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Putting lights on bike rack

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TCretro

TCretro

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I knew that.
I was asking the OP Paul specifically why he chose not to use the OEM receptacle.
Thanks Glen, I should apologize for not correctly posting my problem. I have another job going on and I mixed the information I posted. I did use the plug that came with unit. The picture shows the 4 flat and then splits to each light. When plugged into truck the only part that would work was the running lights. I tested each contact on the 4 flat on a seperate battery I have, and every thing works fine. I have ran into this before when I would add led lights to motorcycles and would get hyper flash and I would either install a different flasher unit or wire in a load resistor. I think it is the led lights don't draw enough juice to activate the unit on the Maverick. Hope this clears up the info this old man posted. I'm experienced in 12 v wiring issues until it gets to the new stuff where computers are in the equation.

Ford Maverick Putting lights on bike rack IMG_5168
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I'm experienced in 12 v wiring issues until it gets to the new stuff where computers are in the equation.

IMG_5168.webp
Does your VOM have the ability to measure DC Amp draw? If so, it would be interesting to see if there's a difference between these and any replacements you might try.

HRG
 
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Does your VOM have the ability to measure DC Amp draw? If so, it would be interesting to see if there's a difference between these and any replacements you might try.

HRG
I checked the amp draw on the one I have, the running light is .38 amp and the brake light is .78 amp. When I get another one I'll check it. I wonder what amp it takes for the flasher unit in the Maverick to operate.
 

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I have a 2026 Hybrid xlt base. I use a 2 place bike rack for my 2" hitch. It works fine for the purpose, but I wanted to add led lights on it to help drivers behind me see braking, turning or stopping. I used a 4 way plug but the brake and turn signals don't work because the led doesn't draw enough juice to activate the blinker. Anybody have any ideas other than wiring in load resistors. If i understand the Maverick doesn't have flasher units.
If by 4 way plug you mean trailer plug you'll need factory receptacle or one with a relay box. you can't just tap into your lights.
 

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Yes it is factory hitch with a 4 way outlet. It is the 2 k version , not the 4 k.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. The hitch and 4 way outlet are factory. I think ford called it the 2 k trailer package. I just used the 4 way flat plug of my own to plug into factory outlet.
What you did works on a 2022.
🤷🏻‍♂️. Good Luck.
 

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I checked the amp draw on the one I have, the running light is .38 amp and the brake light is .78 amp. When I get another one I'll check it. I wonder what amp it takes for the flasher unit in the Maverick to operate.
So just for $hits and grins, I tested my Shoreland'r boat trailer, which has LED running/taillights, and brake/turn lights. Using a 12V DC battery source, each turn signal only drew .127 amps, the running/taillights all together drew .637 amps. The turn signals work just fine at a 1/8th amp draw.

I'm suspect of that original light kit you tried.

HRG

Ford Maverick Putting lights on bike rack IMG_2005[1]
Ford Maverick Putting lights on bike rack IMG_2006[1]


Ford Maverick Putting lights on bike rack IMG_2005[1]


Ford Maverick Putting lights on bike rack IMG_2006[1]
 
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So just for $hits and grins, I tested my Shoreland'r boat trailer, which has LED running/taillights, and brake/turn lights. Using a 12V DC battery source, each turn signal only drew .127 amps, the running/taillights all together drew .637 amps. The turn signals work just fine at a 1/8th amp draw.

I'm suspect of that original light kit you tried.

HRG

IMG_2005[1].webp
IMG_2006[1].webp


IMG_2005[1].webp


IMG_2006[1].webp
Interesting, yea I tried the one I have and now only one light works, and of course it's just past the return window. I'll find another use for it. I'm gonna research some others when I get back from this lengthy road trip I'm taking with the Maverick. I'm sure I'll post something about how the Maverick did for 6000 mile trip. Thanks for taking the time to test your setup. Good information to know.
 
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So just for $hits and grins, I tested my Shoreland'r boat trailer, which has LED running/taillights, and brake/turn lights. Using a 12V DC battery source, each turn signal only drew .127 amps, the running/taillights all together drew .637 amps. The turn signals work just fine at a 1/8th amp draw.

I'm suspect of that original light kit you tried.

HRG

IMG_2005[1].webp
IMG_2006[1].webp


IMG_2005[1].webp


IMG_2006[1].webp
Hrg, you said you tried it from a 12v battery source. Was that battery source your Maverick. Thanks
 

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Works great using the factory 4 prong plug unless I’m in neutral tow mode so I purchased a separate Curt Mfg harness to have a second four prong plug to run the bike rack lights



 
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Works great using the factory 4 prong plug unless I’m in neutral tow mode so I purchased a separate Curt Mfg harness to have a second four prong plug to run the bike rack lights



You mind sharing a link for the one you have. Looks great. Thanks.
 
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Hrg, you said you tried it from a 12v battery source. Was that battery source your Maverick. Thanks
No. I used a standalone battery. But, I've towed that boat trailer multiple times with my Maverick, with no light issues. Even before the recall was done.

HRG
 

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Thanks Glen, I should apologize for not correctly posting my problem. I have another job going on and I mixed the information I posted. I did use the plug that came with unit. The picture shows the 4 flat and then splits to each light. When plugged into truck the only part that would work was the running lights. I tested each contact on the 4 flat on a seperate battery I have, and every thing works fine. I have ran into this before when I would add led lights to motorcycles and would get hyper flash and I would either install a different flasher unit or wire in a load resistor. I think it is the led lights don't draw enough juice to activate the unit on the Maverick. Hope this clears up the info this old man posted. I'm experienced in 12 v wiring issues until it gets to the new stuff where computers are in the equation.
Thank you for the added details.
Kind of sucks, if the light is inop and it's past the return date.

Have a safe trip.

GB
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