RECON cab light install on 2017-2020 F250 with no OEM cab lights

[@JF-gz1hh]

Thanks!!! Just completed this job for my grandpa on his 2022 f-250 without a sunroof! Couldn’t have done it without your guidance.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad i could help!

[@fhelliottingram5032]

This is a great tutorial. You have covered everything in detail. Thanks for your time putting it together. I am going to install some clearance lights on my 2020 F350 Lariat with sunroof. I was quoted $1600 to install by a Ford dealership. I purchased the lights and will do my own install. Thanks again.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Yeah, they told me the same thing.. and I had the same thought. You can do it, just take your time and measure twice..or 5 times, then drill :)

[@afjets20]

Did mine today. Came out great but the only thing I would do different is put the center lights at 6.5 back instead of 6. Still works to clear brace near sunroof and give front screws more clearence.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Awesome! And great to hear there's room for that. Cheers!

[@trevorh9197]

Great video. I measured a factory sunroof with clearance light 2022 f250 platinum. The lights sit 6 3/8” back from the top of the windshield. Hope this helps in the future

[@kasewilliams6848]

Just an fyi, I drill and add cameras and all sorts of stuff to transit vans for a living. Take a piece of metal tubing and cut it to a length just shorter than your drill bit and it will stop the bit from going too deep. Just make sure the metal tube wont scuff any paint that will be seen

[@rfriend818]

I appreciate videos like these! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad you like them!

[@Mexican16thst]

Did mines on 7/15/2023, for the ones that are still wanting to install and want a close update. Going back 6.75 is perfect. Enough to avoid the aluminum bar for trucks with sunroof. Also they ask for middle ones to be gapped at 7 inches from the middle one. I notice that on f250s that come with them they have em much closer rather than the 7inches. One thing i would do if i was to help a buddy out with their truck is give it a gap of 6.25 inch insead if the 7 inch gap so it can look more like oem. Idk why they put 7 inch gap. They def need to update their dimension paper

[@reecedowler]

I measured a factory one and the three center ones were 7" center to center on the mounting bolts

[@Mexican16thst]

See, 7inch center to center sounds a whole lot better & much like OEM, i wish i would of measured OEM 3 middles ones first. The drawing RECON gives you shows 7inch gap im between them, not center to center. Which sucks because now i can see a big difference when looking at my 3 middles ones & OEM ones. Is now been 7 months and i still cant go to sleep happy. Im thinking of fixing that soon just because it bothers me so much.

[@Shad0wC0mpany2]

Great work! I found it helpful to add a little bit of blue loctite on the screws so that they don’t back out over time.

[@FatherSonGarage]

great idea!

[@jsenger79]

Wow, great job. Love the attention to detail. You've certainly helped give me confidence that I can do it on my '20 Lariat.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Great to hear, Thanks! It'll be great, good luck!

[@662OutdoorAdventures]

Great job on the video! My wife got me the lights for Christmas, now I can get them installed!

[@FatherSonGarage]

awesome! Wish my wife would buy me truck stuff!

[@paulnort6379]

Thanks for sharing this I found out I had ordered the wrong set of lights.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad I could help!

[@lonestarcollectiblezcom2602]

Great video and you did an excellent job sir! Cool looking pickup truck! Thanks

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@christiandavis3910]

I installed mine on February first of this year. They’re magically toast as of a few days ago. Sucks these lights only come with a 90 day warranty. No leaking or anything, they just went out.

[@macd3394]

Got mine done on my 2020 f250! Thank you for the great pointers.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@Xtinnoker]

Looks real nice, I must have the older set of lights from recon, They only have one screw hole. Looked very straight forward of a install. Well done...

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks, the truck looks so much better with them I think. what do you drive?

[@Xtinnoker]

18 F350 SLB

[@FatherSonGarage]

@@Xtinnoker nice. I had a '17 until last fall when a salesman suckered me into this new one.. shoulda known better than to walk in there.. share a pic when you're done. Cheers

[@nicholasbrockeveldt4563]

Awesome video ! Very well made ! Easy directions. Thank you

[@javier9702]

Thanks for the info on your installation.it was very helpful 😊

[@GSEShop]

Great job, I am looking at new f150 and f250 and all my trucks have had clearance lights.

