Unique Use of Putco Tailgate LED Bars - Mount to Back Glass

[levcuthbert]

Hear me out... I've had several trucks with LED tailgate bars. I've always liked them. When I picked up my new to me '23 Ram Limited, I jumped on Putco's website to see what was available these days and saw instead of the typical 60" bar, they offered a pair of 18" bars. So instead of under the tailgate, I've attached them to the top of the back glass and the wires hide perfectly behind the edge of the glass. They have Running light, Brake, Amber turn, and white reverse functionality. I think they turned out pretty slick! 1 month in, holding up great to frequent car washes as well.

 

[firemedic10584]

I don't hate it, but I don't love it. I'm currently in the market to do something for additional brake/turn lights for my 2025. My only gripe with this is, when your running lights are on, it looks as if your 3rd brake/top mount brake light is on, which could cause issues with drivers thinking you're braking if you're actually not. Other than that, looks wise, I think it's pretty slick and something I'm going to look at for my truck as well.

Where did you run the wiring to? Down and to the tail lights for your connections or to the trailer connection wiring behind the bumper?

 

[levcuthbert]

I don't hate it, but I don't love it. I'm currently in the market to do something for additional brake/turn lights for my 2025. My only gripe with this is, when your running lights are on, it looks as if your 3rd brake/top mount brake light is on, which could cause issues with drivers thinking you're braking if you're actually not. Other than that, looks wise, I think it's pretty slick and something I'm going to look at for my truck as well.

Where did you run the wiring to? Down and to the tail lights for your connections or to the trailer connection wiring behind the bumper?

The kit from Putco came with all the wiring needed to mount them to the tailgate area (trailer wiring plug Y-adapter). Then I bought a trailer wiring extender from Amazon to be able to use them in this location. I currently have the Putco "controller box" thing mounted behind the bedside area. If I were to do it over again, I may have mounted the LED strips with the wiring running to the center and then have that conrol box behind the 3rd brake light/inside the headliner, which would make it last a lot longer not being outside in the elements. If the double-sided tape ever wears out on the LED bars, I will make this change.