Rigging tail lights on 2016 F150 as toad

I checked with Blue Ox and they said not to attempt to add another bulb to any LED fixture. Plus, I tried to figure it out myself and I can't tell how big the LED assembly is and the reflector is inside a housing that seems to be glued together. The point about Ford giving me trouble for hooking into their wires is probably valid but I think that I will to take that risk to keep the installation looking nice and easy to use. Since Ford does have a "Towed mode" for the vehicle it sure seems like they would make hooking up the legally required lights a little easier or at least give some instructions. I do have the diode pack from Blue Ox. Maybe that will prevent any problems.

I've said it before but I am convinced that with a little work Ford could make the vehicle simulate a trailer for less than $100 and I would have paid $1000 to have it plug in simple. I remember how long the OEMs drug their feet putting in brake controllers but now it is a must have item. I think that the same benefits would be derived from a factory Towed system.

Blue Ox recommended these wires as a start point for the wiring but also that I double check them:

Driver's side brake: Gray and Orange
Passenger side brake: Purple and Orange
Taillights: Blue and White

You may want to look at "wireless" tail/brake/turn lights, as an alternate to either of the other 2 suggestions. You are aware I hope, that Ford will void the electrical portion of your warranty, the minute you cut or splice to the factory harness. A good wireless system will work excellent, as we have one and have never had any problems. We replace the batteries once a year, just to be safe.

Seems it would be hard to destroy a fixture. You will be drilling approx. 1 inch hole (hole saw) in plastic. And a hole can always be filled w/ a rubber plug,.....to look like OEM.

You might want to check with Blue Ox. When I had my car done, Blue Ox gave me the baseplate part number and the wiring kit. The installation instructions were included. They showed exactly where to drill the hole for the extra taillight bulb on my Mini Cooper.

Ed Headington

RJsfishin wrote:
If at all possible, add a new stop & tail light socket (napa) to the rear reflectors. Many have a blank spot in the reflector to drill a hole for adding a light.
I just hate hacking into those tiny led wires.

At first glance it appears that this may work. If so, that would be a great solution. I am just trying to figure out how to make that determination without possibly destroying a several hundred dollar fixture.

If at all possible, add a new stop & tail light socket (napa) to the rear reflectors. Many have a blank spot in the reflector to drill a hole for adding a light.
I just hate hacking into those tiny led wires.

Turn on a signal light and get out your test light. When you find the wire use as volt meter to be sure.