 (?) also now has a T-connector harness.

No idea if this will transfer over to the Ranger but there are detailed installation posts on the Maverick Truck Forum that might provide useful information.

 

[hookem57]

I haven't tried adding a light bar to the Ranger yet, but did solve this problem on my Maverick by using a Putco light bar and a plug and play harness from Curt that T-connects into the tail light harness at the tail light independently of the towing circuits.

Other Maverick owners have used that Curt harness with other brand light bars and one recently reported that Opti7 (?) also now has a T-connector harness.

No idea if this will transfer over to the Ranger but there are detailed installation posts on the Maverick Truck Forum that might provide useful information.

To my understanding, Ford Bliss is Ford Bliss whether it is on the 350 or Maverick. Companies could make them adaptable theyt just choose not to for whatever reason.

 

[HPUNIT164]

All,

Thank you for all the helpful post, I definitely will look into all the suggestions and let ya know.

Thanks again

 

[OFC Ranger]

The sad reality is this; most companies just buy in bulk from Chinese vendors, re-package and sell them over here. They basically do zero research, zero testing, and even further probably never even lay eyes/hands on the products and drop ship them.

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