Trailer hitch brake light

[Dad]

In my desire to make my Maverick less prone to being rear-ended, I decided to install one of those trailer hitch brake lights that connects to the trailer light port. At the same time, I forgot about how the Maverick will disable the side traffic alert feature which is non-negotiable keeper. I'm guessing my alternative would be to find a unit that I can splice into the brake wiring directly, rather than using the built-in port. I'm thinking I could just remove the pin connector, find which wires are for the brake/rear lamp, and run them directly. No doubt will need to split and extend in order to reach the rear light pods, but that's a simple task. I have no issues tapping into existing wiring having done so multiple times on various vehicles, but would welcome any feedback from any member who's done similar with a hitch light.

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[Hot Runr Guy]

FWIW, there's no "tap" in either taillight for a brake-only signal. You'll have to make that connection up in your 3rd brake light harness.

HRG

 

[Dad]

FWIW, there's no "tap" in either taillight for a brake-only signal. You'll have to make that connection up in your 3rd brake light harness.

HRG

Thanks for the info. That would be a long run and a bit awkward getting past the bed and up into the well that houses that light system.
Let's say I splice into the brake/turn signal lamp wire. Would that not give me same type lighting to the hitch light?

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Thanks for the info. That would be a long run and a bit awkward getting past the bed and up into the well that houses that light system.
Let's say I splice into the brake/turn signal lamp wire. Would that not give me same type lighting to the hitch light?

Yes, if you don't mind the trailer hitch light flashing when the turn signal is on.

HRG

 

[Pointyears]

I'd almost be more inclined to get a brighter LED bulb for your third brake light, especially considering how low the Mav sits.

 

[Dad]

Yes, if you don't mind the trailer hitch light flashing when the turn signal is on.

HRG

Yeah, I figured that would be the result of a direct splice. Not sure if I would want that. Confusing for those in the rear? Anyway, appreciate your input.

 

[Dad]

I'd almost be more inclined to get a brighter LED bulb for your third brake light, especially considering how low the Mav sits.

That's an excellent idea. So much so, that it was one of the first modifications I made when I first got the truck. Definitely worth repeating here. The one I used is a 3x strobe as well.
You're right. The Mav's rear bumper does sit lower than most trucks. I'm trying to cover anywhere a rear driver's eyes might wander.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

You could get fancy with diodes and pull a wire from BOTH turn signals to your hitch light. I haven't done it but it should work, in theory.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

That's an excellent idea. So much so, that it was one of the first modifications I made when I first got the truck. Definitely worth repeating here. The one I used is a 3x strobe as well.
You're right. The Mav's rear bumper does sit lower than most trucks. I'm trying to cover anywhere a rear driver's eyes might wander.

If that's the case.
You're going to have to cover their PHONE.
You're fooling yourselves.
No amount of brake lights are brightness is going to stop something like this....

 

[Maverick_Dad]

I have the one from Diode Dynamics and I also did the XPR bulb for the third brake light. It doesn't light up with the brake light, but it won't mess with the trailer system since it's harnessed off of the brake lights. It does work as a reverse light though which does help a lot at night.

o

 

[Don806]

Not a hitch light, but there is a device for topper brake light that would work well. Let me find the post but a pic is attached how it wires.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/alibaba-topper.58645/page-9#post-1057809

 

[OleFordGuy]

not sure but would the curt wiring harness adapter work? a little pricey but seems easy and clean. Seen post with them being used for the led light bars under the tailgate
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/56477

 

[Dad]

I have the one from Diode Dynamics and I also did the XPR bulb for the third brake light. It doesn't light up with the brake light, but it won't mess with the trailer system since it's harnessed off of the brake lights. It does work as a reverse light though which does help a lot at night.

o

The Diode Dynamics backup light is a nice package. A bit too pricey for me and since I replaced the the incan reverse lights with LEDs I get plenty of lighting, so I'm more focused on brake lighting. Thanks for your post. Appreciate the information and I'm sure others will find your recommendation just what they're looking for.

 

[Dad]

not sure but would the curt wiring harness adapter work? a little pricey but seems easy and clean. Seen post with them being used for the led light bars under the tailgate
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/56477

The problem is that the Maverick will sense anything connected to the trailer port (4 or 7) and assume you have a trailer and will disable the rear collision alert you get when you're in reverse. I have no information regarding how those led light bars under the tailgate avoid that scenario if they use the trailer hitch port. Maybe they're spliced directly to the brake/turn signal wires.
Appreciate your input.

 

[Bob S]

I ended up installing the Curt wiring harness to put brake lights on my bike rack. It's a bit expensive, but seemed the easiest way to keep the side traffic alert. It does seem to be about $40 cheaper on Amazon right now though.

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