Putco Freedom Blade Full Operational Review & Install Tips

[@adamg1408]

My biggest negative (at this time) for the Freedom Blade is the lag in response compared with the tail lights. It's one flash behind the body lights. I was hoping it wouldn't have any lag since I didn't recall seeing any in your original video.

[@Pyrojodge1]

So I'm not the only one that has an engine light when following Putcos instructions. Their customer service has been zero help and I've paid money out of my pocket to prove the issue is with the Freedom Blade. Thanks for the information!

[@Donslife]

Which vehicle do you have?

[@Pyrojodge1]

@Donslife 23 Sierra Denali

[@usmcmsgt5487]

I have this on my 2023 ZR2 and it works just like youve described. I also have the remote for it.

[@trm1011]

Hey I have a question for you if you don’t mind, how many wires came with you remote connect box, I have 6 and I’m just wondering if they sent me the wrong one, I have the 60” for a 21 Chevy Silverado thanks in advanced

[@gregparabak9028]

Hi. Is there any chance you can help me out? I just bought a 2024 AT4, and no one at GMC can confirm or deny if the backup camera should have a black and white night view, like every other backup camera I've ever seen. When it's dark, you can't see anything while backing up. Will the freedom bar stay on while I'm in reverse, and does it produce enough light to help with this horrible problem with the backup camera?

[@andreweich6906]

@ 2:15 - how did you go about connecting the wireless programming box?

[@DH-mi8do]

Nice 👍 that Borla exhaust 👌

[@Donslife]

I can’t argue with you on that one ☝️

[@buddyfd912]

Hello mr Don when removing your tailgate does it have automatic open and close mine has a nut and bolt on the passenger side is this gate spring loaded or does it come off like a regular tailgate I am afraid of taken this bolt out for fear of messing something up

[@mariohopkins4478]

Can you do a video like this for the virtual blade? I’m struggling with the fuse location on my gmc Sierra 2023. It won’t turn off

[@hungrynapps]

Wow that seems heavy duty jus for a light strip...but I like it

[@peetster3]

Mine was defective, 3/4 of the light bar did not work, maybe some kind of short in the LED’s , It would eventually light up after it warmed up (I think)I found this out after a full install. Putco is sending me a replacement, and it’s on the way after a several week wait. I was told manufacturing was waiting for more parts.

[@ttfahd]

I almost bought these yesterday......But with winters I couldn't do it with all the electronics under the truck, was thinking inside the bed, Then I was thinking alot of heat in there with my Bed cover ...Engine compartment ?

[@Donslife]

I think the product would hold up in all of those scenarios. The engine compartment would possibly soften the adhesive, so you’d probably want to use a secondary method to secure anything you add in that area.

[@DougT25427]

Great video Don This is one of the channel’s bread and butter productions. Another in depth video that surpasses the vendor’s product instructions. I bought the Putco Virtual animated grille lights after watching Don’s video but didn’t cough up the cash for the Freedom Blade. I installed one of Putco’s basic tailgate bars. All things considered it’s pretty pricey keeping up with all of the mods Don does to his AT4… 🤣🤣 As time goes by I could get bored with the basic tailgate light so I might be coming back to this video for help on the installation of a Freedom Blade.

[@Donslife]

Doug you are incredibly supportive. I try to be informative and build confidence in the DIY community. People can take the information from there. Hopefully they help the channel grow so we can keep doing more and more. 😊 I learned how to do things myself out of necessity. I grew up in a single parent household and learned to contribute at a young age. Life isn’t bad, but it isn’t always easy. Thank you for all of your comments.

[@DougT25427]

@@Donslife Some people have the gift of explaining complex things in a way that is easy for most to understand. Clearly you are one of them. I like your attention to detail too. I like seeing people who work hard succeed. While I've never produced a video I know from common sense alone we only see the end product... not the hours that went into the production. Luckily for me I am a long time Corvette fan. I'm looking forward to the new addition to the stable.

[@Donslife]

Soon!

[@colonelwilliamcarnallusa-r2812]

I very much appreciate your videos. I have a 24 GMC Denali 1500. I'm looking for your video on how to wire up a dash cam into the fuse panel in the truck. Can you help please

[@Donslife]

Thank you. Have you seen this video? HOW TO FUSE TAP - WATCH THIS FIRST - Micro2 & Micro3 Fuse Taps - Which is Better For Your Install? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6TfIWjbM-slck I also have a mirror tap video that allows you to get power from the mirror for a dash cam or radar detector

[@DKLabs99]

Maybe you’ve done it already, but I tapped into the garage door opener (home link) for constant power and heated steering wheel for accessory power

[@c.j.pearson6191]

Don, awesome video. I’m about to order this for my 24 Sierra Denali. Did all that wiring come stock with the freedom blade or is there something extra that I need to order? Thank you

[@Donslife]

Thanks. For my truck it came complete with the plug n play connector (which you need). It should for you too

[@c.j.pearson6191]

@@Donslife , okay sounds great. Thank you for the information

[@Donslife]

@c.j.pearson6191 don’t forget to use your promo code ‘Donslife’ I don’t know if it is case sensitive

[@c.j.pearson6191]

@@Donslife , will do. Thank you

[@c.j.pearson6191]

Is this the 60 or 40” on your truck?

[@derekznak1612]

I have a 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 duramax. Got this installed love it but this light bar has some serious lag issues which makes absolutely no sense what so ever when it’s all plug and play. My only Putco Blade never had any lag at all. If you have any suggestions plz lmk!!

[@derekznak1612]

Old*

[@daleschmitt2919]

Thank you

[@Donslife]

No problem

[@NeilCochenet]

I have it on my 22 refresh everything works but the reverse light . it’s plugged in but doesn’t do anything any idea.

[@Donslife]

Have you tested the white wire to see if voltage is present? You could cover the ambient light sensor on the dash and hit the door unlock to activate your reverse lights.

[@larrygoldman2530]

@@Donslife you mean voltage

[@Donslife]

Yes thank you

[@jackmeurs2438]

Nice review, Don. I have a Freedom Blade ordered for my 2023 Canyon Denali, still waiting for it to be shipped, can’t wait. Your videos are a great source of info. I have been looking for running board courtesy/signal lights, but they all seem to be led strips, and I don’t trust the quality of them. Have you looked into them?

[@donaldubdegrove6763]

We're you buy and exhaust sound amazing

[@Donslife]

Borla S-Type

[@donaldubdegrove6763]

Thank you sounds great put pairs exhaust like on my dodge charger srt

[@trixbedrik]

11:19 hi, it looks like light bar stays lit with the left signal but shuts off with the right. Why does it do that?

[@Donslife]

I filmed this a long time ago. I might have been pressing on the brake for one of them

[@alexisreyes5435]

Must have a Good truck Battery to with stand all those lights

[@Doudtsd]

Does the reverse light wash out the camera view?

[@Donslife]

No for me. I think because it is inset behind the outer tailgate skin quite a bit

[@estevansalas7670]

How to wire remote to freedom blade I received remote with 6 male connectors !!! And what to connect to in fuse box !!

[@Donslife]

Instructions here: www.putco.com/wp-content/uploads/90320I.pdf

[@johnlappe3102]

​ the link does not work

[@c.j.pearson6191]

Don! I sent you an email this morning. Requesting assistance with this install

[@realchurch2693]

That is cool and all but over $500? I will pass

[@Donslife]

Like I said, it is not for everyone. Thank you for watching 🙏

[@Dark3Kill3rr]

Rightt

[@coughyblack8924]

Horrible

[@Donslife]

Tragic