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Odd question about plate lights

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Old 10-18-2006
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Odd question about plate lights

I will probably have to wait for Pat (Doc) on this one but....Am I required to run both lights on my license plate? I was thinking about removing one and making the hole bigger so a 7-prong RV style plug would fit there. I am having trouble finding a place to install it so it looks clean. This was just an idea so if you have a better one post it up. Pics would be cool too!!!! Thanks a lot guys
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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maybe mount one behind the license plate? put the plate on a hinge?

thing i ran into was most cables on trialers are not that long, you will need to have it somewhat close to where the saftey chains hook up.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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I was thinking about the wires not being long enough. I know my trailer is or was gonna have to recheck since the BL. Most of my stuff uses a 4 flat and I have an extension for that anyway. I know you got a trailer brake setup, wheres your plug?
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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im trying to find a better pic but i had to put new wiring on my trailer even for this, because when i would turn it would pull the plug out. this is just with the BL but it is mounted the same on my truck still.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Every 7 prong trailer I have hauled had plenty of cable to make it to the plate area. Heck our horse trailer has to be looped several times around the Jack handle so it won't drag on the ground.

Re: Lisence lights

One is fine, have had many trucks over the years with on light and the other replaced with a 7 pin plug. My buick only has one light from the factory. I am right now working in running the 7 pin out of the passenger side light hole on my 77 GMC as I have a heavyduty Farm bumper that I can tow up to 10K pounds with. (not that I would! )

~HJ
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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i bought a kit like this but its not that style connector.
http://www.truckcustomizers.com/imag...4HOP428.10.jpg
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Here is what most of ours looked like (Minus the bull tescticles! ) it worked slick, all of the newer truck we had (2000+) had it from the factory the last one we added like this was my Pop's 1997 F-350 Crewcab.

 
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Old 10-18-2006
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I've done the exact thing on my truck, and been through inspection with no problems.... As long as you have enough light to see the plate in the dark. Some cars only have one light, though it usually is above the plate... I'll see if I have a picture of it.. BTW, it's an almost perfect fit if you get the harness made for a '97 Ford F150. It has a 4 pin, and a 7 pin built in. All you have to do is cut the plastic away to the size of the hole in the metal, and then drill holes for the 4 mounting screws. Works great to keep the wires up and out of the way...

Edit... I don't have a pic here at work, but if you want one, just let me know and I'll put one up tomorrow.

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Last edited by elmo_4_vt; 10-18-2006 at 10:00 AM.
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Old 10-18-2006
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Sweet! I might have some time this weekend to get it installed.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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This is pretty close to what I used, then I just cut off the connector and used crimp-on connectors to my existing 4-pin plug and taped them up with electrical tape/shrink wrap.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index....categoryID=210

 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Originally Posted by elmo_4_vt
This is pretty close to what I used, then I just cut off the connector and used crimp-on connectors to my existing 4-pin plug and taped them up with electrical tape/shrink wrap.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index....categoryID=210

Thats exactly what I have except the connector that you cut off was just a 4 flat so it just plugged into my factory connector. I still gotta get a brake controller for the ranger. The only reason I stepped up tp this connector was I got a new waverunner trailer that was wired with a 7 prong plug for some stupid reason and now I can pull our big trailer if necessary.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Why would a Wave Runner trailer need Trailer brakes? My boat weighs a heck of lot more than a couple of wave runners and I heven't even considered trailer brakes. WIerd

~HJ
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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The trailer doesn't have brakes it just has a 7 prong plug. I thought about rewiring it but then I would have to buy this thing anyway to pull out flatbed trailer anyway. So I just left the trailer alone. You should see that waverunner trailer. Fully welded Aluminum with all LED lights. I LOVE IT!!!!! Pulls so nice. Just needs some wider tires so it floats on the sand rather than dragging it through it on the beach.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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I have mine to the left of my license plate through my bumper. I love it. Looks pretty good and it's not going to get all smashed up when wheeling.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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That looks pretty good but my black plug would stick out and not look right there
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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The plug is only in when you're towing and need to connect it. I don't understand? You want it to look clean and everything when you're towing?
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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I put my controller under the steering wheel. If you want help with the wiring just let me know. I have a schematic and everything (yeah, I'm pretty ****)...



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Old 10-18-2006
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Originally Posted by outdoorsman
The plug is only in when you're towing and need to connect it. I don't understand? You want it to look clean and everything when you're towing?
I mean I don't want the plug socket hanging out below the bumper. I was gonna flush mount it to the left of the plate.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Originally Posted by elmo_4_vt
I put my controller under the steering wheel. If you want help with the wiring just let me know. I have a schematic and everything (yeah, I'm pretty ****)...



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I've seen this done under the steering wheel....and i've found that depending on position of the module it can be a real knee banger upon entering the vehicle. Thats the way it was on my mom's 4runner and I hit the thing almost every time that I get into her car.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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Originally Posted by Otis_Ranger
I've seen this done under the steering wheel....and i've found that depending on position of the module it can be a real knee banger upon entering the vehicle. Thats the way it was on my mom's 4runner and I hit the thing almost every time that I get into her car.
My truck I would know itz there. The only other person who drives the truck is my gf and she is short. I don't see a problem with it there for me. Zach, wheres is yours inside?
 
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For the electric brake controler I took out my ashtray (I don't smoke) and I installed my brake controler there. It sounds weird but it's a perfect fit and installs in existing holes. I'd be happy to take a picture of it if you'd like. Just let me know. I'm proud of my brake controler location becuse I haven't seen one done like it yet, along with the wiring harness/7 round through the bumper.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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That won't work for me. I have a center console that covers where the ash tray was.
 
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Old 10-18-2006
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As long as your license plate is fully illuminated and visible at 50ft you are ok in PAif you still need to know...
 
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Old 10-19-2006
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Originally Posted by doc
As long as your license plate is fully illuminated and visible at 50ft you are ok in PAif you still need to know...
Thanks Pat. I was still curious but as it turns out I have a bulb out on my plate anyway.
 
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Old 10-19-2006
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what is the extra 3 pins for? my truck came pre wired with a 4 pin.
 


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