Diode or Tail light bulb wiring install?

[Dogpatch]

I'm just about to set my 2013 Ford F150 4x4 for towing behind my coach. I've read mixed reviews on both types of install. Has anyone done the Diode tie in on this truck? How well does it work?
Regarding the tail light install, I've heard the tail lights on these trucks don't lend for an easy install and problems with bulbs staying in has been an issue due to curvature of the lens.

In a quandary on which route to go.

[Davdeb1]

I know you didn't give this as an option, but magnetic lights are going to be my choice.

[Dr4Film]

I haven't done a diode install on your specific truck model as you are asking but I have done one on the 2006 Saturn Vue that I own.

The diode method is the ONLY one I will use. I know of two people who went through the time and expense to install the Bulb Kit in their vehicles only to be VERY disappointed with the brightness of the rear lights.

That's because the Bulb Kit places the bulbs out of ideal alignment with the reflector which is where the OEM bulb is mounted.

I don't see where using a diode kit on your vehicle would be any different than any other vehicle it was installed on.

Just my opinion.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[DennisZ]

I did bulbs in my last car, I'm going with a plugin harness with diodes buitin to a module for the new Jeep. Tow Daddy (now Hopkins) and Blue Ox both make these modules.

Dennis

[Rich and Cork]

I did the drill and add the bulbs to my 2012 F150 and would NOT recommend doing. It generates chips that you cannot remove all from the light. You now have a hole that allows moisture. I have been looking for replacement lights and will someday get rid of the disaster. On all of my previous tow rigs I did the diodes or similar installations.

[spritz]

I used the magnet type when we first got the toad and KarKatty ,SS, the first trip ended after a 250 mile drive and we found the magnet lights turned towards each other. When we got home the neighbor told me about the diode kind of hookup I told him to go for it. They did, hooked up in the trunk under back seat up along the threshold to fire wall and thru to front grill.
now all I do is open the hood plug in the wire and off we go. I know that this isn't your toad but it worked for us on our 99 deville toad. Good luck

[Selah]

Some lighting systems will not work well with diodes. The 2013 Honda CRV is an example. Check the Blue Ox site for the recomended light kit for your truck. That will give you a good hint as to weather diodes will work or not.

[Green D]

I have added bulbs to both my past Grand Cherokee toads, worked ok on those lights. We just got a new Wrangler and I did the diodes on it my first for this setup so far no problems at all.
Eric

[dsilva]

Originally Posted by Green D

I have added bulbs to both my past Grand Cherokee toads, worked ok on those lights. We just got a new Wrangler and I did the diodes on it my first for this setup so far no problems at all.
Eric

Eric, sorry to butt in but u mention u wired ur grand cherokee. I am planing on doing my 2004 grand cherokee. can u tell me is much trouble. I contaced Blue Ox n they tell me they have something that plugs in. Have u heard of that.

thanks dsilva

[jrd48]

I have used diodes on my previous toad and have them on my current toad. Trouble free operation. The only real problem is figuring out where to tap into the vehicle's wiring harness and determining the wiring color codes. Also what some folks don't realize is that the lights will be slightly dimmer with diodes as there is a small voltage drop through them. Not a problem in normal driving though.

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by jrd48

I have used diodes on my previous toad and have them on my current toad. Trouble free operation. The only real problem is figuring out where to tap into the vehicle's wiring harness and determining the wiring color codes. Also what some folks don't realize is that the lights will be slightly dimmer with diodes as there is a small voltage drop through them. Not a problem in normal driving though.

The best place to splice into each wire is directly at each tail light assembly. That way you know exactly which wire to use. That is providing you have plenty of room to store the diodes behind the tail light assembly.

Snip the wire, crimp on a spade connector on each end of the wire and attach each one to the proper spade on the diode.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[jrd48]

True for individual diodes. In my case I use a diode block which I found was easier to wire if you can locate the wiring bundle where all the wires are together. Mine was located behind the console under the dash. It was also easier to get the wiring from the MH to that location rather than having to run the wires under or through the vehicle to the rear lights.

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

The best place to splice into each wire is directly at each tail light assembly. That way you know exactly which wire to use. That is providing you have plenty of room to store the diodes behind the tail light assembly.

Snip the wire, crimp on a spade connector on each end of the wire and attach each one to the proper spade on the diode.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

I installed the same way on my ford expedition toad.

[Bug512]

Not that I did the install on a Ford but I did install the diodes on our Subaru Forester. I have never had any other setup then this and I can say it is simple to hook up and tow.

Just use a quality connector like Thomas & Betts with their recommended crimping tool.

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