Hey all, I’m looking for options to add a chase light on my 2024 F150 Raptor. I’m heading on a Baja run soon and need that and a radio. I’ve done some research but figured I’d ask this forum for actual pros and cons from those who have experience. What have some of you guys paid for labor on such parts? Thanks in advance! I’m a complete noob to this scene and this is my first Raptor.
I like the Bulletproof Diesel mount; it’s likely the one I’ll end up with. That said, I’ve heard some complaints that the included lights are a little dimmer than preferred.
Lots of people have recommended RPG as well. I just prefer using the factory brake light and camera.
@Vernon
Their version with TOMAR lights is super bright and fully programmable.
@Vernon
The RPG kit retains the factory camera and has built-in brake lights. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what you’re talking about.
Harley said:
@Vernon
The RPG kit retains the factory camera and has built-in brake lights. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what you’re talking about.
I just don’t like the appearance. I like the factory light with chase lights on the side.
For the chase light, I think it depends on how often you plan on doing this stuff. If it’s all the time, get a third brake light kit from someone like RPG. If it’s once a year, a suction cup mount or similar will be much cheaper for you. I have a Gen 1 but love my RPG third brake light. I have the S2 sports and think they are plenty bright.
For a radio, I run an ICOM 2730a. If you buy it yourself and not through a dealer, you’ll have to unlock it. It’s simple but requires a soldering iron.
Labor-wise, it’s all pretty easy to install at home yourself.
@Harley
Thanks for the info! Yeah, I’ll probably go on trips maybe 3 times a year for Baja runs with other Raptors since I live in San Diego. Plenty of people do two-day trips down south, and I want to join as much as I can. I just can’t find a reputable place near San Diego with reasonable pricing. I was quoted $550 for a rugged race radio and $800 to install it. I felt like $800 for labor was absurd, but I’m not sure. I’m pretty hands-on, but I’m hesitant to try this myself given the electronics and wiring. I know my truck has the aux connectors inside already, but I wouldn’t even know how to wire the lights to AUX1 or anything .
@Morgan
There are thousands of guides on YouTube and the Ford Raptor Forum on how to wire your aux switches up; why not give it a shot?
The RPG light comes with instructions on how to install everything. I can’t speak for other brands.
My ICOM and antenna was less than $400 total. It’s just one wire to run through the firewall to the battery, and that’s it. Then your antenna wire goes to your third brake light; you run it under your door sills. I mounted the radio body under my seat, and the head unit can go wherever you’d like. Mine is in my sunglasses holder, so it hides away when you don’t need it.
@Harley
There aren’t many Gen 3 Raptor hookup videos on YouTube. One guy did a complete video that’s pretty good though. You just need to know the best way to route through the firewall.
@Morgan
I bought the Rugged Radio and RPG chase lights. I installed them myself. I was concerned, but it wound up being pretty easy. I really like it because the lights are awesome, and the antenna mount is solid (I run a shorty from Rugged for around town and keep the whip behind the seat for longer runs).
I ordered Evil Offroads; they have the right length wiring harness for the S2 pods. I plan to do my own install but imagine a shop would charge about $1000-$1200 for the install, maybe less if you buy the kit through them.
I bought an ICOM radio with a remote face, put it in my sunglasses spot up high, and the radio body is under the passenger seat. I have a Bulletproof Diesel antenna mount with Baja lights.
Did the whole install myself; it wasn’t hard.
I also need this on mine as well. I think it’s a little crazy to spend almost $1000 for some chase lights; they are required for the rally, and I only rally once a year.
Ooh. My time to shine.
The brake light is dual-purpose: antenna mount and dust light. I have run or have experience with all of the options on my Baja Raptor runs.
GJ/Swarfworks—GJ sold to Swarfworks, and the delivery issues are solved. I run this one. You can do Baja Designs Sports or Pros; either works. The Sports are kinder on the person behind you.
Bulletproof Diesel has the best-made part. I find that the radio gets the best reception with this mount.
RPG is very similar to GJ; it’s tight to get the lights and all the wiring in it.
For the radio, I love the 2730. You can get a mount from Swarfworks that replaces the sunglasses holder with the head unit. Put the main unit under the passenger seat. Don’t wire to auxiliary; you need the cleanest power possible, either from the battery or the BCM fuse panel in the passenger kick panel. Don’t buy a Chinese radio from Rugged; buy ICOM or Kenwood.
For the antenna, you need a no ground plane half-wave antenna.
@Ren
Thanks for the feedback! I’m on Swarfworks’ website and I see the third brake light, but it’s asking me to choose three lights. I know this is such a noob question, but I have no idea what to put for the wiring harness since it has a few options: basic, reverse, plus AUX, and stop tail turn. I am beyond confused. If I get all three lights amber and the basic wiring harness, does that mean my actual brake lights won’t light up any longer when I brake during city driving? LOL, I’m so sorry, but I am clearly new to this.
Check out the Bullet Proof Diesel with TOMAR lights.
Whitney said:
Check out the Bullet Proof Diesel with TOMAR lights.
So let me get this right: is the Bulletproof Diesel just a cover for my OEM third brake lights so that I can just add an antenna for my communications? And the TOMAR lights I can buy and mount on my bed somewhere or one of the other mounts offered on their website?
Or am I wrong, and do the TOMAR lights actually go on the case of the Bulletproof case?
@Morgan
Yes, the TOMAR lights go on the Bulletproof case. Requires minor drilling, but it’s an easy install. The hardest part is running the cables.
I have no advice to offer, only to say that is a damn sexy truck!
Jody said:
I have no advice to offer, only to say that is a damn sexy truck!
Thank you! Kind sir.