I am installing this LED light bar on the rear of my 2012 SD: 60 Inch Full Size Truck Red LED Tailgate Light Bar
Installation instructions recommend removing the tailgate and installing the light bar on the lip below the gate. The lip is a rough textured panel inset deeper into the truck by say 2 inches (that rough texture might be the factory truck bed spray in liner?).Also, there is a bracket under the tailgate on the right side that interferes with the light bar.
Has anyone else run into this question? I am wondering if I should mount the light bar on the exterior of the tailgate itself (just below the Super Duty signage).
I'd rather not drill and screw into the tailgate, though.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I have always been able to use the two holes that are there from the factory, somehow try to incorporate that into the install. I would definitely not drill into your tailgate. What bracket is interfering with the bar? Can you take a pic?

 

Thank you, Sammy
This link has a discussion about my bracket (and I should have referred to it before ordering my light bar!): https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-question.html

 

If you want to put it ON the bottom of the tail gate you could use the 3M tape
that stuff does not like to come off and needs to be heated to apply/remove.
Clean the place where you are going to stick it with wax and grease remover
and then clean off any residue before you try to stick it on.
I wished I could recall the name of the stuff. It was used to put on my aluminum
diamond plate bed caps. They never moved even after all the just I bounced off them.

Sean

 

Thank you, Sean - there a variety of 3M tapes, and I even have some left over from another project. You are right; the tape can be tenacious, which is good in this case.
I have an email into the mfg. of the light bar and will see what they have to say.
I really like the backup light capability on this bar.

 

I have mine mounted in the gap between the tailgate and the bumper. Works and looks great.

 

Yup, that's where I am supposed to mount it.
Do you have interference from the bracket (right side under tailgate)? That's what's giving me trouble.

 

Very hard to tell, what the heck is the bracket for?? You can try the tape route, I don't know is that stuff made to hold up to rain/snow/salt?

 

I just ordered one about two hours ago....looked at my truck and i really do not see any issue with mounting in the gap between the tailgate a bumper....need pics

 

Hi Dave
There is a link earlier in my thread that will take you to some pics. Not very clear, though.
The bracket is under the tailget on the right side - right in the way of your light bar (and mine).

 

I don't have that bracket on my truck so sorry. I did mount my newest one with the 3M tape provided and has been good to go since May.

 

Ah, one of the lucky ones!
I need to remove the tail gate and see what that bracket is for; I've heard it's just a rest for use when removing the gate. We'll see.

 

Does anyone have any experience with mounting the light bar under the tail gate without removing the tail gate itself?
I'll need to remove the bracket (mentioned above), drill for a few screws (using a drill bit extension) and attach the bar.
Thanks

 

If you absolutely must drill new holes, you will have to remove your tailgate(not a big deal) It would also make life a lot easier for you with the install.