[@321donnie]

Clearence lights don't go on half tons lol

[@GSEShop]

@@321donnie they used to

[@yorlanaleman831]

Helpful video. I wonder how are they holding up. Any leaks or problems with them.

[@FatherSonGarage]

They've been great so far. But I just sold the truck! On to new projects!

[@surginator713]

I’m looking at this three years later. Any issues? Leaks? Regrets?

[@xInsaneRagex]

My 20 platinum tremor is about to get those hook ups but by professional. the drilling scares me

[@vitormorita491]

Can I use one of the OEM switches on the ceiling to turn them on/off? Would be easier to connect the wires?

[@original72canuck]

Thanks for the install video, as I'm planning to do the same thing to my 2020 F250 king ranch and am just starting the research on the 'how' and 'what'... Am considering the Recon and well as Atomic products right now. Others have said the atomic brand is a higher quality light, and I like the idea of being able to strobe them as well. But I sure like the much cleaner, more reliable, and nearly plug and play install of the Recons so I'm a bit torn at the moment. Were there other brands you considered as well?

[@FatherSonGarage]

That's a great question. I looked at everything from the Amazon special to the Recon and Atomic. I think they are all pretty close. I like the flasher too but didn't think it would get any use since I use the truck for hauling a 5th wheel mostly. It really comes down to why I drive a Ford over a Chevy (cause it's better of course! lol) but it's really just preference. When you get to quality brands they are all good and all have one thing they do better than others. in my case the clincher was the nice harness and the shape of the lights themselves. Good luck on your install!

[@TrentWangsgard]

Did you have problems with them not working when the truck is running? Mine work perfectly until the truck is running. they light up in a flashing pattern then go solid but only when it’s not running.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Never had any issues.. sounds like you may have tapped into an incorrect wire though...

[@elijahallen1660]

I’m running into the same problem. Did you find a fix?

[@taylorburford5246]

I have same problem any fix?

[@boostautoparts]

@@taylorburford5246 more than likely your truck originally had halogen headlights, is that right? If so, a lot of the competitions lights won't work. Ours will though!

[@samuelolivares6671]

Cool install. Let us know if any issues down the road

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks! will do. Are you with Recon?

[@samuelolivares6671]

@@FatherSonGarage No, I just purchased a 2020 f250 and want to install these lights as well. But have mixed reviews of leaking issues. Seems like you really thought it through and took your time. Great work! I just don’t have the guts to do it myself and I don’t trust anyone with my $80k truck.

[@FatherSonGarage]

@@samuelolivares6671 heh, I understand that. I do a lot of restoration work (you can see a 77 Jeep CJ7 I'm rebuilding through the windshield of the truck in the video) so I'm a little more used to drilling holes in things that shouldn't normally be drilled into. Good luck when you get to it. Remember not to overtighten the screws, it can put too much pressure on the clear lens and crack it. Cheers!

[@scottdilworth9616]

I'm having trouble getting the wires to de-pin with the tool. It's a bit difficult to tell on the video exactly where the tool is being inserted. Any recommendations?

[@lukebrwntube]

Great video and very through! I’ve been looking for a solid install video for this body style for quite some time. I have a 2017 F-150 with the sunroof and am hoping to get the guts to attempt this install soon. I did a similar install on my precious 2003 Silverado 1500 but that wasn’t near as nice as my current truck. Also hoping that Ford had that clearance light prep installed on F-150’s so I can just connect them there and not have to do a whole bunch of wiring.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad it will help! I don't think you'll have the pre-wire but it's just two wires. You can ground almost anywhere and find a marker light wire under the dash easily enough. You'll get it. Good luck!

[@greggorysr1541]

I’m in the same boat as well. I’ve been looking for a video for a very long time and I think this is going to be the one to help me out.

[@sweet0891]

Thanks so much for this great installation video! Just checking to see if you still haven’t had any issues especially the tpms interference that a lot of 2018/2019 models are having and/or any leaking? Thanks again!

