Any advice for tapping into the trailer pins for off-road chase lights?

[sandy_koufax]

My first choice would be to somehow turn the cargo lamp on even at drive speeds but I can’t figure out how to do that in Forscan.

My second choice would be to have a truck with zero electrical issues and plenty of access. I’d add chase lights the normal way by splicing and running a cable to the cabo. But I’ve already had a faulty battery junction box shift me into 4L on the highway and it took 4 months for the Ford dealers near me to fix it. Plus we all know how impossible it is to get through the firewall on this truck.

So I’m at my third choice. To mount the chase lights to something on a trailer hitch ball, insert them in as needed, and tap into a trailer pin harness. I’m thinking of putting them on a simple little switch from the internet with a wireless keychain remote. I could tap the brown wire’s pin for running lights, then complete the circuit when I press the button. Has anybody done this or bought such a thing?

Sponsored

 

[Msfitoy]

My first choice would be to somehow turn the cargo lamp on even at drive speeds but I can’t figure out how to do that in Forscan.

My second choice would be to have a truck with zero electrical issues and plenty of access. I’d add chase lights the normal way by splicing and running a cable to the cabo. But I’ve already had a faulty battery junction box shift me into 4L on the highway and it took 4 months for the Ford dealers near me to fix it. Plus we all know how impossible it is to get through the firewall on this truck.

So I’m at my third choice. To mount the chase lights to something on a trailer hitch ball, insert them in as needed, and tap into a trailer pin harness. I’m thinking of putting them on a simple little switch from the internet with a wireless keychain remote. I could tap the brown wire’s pin for running lights, then complete the circuit when I press the button. Has anybody done this or bought such a thing?

I can't promise but if you have the time to dig into my build thread, I might have information on how to install a chase light bar with turn and brake...I remember tapping into the driver side taillamp wire harness...

 

[Frenchy]

Be aware that if you want a Chase Light on the truck, you will want it above the Tailgate so it can be seen. As for wiring, I would get the Factory Wiring Diagrams out and see what the Tail Lights offer.

 

[airline tech]

This will be somewhat of a refresher, but I do recall that tapping into the trailer lighting circuit (which circuit?) Park or Brake? generates the - Trailer Connected signal, so that means if you tap into the circuit (Trailer) you will lose - Cross Traffic and partial blind spot and the trailer sway will be enabled.
If I recall correctly, we determined that it is the (Parking Light) circuit when connected.
The manuals do not specify what circuit actually triggers the message, so if anybody remembers this would be a good refresher.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Do not tap the trailer system, tap the tail lamps.

Don't ask questions.

There, I saved you a bunch of frustration.

 

[sandy_koufax]

Thanks for the comments. Right now I’m leaning towards getting to that harness that’s vacant. Does anybody know what kind of clip it uses so I can order an opposite version? I read a bunch of posts and couldn’t find any info. It looks like a lot of people just tapped the wires which I really want to avoid.

 

[Msfitoy]

Thanks for the comments. Right now I’m leaning towards getting to that harness that’s vacant. Does anybody know what kind of clip it uses so I can order an opposite version? I read a bunch of posts and couldn’t find any info. It looks like a lot of people just tapped the wires which I really want to avoid.

Vacant harness? I don't recall there being such thing...the taillamp plugs into the electric harness...

 

[sandy_koufax]

Vacant harness? I don't recall there being such thing...the taillamp plugs into the electric harness...

From what I’ve read, there’s one somewhere under the wheel well on the driver side of the bed.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/driver-side-rear-wiring-harness.8158/

 

[airline tech]

From what I’ve read, there’s one somewhere under the wheel well on the driver side of the bed.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/driver-side-rear-wiring-harness.8158/

Affirmative - the extra plug is for Cargo Bed (Power Point) but this will be a tap source for Lighting or Power only

 

[sandy_koufax]

Affirmative - the extra plug is for Cargo Bed (Power Point) but this will be a tap source for Lighting or Power only

Do you think it’s just a run of the mill SAE 2 pin harness that I can order on the internet to plug in?

I really only need constant power. I’ll install a wireless remote switch to get the lights on/off.

 

[airline tech]

Do you think it’s just a run of the mill SAE 2 pin harness that I can order on the internet to plug in?

I really only need constant power. I’ll install a wireless remote switch to get the lights on/off.

Wolf Haus also has -the connector only (with a 4-foot wire lead) that will connect to this connector on the truck for $35.00, so this gives you a nice clean tap point and just (splice) your wires in.
However, this will be an always hot circuit with the truck running, so you would have to install a switch to turn them (On/Off) and they will stay powered (with truck off) as power is from the Power Point Relay (adjustable) times via Forscan - Factory Set @ 75 Minutes this time setting is for ALL Power Points in the truck (Front Cubby) & (Rear USB Charge Points)
The connection (above) for the bed power - shares power output from the Power Point Relay #2, which is for the (Rear USB Charge Ports)
Power Point Relay #1 - Feeds the front (Power Points) - Lighter Sockets

 

[Msfitoy]

From what I’ve read, there’s one somewhere under the wheel well on the driver side of the bed.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/driver-side-rear-wiring-harness.8158/

Sounds like that's a 12 volt source...

 

[airline tech]

For Ref:
Specs on that connector:
C423
Female Half (Part of Main Harness) #14405 - This is what is installed and Terminated

Male Connector- WPT-1613, this is what Wolf Haus is offering and is actually cheaper through Wolf Haus.
So, for a clean install, you at minimum need this connector

 

[oreo_five8]

I have a 24 raptor so mine's going to be different than what you're dealing with. I just thought you might want to contact the guys at F-150 LED's as they do a lot of lighting upgrades and replacements and may be able to provide some info if nothing else. If there's enough demand they may even come up with something to offer from their site.
https://www.f150leds.com/

Sponsored