Ask DS truck bed lights

[Wildfowler]

Hey that just made me think of something. Does anyone know if the cargo light has its own fuse? You could probably tap into that and use the switch on your dashboard. Or tap into that wire?

[Smoke68]

Hey that just made me think of something. Does anyone know if the cargo light has its own fuse? You could probably tap into that and use the switch on your dashboard. Or tap into that wire?

Most people using these lights, from what I can see, do not have a cargo light. But yes, that's what I would do too. And the cargo light should have a fuse.

[teul2]

I have a couple of short pieces like Ronnie linked, but from auto zone or discount auto parts. I have them under the bed rail in the back, and glued to the inside of my tool box lid. All wired to a relayed switch in the cab.

Did you put them on a constant hot lead or accessory hot lead?

constant from the battery.

[matador1]

Ok, got everything I need. Went out tonight to check my 7 way plug for constant power, 2014 F150. Even with lights on I got nothing according to my multi-meter. I looked through the owners manual at fuse schematic. There are several fuses for that plug, left turn, right turn etc. but not one specific to the hot wire. What am I missing?

[Deadeye]

On my 2011 F150, my 7way did not come from the factory ready to use. In the glove box was a relay that had to be inserted in the fuse panel under the hood. Why Ford does this I have no idea but it seems to be constant. I can't remember the relay port number but if you Google it you'll find a ton of info regarding this. It's how I found out. Also, there is a F150 iPhone app that comes in pretty handy.. it's basically a forum that owners post questions to and readers answer.

You will have a 12v lead (constant hot) to the 7way, you can use a test light with a ground or multimeter to find it.
Hope this helps.

Dead

[matador1]

On my 2011 F150, my 7way did not come from the factory ready to use. In the glove box was a relay that had to be inserted in the fuse panel under the hood. Why Ford does this I have no idea but it seems to be constant. I can't remember the relay port number but if you Google it you'll find a ton of info regarding this. It's how I found out. Also, there is a F150 iPhone app that comes in pretty handy.. it's basically a forum that owners post questions to and readers answer.

You will have a 12v lead (constant hot) to the 7way, you can use a test light with a ground or multimeter to find it.
Hope this helps.

Dead

Thanks, after spending an hour on Google last night I figured it out. You are right, no fuse, no relay. They weren't in the glovebox like most said so I am going to pick them up today.

[edub20]

My understanding is that it's only needed in the Ford if using with trailer brake. but like deadeye I installed mine back when i got it.

[matador1]

Got all my stuff from Amazon this week and installed today. Think I'm gonna like this a lot.

[Deadeye]

Oh yeah, I dig it. Looks great. Gonna do the same thing.

So did you wire it directly to your hot on the 7way and did you put it a switch?

Deadeye

[matador1]

Oh yeah, I dig it. Looks great. Gonna do the same thing.

So did you wire it directly to your hot on the 7way and did you put it a switch?

Deadeye

Yes, used a splice connector to the hot and ground of my 7 way. Ran it up through the column beside my tailgate and put a switch right there. But, not sure that is how I will leave it. Ford has that Battery Saver feauture that cuts off any accessories if it reads the battery being low and with the cold weather it kept shutting it down. Looking on the interwebz, there is no over-ride for the feuater so I might run a hot wire from my battery. I won't to be able to use it without my truck key being on or my motor having to be started.
I will say, it was very handy. We coon hunted Saturday ight and it was nice loading dogs, changing boots, etc.