FordExcursions.com Forums
Hooked
 |
|
• Vancouver, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 9/7/2004 |
|
• 13 posts |
|
|
|
 Posted:12/16/2004 02:10 |
|
|
Hi All,
I just bought one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7939508547&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT
and was wondering if anyone else has installed one on their X. If so, can you let me know where you got the power for the cargo lights? I was thinking about tapping the rear dome light in the cargo area - either using that power directly or using it as the trigger for a relay that took power from the rear power point. Also, I was thinking about painting the panel to match the body color, but I'm not sure how well it will take paint - any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Brian |
|
Gen-X
 |
|
• Toronto, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 1/19/2004 |
|
• 344 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
|
|
 Posted:12/16/2004 09:50 |
|
|
Hey Hooked,
Never install that one before but installing any light is straight forward. Keep in mind the power rating of the lights. I would recommend using a relay to power your lights of the back power point. This power point has alot of power and should be able to power whatever you need.
Any more questions let me know.
Good luck.
|
|
LANDYOT
 |
 | 
• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
|
• Newport News, VA, USA |
|
• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
|
• 1,110 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:12/16/2004 18:53 |
|
|
Think about how useful the cargo lights might, or might not be. Most of the time when you're at the rear of your truck doing anything, the lift gate will be up, and you'll illuminate the night sky. The way I see it (and I like that light you chose), you can either rig it to where it provides some light when hitching or unhitching a trailer, or you can connect them to your reverse lights. Personally, I'd opt for hitching lights. But then the question arises where to connect them, and from where do you want to activate them? You may not always want to open the lift gate, turn on a switch, close the lift gate, do your hitch work, then reopen, turn off, and finally close the lift gate. I believe I'd mount a switch up near the electric trailer-brake controller, or fabricate a switch panel to replace the mostly unused trash-bag hook.
Better yet ... Why not connect the cargo lights to the door-ajar circuit so they illuminate whenever the interior & running boards lights are hot? Basically the same connection as used on the pickup trucks ... and you won't have to remember to turn them off.
All of this is just my 2-cents worth. Me? I'm thinking about adding five LED clearance lights across the rear OEM wind deflector. Mount the lights to the deflector, route the wires through the fiberglass deflector into the lift gate, and connect them to the running light circuit. Found some small surface-mount LED light fixtures when browsing through Bass Pro the other day. |
|
Hooked
|
|
• Vancouver, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 9/7/2004 |
|
• 13 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:12/16/2004 21:55 |
|
|
Hi Landyot,
Actually, you and I were thinking the same thing (I think). The rear dome light is on the door ajar circuit and so when a door is open, or when I hit the key fob for the locks, the new "cargo lights" on the brake light assembly will light up.
The only reason why I was thinking of the rear dome light as the place to tap into was that it was closest and probably the easiest point to get access to the door ajar circuit.
What do you think? Would this work?
Thanks for all your help!
Brian |
|
LANDYOT
|
|
• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
|
• Newport News, VA, USA |
|
• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
|
• 1,110 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:12/17/2004 15:12 |
|
|
I think that would work nicely. The hard part will be routing a wire from that rear dome light THROUGH the corrugated wiring loom that feeds the lift gate. Don't forget to determine which wire becomes hot via the door-ajar circuit. Other wise, piece of cake.
I liked that 3rd brake light assembly so much that I stopped at my favorite Ford dealer on my home today. The list price is just over $200 for that thing! So I'd say you got a good deal. |
|
Hooked
|
|
• Vancouver, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 9/7/2004 |
|
• 13 posts |
|
|
|
|
LANDYOT
|
|
• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
|
• Newport News, VA, USA |
|
• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
|
• 1,110 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:12/21/2004 14:36 |
|
|
|
Hey Hooked ... I am, too ... hooked on that light assembly that is. I just got one from eBay, too. Was just under $90 with shipping. I'll hook up the cargo lights to the door-ajar circuit like I said above. |
|
Hooked
|
|
• Vancouver, XX, Canada |
|
• Registered on 9/7/2004 |
|
• 13 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:12/21/2004 22:05 |
|
|
NICE! 
I haven't had time to wire mine up yet - too much ho-ho-ho-ing. Maybe this weekend. Good luck with yours!
Brian |
|
|
|
