Tailgate bracket question for led light bar

[Deanrd52]

I want to add a Rampage style 60" led tailgate light bar like I did on my 2011 F150 and 2018 F350, but it has a bracket about where door for pro access tailgate closes. I can't see where it does anything except possibly support tailgate under heavy load. Anyone else remove it to make mods? I did remove it on my 2018, but that was a solid tailgate and I never had an issue. Concerned with pro access, but it seems pretty solid. I also see where they mention error codes if newer than 2020, but I can't get any info on what. I'm assuming it's the trailer connect issue, but I had to manually wire mine to avoid that.

TIA Dean

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[gh8toes]

I used the $785 Ford gave some people to buy a Putco light bar. Once I got it and looked at the back and saw that bracket, I knew I'd have a problem. The light bar is attached to the back using 4 plastic brackets that are glued/taped to the sheet metal (you can also attach with a screw through the brackets). The light bar came with brackets that were 1/8" and 1/4" thick. To be able to go over the top of the bolts, you need 1/2" of clearance. I called Putco and told them the problem and had them send me another set of 1/4" brackets. I intend on breaking the tabs off one set and glueing them together to get the 1/2" of clearance. Haven't done this yet, as shortly after I received the light bar, I found out I needed open-heart surgery. Still recovering from that, so not sure when I will install the light bar. As far as I can figure out, that bracket is there to either center the tailgate or to act as an anti-theft deterrent, or both.

 

[Deanrd52]

If Putco plugs into your 4way trailer connection, then be advised it will act like you have a trailer connected. That's why I wired at lights.

 

[BJ1689]

I want to install this on my 2021 F150 Limited, but I have the same issue.

 

[johnmo61]

I just removed the bracket. installed the F150led tailgate light.

No issues with it removed.

 

[Deanrd52]

After looking at this closer and reading the manual for tailgate removal I thiink its for that. They say to lift tailgate to 45 degrees before sliding to right. At 45 degrees the T portion will clear the bracket allowing you to move it to the right. I removed it on my 2018 F350 when installing light bar. Later on I added the shock for slowing the tailgate drop. I had the internal tailgate step which made it heavier. I think you still have to be close to 45 degrees just to clear the right hinge opening. I'll remove bracket like I did before.

Thanx all
Dean

 

[gh8toes]

QUOTE="Deanrd52, post: 654923, member: 28287"]
If Putco plugs into your 4way trailer connection, then be advised it will act like you have a trailer connected. That's why I wired at lights.
[/QUOTE]

Putco makes a light bar specifically for the F150 that uses Ford connectors, and won't interfere with the BLIS system, on board scales, or trailer connections. The connectors plug into each taillight and the 7 pin trailer connector behind the bumper. I would never have spent the money to buy one but had that $785 from Ford that I had to spend on Ford accessories (use it or lose it), so I bought the light bar and a pickup bed tent. Had they given me that $785 earlier, I would have used it to buy a bed cover or something more practical.

The Ford part number for light bar it is VRL3Z13B678C.

Putco part # 9201960-38
Putco 60" Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar Red/Amber/White LEDs & Plug-N-Play Quick Connect Harness -Fits Ford F150 2024-2025 -Only models w/OE LED Taillights & w/ OBS/TowTech

Video
Putco's NEW Blade Direct Fit LED Tailgate Light Bar Kit

Ford Part# for Napier Sportz Truck Tent => VAC3Z99000C38A

Napier Sportz Truck Tent

 

[cfullersu]

I just removed the bracket. installed the F150led tailgate light.

No issues with it removed.

any issues after having it removed for a few months? Do you haul anything with the tailgate down?

 

[johnmo61]

No issues, and yes I had tailgate down while hauling a few times with no problems.

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