Ford licensed bed lamps for 5G Ranger

[donsmith]

RE: Kit Part No: VKB3Z-13E754-A

Since this kit came from the Ford page of accessories, I expected an easier install.
There's ONE video that says it'll take 45 minutes, but it's just a flashy promotional video with no actual installations instructions. I did find a video that said an install video is coming, but the YouTube channel for the maker, Lumen, only has four old videos on other products.

Instead I get a link to a PDF that is simply drawings.

I get templates for drilling holes! I expected a Ford authorized product would fit holes in the bed! But, no, three holes per light (4 lights) need to be carefully drilled. You have to carefully place and tape down the templates. Then carefully drill three small holes, then enlarge the center hold. Then hope it's done right.

Then there's the routing of the wiring. Wiring to each of the four lights then routing back to the battery of the truck. VERY difficult to figure out the wiring placement from technical drawings.

Here's a link to the PDF:
https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...+Ranger+-+Bed+Lighting+-+FI37+-+ISSUE+3.1.pdf

It appears that I bought into bed lights for my '22 Ranger Lariat that no one else in the history of EVER have ever bought before me and done an install video.

Unless someone gives me a better idea, I'm going to attempt the drill the placement holes so when I take the truck to the Ford dealer where I work as a shuttle driver, my labor charge will only be for the wiring placement and plugging in the lights.

This is the light set where you touch any of the four lights with two fingers and all bed lights turn on. Repeat to turn off, or let the one-hour timer turn them off.

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[N559br]

I'll say it looks a little complicated, but very doable. I don't see why you couldn't do all of it yourself. If you are concerned about getting the holes drilled correctly, I recommend doing a couple of test drillings on scrap sheet metal on your bench.

It looks like all the wire routing is diagrammed in the instructions. A lot of back on the ground time though. Also, if you notice the kit is actuallyade by Lumen America and just resold by Ford, not really a Ford engineered product.

 

[donsmith]

You're probably right N559br. Also, I knew it was not engineered by Ford. Just licensed. But I still expected some accommodation for bed lamps. I expect to get started on my own but just pausing to see what ideas may come up in this thread.

 

[Highlander]

I don't have a video of the install, but do have the lights. Are there cheaper products? Sure. Eaiser to install? Maybe. I have the OEM drop-in bed liner. It's a better install, no metal cutting, and using the existing bedside holes for wire routing. I did have a friend help who is a mechanic. There is enough length in the wiring to follow the Rangers own wiring loom from the back to the engine bay. That will avoid some of the mess; like the stick-ons for the loom attachment.

Best of luck. I like them, and they do provide a good amount of light. The touch feature is great, and they do have a built in 1 hour kill switch, in case they are forgotten on. No dead battery. A great feature when you're wired into it directly.

Frank

 

[donsmith]

RE: "... There is enough length in the wiring to follow the Rangers own wiring loom from the back to the engine bay."

Thank you, Frank. I hadn't thought of that. That clears up my biggest concern. You also mention using the existing bedside holes for wire routing. Can you send pictures?

I only have a mat covering the bottom of the bed. Easily removed in a second if needed. Nothing covering the inside walls.

If I do the install myself, I'll be documenting it so that there'll be at least ONE installation install to help others.

 

[Highlander]

RE: "... There is enough length in the wiring to follow the Rangers own wiring loom from the back to the engine bay."

Thank you, Frank. I hadn't thought of that. That clears up my biggest concern. You also mention using the existing bedside holes for wire routing. Can you send pictures?

I only have a mat covering the bottom of the bed. Easily removed in a second if needed. Nothing covering the inside walls.

If I do the install myself, I'll be documenting it so that there'll be at least ONE installation install to help others.

If you check your instructions, you'll see that unless you have the plastic full drop in, that method won't work for you. With the full drop in, the wiring is routed through the two rubber plugged holes on the interior metal bed sides. The lights themselves are in the same spots as what you'll be doing, but my cutting was only in the plastic liner. You can see a photo or two of the installed lights on my build page.

Frank

 

[NotBudule]

RE: "... There is enough length in the wiring to follow the Rangers own wiring loom from the back to the engine bay."

Thank you, Frank. I hadn't thought of that. That clears up my biggest concern. You also mention using the existing bedside holes for wire routing. Can you send pictures?

I only have a mat covering the bottom of the bed. Easily removed in a second if needed. Nothing covering the inside walls.

If I do the install myself, I'll be documenting it so that there'll be at least ONE installation install to help others.

100% and please get a lock collar that goes on your drill bit so it can only punch through one layer of sheet metal...

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