Good morning! I am new to the site but not new to Ford trucks. Bought above truck as retirement gift to myself. Quite pleased with the truck so far - except for the backup lights - poor at best. I want to install two external LED backup lights under the frame, but integrating them to the existing circuitry is concerning me. My truck does NOT have auxiliary/upfitter switches. If I had the dealership install these to my new truck I'd have to replace overhead console ($800+ parts alone) and another big wad of cash for install. Then hope I can connect wiring to aux panel under hood IF it has one. This is too expensive. I was told tapping into the rear tail light wiring harness/bundle (picking up the hot reverse light lead) and ground - that this approach is not recommended as it may cause circuit loading and system issues - plus it will void warranty. This scenario is also true if I tap into backup light lead on trailer connector bundle. Most kits (like those from F150LEDs) have integrated relay switches as well as in-line fuses.

How can cleanly install aftermarket backup LED's under rear frame to add light. Much needed for trailering and backing up in off-road situations. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for you help and understanding.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will take a look at that path - appreciate the help.

 

What about the strip LEDs that go under the tailgate. I believe they tap the trailer connection. Then you get bright LED backup along with stop/tail/turn.

 

Here is what I did:
Ran a "Fused" protected hot wire from the battery to the rear of the truck. I also ran a ground wire too. (12gaTHHN)
Installed a Relay using the Factory backup wire as a signal wire to the relay.
Connected the LED's to the relay.
This way when I put the truck in reverse, the LED lights would come on with the factory back-up lights.
Mounted the LED at the corner of the bumper where there was couple of small fasteners.