Community Forums

cptdzl · 08-18-2018, 08:28 PM

those towing a Ram 1500 what tail light system have you installed? I'm looking at adding diodes for the lights at each side rear. Anyone done this? Any issues with the CANbus? thx

FIRE UP · 08-19-2018, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptdzl

those towing a Ram 1500 what tail light system have you installed? I'm looking at adding diodes for the lights at each side rear. Anyone done this? Any issues with the CANbus? thx

cptdzl,
I've been doing the diodes in the tail lights for decades and have never had any issues. But, you're dealing with an '18 Dodge and, while I'm not all that familiar with them and their lighting system, I'd be careful. If your Rams tail lights could be sporting LEDs, you shouldn't have any issues installing diodes. Just for grins, you might try consulting etrailer.com and see if they have an already built lighting harness for your truck to be used for towing. Maybe, maybe not. Worth a call.
Scott

NeHardRock · 08-19-2018, 07:50 AM

I have a 2018 ram rebel. It has the LED taillights and I went with this kit from blue ox and it works perfectly. Blue Ox BX8848 4 Diodes Taillight Wiring Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VARHBQ..._xuxEBbM20Q5TT

cptdzl · 08-20-2018, 07:35 PM

Guys thanks for the feedback, Etrailer is my go to for all sorts of mfg info, their install videos (I know exactly what I'm getting into before I start the project) and photos (lots). I got my base plate today and installed it in an afternoon with the help of etrailers videos. I'll let you know how I make out with the lights as thats another days project. tonnes cover is tomorrows. again thank you for your advice. Rick

walt2137 · 08-26-2018, 08:53 AM

I used a LED light strip under the tail gate, no cutting into the wire loom. Here is a 3 led light strip w/Sequential amber turn signal. I used the light strip on my F150 and my 17 Ram.
https://www.amazon.com/AMBOTHER-Tail...ht+strip&psc=1

moisheh · 08-26-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt2137

I used a LED light strip under the tail gate, no cutting into the wire loom. Here is a 3 led light strip w/Sequential amber turn signal. I used the light strip on my F150 and my 17 Ram.
https://www.amazon.com/AMBOTHER-Tail...ht+strip&psc=1

I would like to install one if those strips on my 09 Silverado. But it would be hard to see. The tailgate sits almost 2 inches in front if the body where the strip would mount. I cannot put it on the bottom of the actual tailgate as the chrome model identifiers are at either end if the gate Only one inch wide space. My 18 Silverado is worse as the wire loom entrance is dead center under the tailgate!! Maybe I bought the wrong truck!!

walt2137 · 08-26-2018, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

I would like to install one if those strips on my 09 Silverado. But it would be hard to see. The tailgate sits almost 2 inches in front if the body where the strip would mount. I cannot put it on the bottom of the actual tailgate as the chrome model identifiers are at either end if the gate Only one inch wide space. My 18 Silverado is worse as the wire loom entrance is dead center under the tailgate!! Maybe I bought the wrong truck!!

Why not on the bottom lip of the tail gate, but i would bet a little distances (10 ft) behind your truck it would be seen especially the 3 row LED.

moisheh · 08-26-2018, 03:14 PM

Thanks Walt. I would if I could. The bottom of the tailgate has one inch that is just paint. Above that one inch is the Silverado emblem on one side and the LTZ on the other. I think there is one mfr. that I saw on Amazon with a one inch wide LED strip. I might try that. I wanted to put one on my wife's Rav4 but same problem. No surface available. Maybe I should just auction off my vehicles and start over! NOT!! I cannot get over how many of the new vehicles have multiplex systems where even a diode does not help. They need either an LED strip or a separate bulb. Here is an example of how some vehicles are very complicated. A fellow with a Class C on a Sprinter chassis started to get a check engine light and the engine derated.. He was in Mexico and found a Sprinter dealer. A tail light had burned out and he bought a generic bulb at an auto parts store. The tech put in a genuine bulb and everything was fine! I have also read of some PU owners having problems when they install a trailer brake controller. The dealer has to do something to the setup in the ECM.

walt2137 · 08-26-2018, 03:49 PM

Yes i know about the trailer controler as my truck did not come with one so i bought a OEM controler from e bay installed it and found out i had to pay a dealer to tell my BCM it was there and everone wanted $100 or more to program it, crazy. I used the 1 inch LED on my F150 on the bottom edge of the tail gate it worked fine.