upfitter switches
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 223
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upfitter switches
I would like to have some separate pods for fog lights in the front, and maybe some LED back up lights in the back, how do these hook up to the upfitter switches? Are there termination points in the engine bay that are grounded and powered to simplify the installation?
Planning on auxiliary lighting and wondered how to connect to the switches. No I do not have a Superduty truck yet so trying to figure out how I will have to run wiring ahead of time...
Planning on auxiliary lighting and wondered how to connect to the switches. No I do not have a Superduty truck yet so trying to figure out how I will have to run wiring ahead of time...
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 411
Likes: 106
The wires for the upfitter switches can be found on the passenger side of the engine bay wrapped up together under a fuse box. You can remove the fuse box from the clips and shove it out of the way to access the pigtail. There is a label on the pigtail indicating the switch and amperage rating of each wire.
You can tie directly into these with your power wires for your accessories. You'll need to ground either to the battery or a grounding point on the frame, several of which can be found throughout.
I am running a compressor, front light bar and some LED backup lights off the upfitter pigtails. For the compressor and backup lights, I ran the two power wires to the back loomed together, routing through the passenger fender and along the frame. Then I created a common ground to a grounding lug by the spare tire.
You can tie directly into these with your power wires for your accessories. You'll need to ground either to the battery or a grounding point on the frame, several of which can be found throughout.
I am running a compressor, front light bar and some LED backup lights off the upfitter pigtails. For the compressor and backup lights, I ran the two power wires to the back loomed together, routing through the passenger fender and along the frame. Then I created a common ground to a grounding lug by the spare tire.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,456
Likes: 4,953
Yeah, just run the upfitter wire to the hot on the accessory, then ground the accessory to the frame, bumper, any solid metal point, and you'll be good to go.
Upfitters are already fused and relayed, stay within their ratings and all will be good.
Upfitters are already fused and relayed, stay within their ratings and all will be good.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 757
Likes: 220
That's what I've done with my 1 accessory I've currently used an upfitter for. I'm thinking eventually about adding a compressor for a ready readylift air bag setup. But that still leaves me several unused switches....so much potential!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Do not ground to the batteries. The Battery Management System monitors current flow through the negative. or grounded side, of the battery using a little current transformer the negative battery terminal runs through. Anything grounded to the batteries directly will not be picked up by the BMS. I seem to recall 2023 and later use a different sort of technology, but the idea is the same.
Ground to body or frame. It's almost always easier and more cost efficient anyway.
Ground to body or frame. It's almost always easier and more cost efficient anyway.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 177
Likes: 36
The wires for the upfitter switches can be found on the passenger side of the engine bay wrapped up together under a fuse box. You can remove the fuse box from the clips and shove it out of the way to access the pigtail. There is a label on the pigtail indicating the switch and amperage rating of each wire.
You can tie directly into these with your power wires for your accessories. You'll need to ground either to the battery or a grounding point on the frame, several of which can be found throughout.
I am running a compressor, front light bar and some LED backup lights off the upfitter pigtails. For the compressor and backup lights, I ran the two power wires to the back loomed together, routing through the passenger fender and along the frame. Then I created a common ground to a grounding lug by the spare tire.
You can tie directly into these with your power wires for your accessories. You'll need to ground either to the battery or a grounding point on the frame, several of which can be found throughout.
I am running a compressor, front light bar and some LED backup lights off the upfitter pigtails. For the compressor and backup lights, I ran the two power wires to the back loomed together, routing through the passenger fender and along the frame. Then I created a common ground to a grounding lug by the spare tire.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,456
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It is all listed in the owners manual.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: SoCal/Wyoming
Oceanrace - Depending on the lights you select; you may need to use more than one toggle switch. As an example, if your lights have a high low feature, you may need to wire them separately to get the function of a high and low. On my truck, 1 is bright front, 2 is rear, 3 is front low, and 4 is side. I separated the front between switch 1 and 3 so I don't accidently flip both on at the same time as that would burn up the light.
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