Adding OEM tailgate handle with hitch illumination

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Nov 25, 2023 | 04:51 PM

Summers22

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Adding OEM tailgate handle with hitch illumination

One thing I miss about my 17 F150 is the light in the tailgate handle. Has anyone simply plug and played an OEM handle with the hitch light in it? Another added bonus is getting a chrome handle, which I'd like to have since I added chrome handles to the doors. I just don't know if it will automatically work when in reverse like it did with my F150 (which had the pro-trailer assist package, this truck does not have that).

Nov 25, 2023 | 05:13 PM

Summers22

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Upon further research, it looks like a upgraded tailgate wire harness that has pins 6 an 7 are needed, so long as the truck side has 6 and 7 populated with a violet wire and a black/yellow wire.

Nov 25, 2023 | 07:48 PM

jimzpsd

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I added my own on my '17 with a small led and grommet.

Nov 25, 2023 | 07:57 PM

Summers22

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I assume you tapped into the reverse bul wires? Looks good, what led did you use?

Nov 26, 2023 | 08:28 AM

jimzpsd

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From: Wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Summers22

I assume you tapped into the reverse bul wires? Looks good, what led did you use?

I ran a wire to the upfitter switch #5, then moved the fuse in the fuse panel to allow 5&6 to be live with the ign. off. I will try to find the light kit, I got it from NAPA. I'll post back with my findings. The location I mounted the light is on the beveled part of the plastic housing and the angle aims the light really close to the hitch for night hook up, without dropping the tailgate.