Wiring Frontier Gear Headache Rack Lights Into A 4 Way Flat Trailer Connector On 2019 Ford F-150

Question:

I recently purchased a Frontier Gear Headache Rack 110-10-4009 that has two outer LED red lights and two clear/white lights that have three wires each. It didnt come with a wiring harness or recommendation for wiring. My truck is a 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat that does not have a brake controller but does have a factory 7 and 4 pin receptacle installed at the back bumper. I would like to wire the headache rack so that both the redbrake, turn, running and clear/white backing LED lights work, and to hopefully not cause problems with my back up camera. What product do you recommend? Thank you!

asked by: Scott P

Expert Reply:

Since we do not carry Frontier Gear headache racks, I do not have wiring diagrams or other installation instructions pertaining to this product. However, I can give some insight and do my best to point you in the right direction.

Since you have a 7 way on the back, you can just plug in Hopkins 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector - 11' Long # HM20048 which will provide the necessary lighting circuits for the headache rack. Use a tester such as # PTW2992 to determine the function of each wire when wiring the 7 way harness to the headache rack wiring. You will not use all 7 wires.

If you are planning on using your 7 way for a trailer, then it is typically best to wire the headache rack lights to the 4 way flat trailer plug at the back of your vehicle. This will provide the necessary turn signal, brake signal, and running light signal. Since you have clear lights for reverse lights on the rack, you will want to convert your 4 way flat to 5 way flat to get the reverse wire. Instead of using the 7 way adapter mentioned above, use Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design # HM47900 and connect the 4 way wiring to this 5 way. The 5th wire will tap into your vehicle's reverse wiring. Use a tester such as # PTW2992 if necessary to determine function of each wire.

You can then plug in 25 Ft 5-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground - 5' Auxiliary Wire # A25W5B and run the wires to your headache rack. The wiring harness on headache racks is typically as follows:
brown = tail light signal
yellow = left turn and brake
green = right turn and brake
white = ground

Then the reverse wiring on the headache rack can connect to the extra 5th wire on the wiring harness which is the wire that was tapped into your vehicle's reverse wiring. Your headache rack wiring may differ from the color codes mentioned above so it is a good idea to verify which wire connects to which light. I attached demonstration videos for you to check out. I also attached a wiring diagram for 5 way and 7 way plug.