LED lights

[Kalaehina]

I know LEDs draw less and are brighter, but is it still neccesary to have relays when you install more LEDs? I'm planning to add 10 LED marker lights, what wiring plan/precautions should I follow? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Hoefler]

Yes and no. While LED's do draw less power, the additional wire will increase the possibility of having a short ( wire rub, pinch, cut, etc. . ). Personally, I would use the relay with a fused supply. This would protect your factory wiring from being overloaded, and will allow the factory lights to continue working if you should have a failure in the additional lights and wiring.

 

[steved]

I have an additional 4 LEDs per side, I simply installed a "pigtail" into the four-way flat trailer connector and used it as my source. That way it is separate of the truck's lighting (on the trailer circuit).

If you still use the four-way flat, you can simply buy a Ford adapter (it is a extension harness for a four-way flat) and cut into that harness... saves splicing your OE wiring.

steved

 

[SHobbs]

I have 12, 6 per side on my running boards hooked to the factory wires with no problems. I have the same lights in my dually fenders as well as the tailgate and the turn signal bulbs up front have been changed to LED. One thing I have noticed is that my head lamp switch is cooler to the touch.

 

[DWeiler]

I have 12, 6 per side on my running boards hooked to the factory wires with no problems. I have the same lights in my dually fenders as well as the tailgate and the turn signal bulbs up front have been changed to LED. One thing I have noticed is that my head lamp switch is cooler to the touch.

I did this a few years back in blue,i put them on a separate switch/relay just in case i ever had to turn them off,low and behold i was stopped by the local PD for having the wrong colored lights on my running board. Officer said that they must be DOT approved(which i don't know or not if they are)and they can only be red or amber. He let me off with a "stern warning":-{}:-{}:-{}as he said. He did like my ride and was a bit amazed that this guy pushing 40 would have nice lights along the side----i guess he must of thought a he was going to teach some "young buck" a lesson. I can afford the ticket so no need to change them out---i made it 2-3 years before any problems.

 

[Kalaehina]

OK I guess I will use a relay, just to be safe. I plane to put 3 under each door, I already have ambers up front on the Buckstop, and reds on the outer corners of the rear bumper, which had an unexpected effect, when I get on the throttle, my smoke has a red tint to it.