[@FatherSonGarage]

Glad it was helpful! I haven't had any issues at all, it's been great!

[@tomashernandez7671]

what distance did you end up going with on the outside lights 5” or 6”?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I have to admit i don't even remember anymore! I traded the truck a while back so i can't even check.. but I THINK it was 6".. best to measure yourself now!

[@lt_hammerfist5532]

Appreciate the video partner you just gave me the gumption I needed to drill holes in my 2020. 😂

[@FatherSonGarage]

lol, don't worry, it only scares the heck outta you for a bit.. once you're committed though you figure you might as well do em all! good luck!

[@MrLaurencehull]

Thanks for the video- does the amber match the ford amber from the rest of the lights well?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Close enough that i never noticed a difference!

[@setlikeamf]

Looks good. Do they sit flush with the body? I had them installed on a 2020 F250, no sunroof and they don’t sit flush.

[@FatherSonGarage]

There was a little gap on the curve but I sealed them on using black RTV so the gap is gone and it looks flush

[@caseystjames32]

Is there a difference between these lights and FORD OEM LED's? I just got a 2021 F250 and was looking to install cab lights, my 2017 F250 had factory LED's and they were awesome. BTW great video.

[@FatherSonGarage]

The oem lights need a bigger, rectangular hole made because the base of the light fits into it for the wiring. These ones needed only a small hole which was easier to protect and cover. They are otherwise pretty similar. Good luck!

[@michaelmisilo6411]

I just installed Cab over America lights saves so much more time. No drilling necessary! Great video still!

[@FatherSonGarage]

nice. I saw the wireless ones too but didn't like the problems people said they were having with connectivity. it's a toss up. I had to drill but it's always connected and no batteries to change either! both solutions are good. Cheers!

[@jordanglaze345]

Have you had issues with the lights not holding a charge?? I bought COA lights and after 3 sets I’m done with them!! Taking them off tomorrow and installing these Recons!!

[@kellybyrd9772]

Great video. Are you still happy with them or do you wish you wouldn't have done them?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Hello, I no longer have the truck but I was always happy I had done it. I have a different truck now that also doesn't have them and I'm planning to add them soon. Cheers!

[@kellybyrd9772]

@@FatherSonGarage thanks for the response. Good luck with the new one.

[@explorationsrenovations5982]

Great video. Loved the detail. Question, when you inserted the wire leads into the plug connector how did you secure them?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks! Do you mean the ones I popped out? They just click right back in!

[@explorationsrenovations5982]

@@FatherSonGarage no. The male end that attached attached to the ford harness in the A-pillar

[@FatherSonGarage]

@@explorationsrenovations5982 oh, I just cut the ford plug off and wired them directly with butt connectors and heat shrinks. Not something I"m likely going to ever take apart so to permanent connection was fine for me. cheers!

[@thesouparmy15]

What style lights? Couldn’t tell. XENON, LED (bar or not). Great video!

[@FatherSonGarage]

LED, just the ones that came from Recon. Cheers!

[@nathanrobinson1174]

One day old with alot of black rtv mine all but one have moisture in them hope recom will warrenty them did urs get any moisture yet

[@FatherSonGarage]

A couple of mine had moisture a year and some later, but they dried out and kept working so no big complaints. Just sold the truck so won't matter to me anymore! Lol

[@tstaake]

Did everything go back solid or was there any noticeable wiggle-room/looserness in the headliner/a-pillar covers?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Everything went back very solid, no problems at all there!

[@williamault7856]

I want to buy them for my excursion but I don’t have pre existing can lights? How do I get the plug installed to have lights installed?

[@FatherSonGarage]

you can really just wire them into any marker light harness or wire. You'll have to see what wires are there for your excursion and tap into them, there's no plug that I'm aware of!

[@rjkusse]

3 years in....any leaking issues?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I don't have the truck anymore but i never had any issues with leaks. I had it for about a year after i did this.

[@davidserbicki5962]

Hey awesome video!! How did you get your wires to stay in that plug?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I think i ended up just popping the plug off and using heat shrunk connectors!

