Diode Dynamics HitchMount LED Pod Reverse Kit C1R + Brake

[NTXTremor]

I really love the idea behind the Diode Dynamics HitchMount LED Pod Reverse Kit C1R + Brake since it should be very easy to install and would provide a 4th brake light plus much brighter reverse lights.

The installation video on their website makes it appear to be super easy to install by clipping their harness in-line with the 7 pin connector and routing the harness through the back of the receiver to attach to the light itself. The only problem is that the only holes in my factory receiver are for the hitch itself (where the light will be) and the two holes on each side where the light will clip into. The back of my receiver is closed per the attached photos.

Has anyone else run into this? I am not too keen on trying to drill a hole in the receiver, but I can see no other solution.

Sponsored

 

[D Fresh]

Also consider that anything plugged into the 7 pin will make the truck think there's a trailer attached.

The light looks okay. But I would certainly wire it in differently.

 

[NTXTremor]

Also consider that anything plugged into the 7 pin will make the truck think there's a trailer attached.

The light looks okay. But I would certainly wire it in differently.

I was worried about that, too, and I considered returning it for that reason. But their website and paperwork indicates that it does not trigger a connected trailer and does not impact reverse sensors, etc.

I thought I’d try it out to be certain of course.

 

[D Fresh]

I was worried about that, too, and I considered returning it for that reason. But their website and paperwork indicates that it does not trigger a connected trailer and does not impact reverse sensors, etc.

I thought I’d try it out to be certain of course.

If so, that coupler could be useful for a lot of folks.

 

[NTXTremor]

Well, I called the fine folks at Diode Dynamics and they confirmed that the Ranger with trailer control WILL detect a trailer despite what the website says. They are working on a fix, and they are going to update the website to clarify this.

I am bummed since this is a cool product, but I am going to return it and wait for them to come up with a workaround if they can.

 

[NTXTremor]

STOP THE PRESSES!

Diode Dynamics called me back and said that they now have a simple fix that will prevent the truck from thinking a trailer is connected.

I will keep you posted.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

STOP THE PRESSES!

Diode Dynamics called me back and said that they now have a simple fix that will prevent the truck from thinking a trailer is connected.

I will keep you posted.

It will only cost an extra $59.99 to do it too!

 

[NTXTremor]

It will only cost an extra $59.99 to do it too!

Nope. It requires you to cut two wires to two resistors in the harness. It appears to be a very easy job.

I am waiting to hear if you lose any features by doing this before I modify the harness.

 

[JesseS]

It says right in the details to check your hitch receiver for an 'Open Back', but drilling a hole should not effect the integrity of the receiver. Besides, don't some people here drive in 'tow' mode all the time

 

[NTXTremor]

It says right in the details to check your hitch receiver for an 'Open Back', but drilling a hole should not effect the integrity of the receiver. Besides, don't some people here drive in 'tow' mode all the time

D'OH! I must have missed that part.

I never even considered that the hitch receiver would not have an open back, but as you said, drilling a hole should not affect the integrity of the receiver. I just need to decide where to drill, but I am going to hold off until I hear if I lose any functionality by cutting the wires.

I don't mind driving in tow mode, but losing the rear collision warning is bad in my book.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

I don't mind driving in tow mode, but losing the rear collision warning is bad in my book.

Agreed

 

[SurfRanger]

read this post right before going to install my DD hitch light. I decided to drill out the driver side tab of the hitch light and route the wire through the hitch pin hole. Ps easy to de-pin Deutsch connector and slip through. My suggested steps:
1. Depin connector going to hitch light
2. Unplug 7-pin from truck
3. Route DD harness as desired around hitch load bars under bumper
4. Route pins (from depinned connector) through hitch pin hole
5. !! Route through drilled hole in hitch light
6. Re-pin connector, connect connector, insert hitch light inter hitch
7. Connect 7pin

also, whatever OP said to DD helped because my harness came with those resistor wires cut and everything seems to work fine (aka no tow mode, no lights, bliss works, backup sensors work)

 

[SpaceGhost]

I'm in the same situation. How do you "depin" the plug? Thanks in advance.

 

[Big Blue]

OK, so you have to depin/repin it every time you want to use your hitch. Not my idea of a workable solution.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

OK, so you have to depin/repin it every time you want to use your hitch. Not my idea of a workable solution.

While I do not tow, I tend to agree

Sponsored