2019 F450 looking for a key on power under the hood. Odd one

two of the upfitters can be set to always hot by moving a jumper. There's also a line inside the cab with the pto bundle (near the fuse panel) that has a switched ignition wire but it's only 5v, I used it for my dashcam. Also seen some use the piggyback fuse holders on the heated steering wheel circuit.

Just for grins I went out and did a remote start. I looked in the window and could see the one upfitter switch I leave on was lit. So it does appear that the upfitters are energized when you do remote start.

I will check tomorrow and report back. Lots of stuff is kind of in limbo when in remote start until you push the button and brake to bring the whole system online.

Upfitter switches are the way to go anyway. I always use them.

On my 2016, the upfitters don’t get energized when you remote start the vehicle. Are the newer SD’s like that?

:):)

Sounds like a plan that'll work!

I ended up using an upfitter switch. All good now. Still puzzled to find hot power in the fuse box for silly things like rear seat heat.

Thanks for all the suggestions and support.

SoonDockin wrote:
I am concerned if a line develops a leak, the pump would run an I might not know for days. Maybe kill the batteries, or burn out the motor. Best to have it off when the truck is off in my opinion. If it does develop a leak, I would hear the pump when I start it and know to take a look.

My air bags are left at 10psi unless my camper is on it. I don't see any reasonable way a leak could occur that would cause the pump to run continuously and I not know about it since it's parked right in my driveway.

But since you are concerned, maybe wire in an on/off switch to your dash that controls an always-on power source. Have the switch with a light so you don't forget to turn it off. Here's one I've found works for such needs;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J0PFX3Y/?coliid=I2WRG8JFCPJC1X&colid=ZO07J7YSGGZ7&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I like it because it requires a round, not a square hole to mount it. Much easier to just drill a hole than file out a square one.

I left my key 200 ft away and checked the fuses. Still hot with no doors opened and the hood still up. Must be relays elsewhere in the system that are controlling power distribution. I gave up and rerouting to the other side and will tap an upfitter circuit.

Lots to learn about these beasts.

On my 2017 Ford the power comes on to the interior displays once I open the door. When I don't insert the key, it will go off after a minute (?).
I think even trailer circuit comes to life in that period, but not tried it yet.

This link is on a 2017, about tapping power for plow
don't know if similar but possible direction.
https://www.plowsite.com/threads/2017-ford-superduty-plow-key-on-power.168690/#post-2187069

Another might be trailer tow charge circuit output.
I wired to inside power that's ign on controlled but I also added switch to manually turn off pump.