[@ferdinandracsa2067]

Can you please share the complete part number for this with the wiring harness? Thanks

[@FatherSonGarage]

I don't have a part number sorry.. you can get the light kit from recon, i just made the rest of it :)

[@ferdinandracsa2067]

@@FatherSonGarage ok thanks

[@clydebarrow6116]

Hey brother, very informative video. Quick question, I’m about to install my lights tomorrow. And I’m curious how you tested the lights before connecting to the plug in the A pillar. Also, would it be smart to go ahead and test them before installing in the roof?

[@FatherSonGarage]

The harness came with all the individual lights connected so I only had two wires. When I found the plug in the A post I just used a test light to find the hot wire and hooked them up. Peice of cake. Good luck!

[@bobbyeakes8378]

Where did you get the plug for the wiring harness to plug into the truck

[@FatherSonGarage]

I didn't use a ford plug, I used a couple of electrical connectors that I modified. Anything that's snug will work really, and a little tape to hold it doesn't hurt either!

[@Vel0zity09]

I had to replace my cab light and was thinking about doing RTV to help attach them again beyond the screws, but wasn’t sure about how it would go if I had to replace the light again. Getting it off might be a pain to replace. Think it’s worth the extra seal using RTV?

[@FatherSonGarage]

yes for sure, that's what I did. I'd rather spend the extra effort peeling if I ever have to than deal with water leakage into the cab! ;)

[@ryansheard8092]

I'd love these on my truck but thats a TON of work. Other than looks why?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Clearance lights help identify the edges of larger vehicles to help others see you at night and also to help you know your own vehicle dimensions while you try to fit into or around things.. like fitting in a parking garage etc..

[@bryanmiller4376]

Nice vid...curious to know if you experienced tpms fault codes caused by rf interference from the cab lights...getting ready to install recons on my 2018 Super Duty and have seen multiple instances of tpms and key fob interference...thx

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks Bryan. I've had no issues at all with the tpms or key fob. I'd expect that on the wireless lights more but not really on wired lights. Good luck with install!

[@angelflys97]

Question, did you not like the oem cab lights that you can buy from dealer? And any issues two months later?? Great vid by the way I’m really looking forward to doing it myself now that I have this guide!

[@FatherSonGarage]

The OEM cab lights have a larger hole that needs to be made, it's kind of a square shape and a lot bigger. I asked my dealer when I bought the truck about adding lights and even they wanted to use Recons (at about 5 times the price of course!). I've still had no problems and I'm in Canada where we've had lots of snow, cold and wet the last 6 weeks or so. Holding up fine so far! good luck on your install!

[@afjets20]

Was the curve of the roof too much to put the center light slightly forward? Great video BTW. Will be doing this on my 2019 with sunroof.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Hey Charles, I had the three center lights slightly forward of the outer 2. They are all the same distance back from the glass but as the glass curves it naturally moves the lights back too. I tightened the screws so the RTV squeezed out and there was still 1/8-3/16" of gap (filled with RTV) between the metal and the foam backing on the light. The extra RTV gives the light some room to flex but still seals well so far for me. good luck!

[@motorhead883_8]

Nice video thank you, i want to do mine soon 2020 250 king ranch

[@darrenhorness3656]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing it! How long did the project take you to complete?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I'd say about 3-4 hours total.. still going strong too!

[@brandonstill7229]

Anyone tried these lights on a 2022 ? I can’t find the truck wiring to connect the lights to. Checked both a pillars.

[@clydebarrow6116]

Hey man one more question for you. What measurement did you end up going with on the side lights? 5 or 6?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Sorry, just saw this. Probably too late now but I think I did 6". Have a little more room with still enough set back to look right

[@marcosoriano9241]

Are they on with daytime running?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Yep, they are :)

[@josharrey7254]

Awesome video! What size screw pilot hole did you end up using?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks! Now that's a good question.. I think it was a 13/64. If you've got a piece of sheet metal around try it there and see how well the screw holds. I've really found that the screw should be in very lightly, just snug. The RTV acts as a sealant and a strong adhesive. Make sure you fill the screw hole through the light with RTV to seal it too. Good luck!

