GEN 2 Rear wiring through or outside frame?

[JohnyPython]

I’m getting ready to run the wires for my S1s and was wondering what everyone thinks?



I was gonna go through the trouble of fishing the wires through the frame for a cleaner look.
Negatives - PITA to do, possible damage to wires from rubbing on inside and frame holes
As far as I can see, Ford didn’t route any wires through the frame.

The closer I get, I think that routing wires beside the frame is easier and is the way to go.

I’m using silicone insulated 14ga wires and split loom tubing so that’s no problem.

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Up high and beside the frame should be fine, I agree

 

[Specialtyperformanceparts]

I’m getting ready to run the wires for my S1s and was wondering what everyone thinks?



I was gonna go through the trouble of fishing the wires through the frame for a cleaner look.
Negatives - PITA to do, possible damage to wires from rubbing on inside and frame holes
As far as I can see, Ford didn’t route any wires through the frame.

The closer I get, I think that routing wires beside the frame is easier and is the way to go.

I’m using silicone insulated 14ga wires and split loom tubing so that’s no problem.View attachment 169295

We have had several customers run their through the frame and they were very happy with the results. Many of them were very novice installers and they had great results. As far as rubbing, as long as there is a good loom or covering over your wire harness, you should be fine. To run the wires, you can get a coat hanger to fish through the holes in the frame in different sections, or they do make wire routing cables specifically for that. Running wires through tight places. It is quite common in ceilings with computer cable or electrical cable.

We ourselves though, typically run the wire up the outside of the frame away from the exhaust. Zip tie it tight all the way so it doesn't droop down and touch anything.

This is an install video I did a while back. I think I will remake another one soon, but it should help you see the best areas to go to.

John

 

[dixonk]

The frame has enough holes in it to be able to fish it through all the way to the engine compartment. I ran a heavy gauge power wire for my fridge and was able to get it from battery to the bed in less than an hour.

For reverse lights there are harnesses that tap into the rear light though and no need to run it up to the front…unless you are trying to put them on the upfitters.

 

[Specialtyperformanceparts]

The frame has enough holes in it to be able to fish it through all the way to the engine compartment. I ran a heavy gauge power wire for my fridge and was able to get it from battery to the bed in less than an hour.

For reverse lights there are harnesses that tap into the rear light though and no need to run it up to the front…unless you are trying to put them on the upfitters.

Yep, we just release the first one that you don't need to "TAP" anything. You just plug in the adaptor to the tail light. That saves you from potential wire corrosion and warranty issues.

Here is a link to a plug n play harness version if that what you would rather do. Not use the upfitters...

SPV Parts SHORT LENGTH REAR Harness w/ Taillight adapter - SPV Harness System (Works with MANY vehicles, See Details)

SHORT LENGTH REAR LIGHT HARNESS - Includes Tail Light Adapter MAIN APPLICATION/DESCRIPTION- Already cut to length, just plug in a pair of lights in the REAR of your vehicle. This harness will run from one rear light, to the other rear light and out to a pair of connections that you will simply...

specialtyperformanceparts.com

OR

If you want a plug n play version with both the tail light adapter and the full harness, you can get this one.

SPV Parts FULL LENGTH REAR Harness - SPV Harness System (Works with MANY vehicles, See Details)

2017-2019 Raptor Custom fog harness for Rigid Industries D-Series Pro fog lights! Don't worry about messing with the wiring yourself, let us do it for you! Pick up your fog harness and join the SPV family today!

specialtyperformanceparts.com

And add the adaptor

SPV Parts Harness Taillight Connector Adapter (Powers Reverse Lights/Backlights) - SPV Harness System (Works with MANY vehicles, See Details)

Tail Light Adapters MAIN APPLICATION/DESCRIPTION- These add on adapters connect to the factory tail lights of MOST vehicles. (More makes/models coming soon) You simply plug the adapter into your tail light, and the factory harness into it. The other end connects to our FULL LENGTH Rear Harness...

specialtyperformanceparts.com

Or just get the adaptor and splice into your aftermarket harness if you don't mind doing that.

Lots of options.

Just be sure you have LOOM or a protective coating on your wires and you'll be fine.

John

 

[JohnyPython]

Sorry, should have said I’m running to the upfitter switches only.

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

I have a cheap electrician's tape (?) from Harbor Frieght. Pulled my harness through the frame all the way from the front with the greatest of ease. No zip ties to break, nothing to snag on anything. Upfitter switch only. No regrets.

 

[Sonicsunspot]

Agree with frame comments above. I ran wire through the passenger side frame and had no issues. There is a bend near the back axle where it gets a bit tight, but it’s not that bad. I think the wire pulling part took maybe 30 minutes most of which was maneuvering my old body around under the truck.

 

[Oldfart]

I put a plastic loom on mine and ran it through the passenger side frame. I used a fish tape to pull it through. I found 2 difficult spots about half way through, just had to **** around a little to get it through.

 

[Rollofire]

I wrapped my S1 wires in electrical tape and ran mine through the frame. It was very easy to do ( maybe 30 min ) I just cant stand to see Zip ties al over the place, very cheap looking. Through the frame is a much CLEANER look.