Wiring Access hole from rear/bed to cab

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Gerald

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Great info for getting into the cab. But if you're items (lights for example) are outside the cab in the bed and you're trying to route the wires to the upfitter wire leads available in the engine compartment, why route the wires into the cab? Seems like it would be easier to stay outside the cab and run inside or along the frame to get to the upfitter wires in the engine compartment.
 

goblues38

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, why route the wires into the cab? Seems like it would be easier to stay outside the cab and run inside or along the frame to get to the upfitter wires in the engine compartment.

The distance between the up fitter wires down to the underside of the truck is a difficult place to secure wires. There is no easy way to secure them, and that area is exposed. Possible to catch the wires on a tree branch, or rock, and have them ripped out. Causing all kinds of damage. Being inside the cab wherever possible is always better.
 

Gerald

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The distance between the up fitter wires down to the underside of the truck is a difficult place to secure wires. There is no easy way to secure them, and that area is exposed. Possible to catch the wires on a tree branch, or rock, and have them ripped out. Causing all kinds of damage. Being inside the cab wherever possible is always better.
Ahh. Now I understand. Thanks for the reply. I recently installed the S2 reverse lights and ran the harness inside the frame so the wires would be protected from what you're describing. It was a little bit of a PITA, but with patience and a little help from the kids, we got it done. I plan to install another spot in the bed on a swing arm and I was planning to do a similar wire routing throug the frame for protection.
 
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ShadowRaptor

ShadowRaptor

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Great info for getting into the cab. But if you're items (lights for example) are outside the cab in the bed and you're trying to route the wires to the upfitter wire leads available in the engine compartment, why route the wires into the cab? Seems like it would be easier to stay outside the cab and run inside or along the frame to get to the upfitter wires in the engine compartment.

In my recent experience, it was a pita to run the wires inside the passenger side rail. Although they have small holes, you have to do it in small sections, just to get to the hood area. (using reach tool, or wire snake)
I also ran with an issue with the cross welds towards the center, I couldnt get my 7awg wire to fit through, so I had to run part of my wiring out the center and in again. (This was a thick wire for my dual battery setup)
If you have bed/ roll bar light, its easier route the wire from top, in between the bed and cab area and into this hole imho. Its also in close proximity to the bed access hole.
 

justcozz

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I have run most of my lighting wires through the frame from the rear to the engine compartment. This will be super handy for an antenna wire I need to run tonight though. Thanks for the detailed instructions and pictures showing the location. I was going to poke around when I got home and you just saved me at least 30 minutes of looking.
 
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ShadowRaptor

ShadowRaptor

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I have run most of my lighting wires through the frame from the rear to the engine compartment. This will be super handy for an antenna wire I need to run tonight though. Thanks for the detailed instructions and pictures showing the location. I was going to poke around when I got home and you just saved me at least 30 minutes of looking.
:)
Im sure the exisitng hole can be “widened” as needed...I was looking into doing something similar and run a CB antenna cable through that same area. Widening it a little to make it round, might even work better for those who want to use rubber grommets, instead of RTV sealant.
 

sixshooter_45

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Thanks guys! :)
Hopefully someone can use this in the future.

Thanks for the great write up, wasn't really sure but was guessing that's the way to use the pass through wires.

For outside lights I'll probably run the wires through the frame and try to figure out a way to attach them some way as to protect them as they're ran up to the uplifter switches but the pass through wires will come in real handy when wiring interior products.
 
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ShadowRaptor

ShadowRaptor

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You’re all welcome.:)
Imho, if you need to do any wiring closer to the bed, from outside and plan to use the pass thru wires, then this would “make sense”. (as ford has the oem harness channel running from the back to front under the door sill trim) I also found the negative/ ground location by the fuse box to be quite convenient. lol
 

DINOZR

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Thanks so much for posting this. I need to get an ignition switched wire from the kick panel fuse box into the bed. This route and access looks perfect. I may drill out that hole to a standard round size and use a grommet.
 
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