[@josharrey7254]

@@FatherSonGarage Sir, thank you very much for the info and for replying. I will definitely try what you recommend.

[@LTX_Manuel]

And I’ll still be able to use my oem button still correct?

[@FatherSonGarage]

The lights are wired into your parking lights. They'll go on when you turn on the lights :)

[@jstock9700]

I have a 17 KR I’m looking to install these on, I was told I don’t have a harness in the pillar, should they all have that connection?

[@FatherSonGarage]

As far as I know, any Super Duty should have it. If not, it's just 2 wires. You can ground it anywhere on the body or find a grounding bolt around that pillar. For the positive, you can get a wire for the marker lights down in the footwell for sure. Good luck!

[@bradysullivan2525]

How long did it take you exactly. I was quoted $3000 dollar install and I am NOT paying that. I’m just going to do it myself

[@FatherSonGarage]

3k? What are they using?? Gold wire?? Geez. I'd say it took me 3-4 hours, but I don't remember exactly. It's not too bad, you can do it in an afternoon. Just make sure you do a thorough job with the rtv and seal the lights well. Good luck, you can do it 👍

[@bradysullivan2525]

@@FatherSonGarage ended up getting it done in about 4 hours. Measured everything a million times to make sure it was as perfect as could be and they turned out great! Thanks to your video. I had to do it exactly like yours due to the moon roof

[@1989mazurek]

Ever had any condensation issues ?

[@FatherSonGarage]

nope, not before I sold the truck anyway!

[@AMERICANMODIFIED]

Hi, I like your content. Do you accept sponsored products?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Thanks! I've started to accept a few things. I'm in the middle of building a bigger shop so I'll have new content coming out soon but most of my builds are older jeeps. Let me know what you have in mind! Cheers!

[@AMERICANMODIFIED]

@@FatherSonGarage Do you have an email address or Instagram account? We could further conversation there.

[@AMERICANMODIFIED]

@@FatherSonGarage Do you have an email address or Instagram account? We could further our conversation there.

[@AMERICANMODIFIED]

@@FatherSonGarage ok.

[@AMERICANMODIFIED]

Do you have an email address or Instagram account?

[@LutzWyatt]

Thanks for a great video! Curious, 10 months later are you seeing any condensation in the cab lights? I’ve seen others that have ran into that issue, wondering if using the RTV helped that at all. Thanks!

[@FatherSonGarage]

I've got a little bit, but I think that's because the seal between the lens and the base isn't as good as it could be. I haven't had any moisture inside the cab and all lights are still on so I'm ok with it. you really can't see it unless you're standing on the running board looking down at them.

[@wadethomas1000]

Any chance your in southern Ontario and would be interested in installing a set for me?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Lol well i am in Ontario, but you can get them done at a local shop if you don't want to take it yourself I'm sure. Even the dealer can do them. I think they quoted me about a grand, parts included. Good luck

[@fabianrefec5349]

I have a 2019 f250 with moonroof. Can I install the cab lights on this truck? Is there a plug and play plug inside from factory? Will it work?

[@FatherSonGarage]

Should be the same as mine, only one year difference with same body style, so I'd say it should have the plug and should work fine. Good luck!

[@fabianrefec5349]

@@FatherSonGarage I wish I can find someone here in Atlanta GA to install them. I just can’t find anyone. Which lights do you recommend with minimal intrusion but looks like factory?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I used the recon because I liked the style of them and they look great. There's a few out there but it comes down to preference really. I bet a dealer would install for you if you don't want to tackle it yourself.. but that'll cost you more too..

[@chadshowalter2995]

Do you have any measurements you could share? The center ones from the sunroof.

[@FatherSonGarage]

Hey Chad, no problem. All lights are 6" back from the windshield. The center ones come farther forward from the sunroof because of the dip in the roof in the middle. I can measure the distance back tomorrow if you like, just let me know.

[@lukebrwntube]

I would love to know that distance as well! Thank you!

[@FatherSonGarage]

Hey Chad, sorry it took a bit, weather's been crap here. the center light is approx 2 3/8" in front of the sunroof. Just make sure you are ahead of the aluminum bar that goes across the front of the sunroof. The 2 that are beside the middle one are each about 2" ahead of the glass since the front of the roof curves back. Good luck!

[@mxerb5912]

Brave. I don’t even want to do that on my 17 yr old ram

[@FatherSonGarage]

there's a very fine line between brave and stupid.. I like to think I waver back and forth so you never quite know which one it actually is ;)

[@Ashoksarc]

Solar wireless lights are available in the market -

[@FatherSonGarage]

Yep, they are.. but they rely on wireless connectivity to the truck which isn't as reliable as a good old fashioned wire. The cab's already got oem holes in it, a few more aren't an issue as long as they are well sealed :) thanks!

[@Ashoksarc]

@@FatherSonGarage 👍🏻👍🏻

[@arqsto]

Have a link?

[@Ashoksarc]

@@arqsto kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKLGmWBoiseoi5o

[@LB7reese]

Hey where did you get that tool to separate the plug?

[@FatherSonGarage]

I got a trim removal kit on Amazon for it. There are tons. Mine is this one: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07H2TV6XD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@LB7reese]

@@FatherSonGarage oh okay thanks. I tried using a terminal disconnect tool and that would would for whatever reason. These connectors are very stubborn for me lol, did you just put the tool into the the front of the connector and it released ?

[@FatherSonGarage]

@@LB7reese for the most part yes. I had to wiggle a couple of them a bit but they all came out. good luck!

[@dillonkeeling624]

Still no leaking issues?

[@FatherSonGarage]

None at all I'm happy to say. The rtv worked really well

[@Tomrod07]

This video is awesome. However I used recon lights with what I believed to be aluminum safe sealant and I had a cab light go out. Btw recon warranty sucks. I bought a replacement snd when I took off the cab light I saw the paint was starting to corrode under the whole light. Not risking it anymore. Taking it to a body shop to get the holes fixed sand blasted sealed back up and painted. I hope this doesn’t happen to your truck. If anyone else does this I’d recommend not using sealant. Heck even the steel screws will cause it to corrode. Just be careful. I’m sick to my stomach right now thinking I ruined a $70k truck 😩

[@FatherSonGarage]

I used black RTV and made sure I put it around the light, the hole, and also in the screw holes. So far, no issues! Don't feel sick though.. it's only metal, easy to fix holes if needed, and only one panel to repaint! Better to have tried than to always wish you had, right? Cheers!

[@mariormz4582]

Hiw have the cab lights been holding up after a year? Any issues with the lights themselves or leaks?

[@FatherSonGarage]

All good. No leaks and lights going strong I'm happy to say!

[@orangepowerguy]

Do you have a link to that trim tool kit you referenced?

[@FatherSonGarage]

sure, I have also put it in the description. thanks! amzn.to/37GFUVC

[@Nick-gi6ym]

What a scary installation drilling 100K truck.

[@Twizztify]

I think you guys are all crazy for drilling holes in the cab of brand new trucks, 😬 but that’s just me! 🙃

[@FatherSonGarage]

Maybe.. ;) but I for one am ok with that definition.. lol

[@Twizztify]

@@FatherSonGarage lol

[@Rogue-Drone]

You paid 100k for a truck and did not get cab lights? BAHAHAHA!!!

[@FatherSonGarage]

Happens when you buy it off the lot.. they would have installed them for me but cost me less to do it myself :)

[@frklein1]

Way too much trouble! If you have them, you have them. If you don’t, you don’t!

[@FatherSonGarage]

Can't say I agree with you on that one! Lots of people enjoy making their car/truck their own and have a ton of fun doing so. But to each their own! Cheers!

[@Alo5678]

I think a lot of people see a drill to the roof and panic, I've done brake jobs that were more trouble than this lol. I'm actually planning on doing this soon, thanks for the video!

[@frklein1]

@@Alo5678 still not gonna do it, I like ‘em, but......