Wiring Tailgate Light Strip to 2015 GMC Canyon

Updated 11/23/2018 | Published 11/21/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Rampage SuperBrite LED Tailgate Light Bar - Stop, Tail, Turn, Reverse - 4-Pole Flat - 49" Long

(68)

$81.84

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1478)

$10.94

Question:

I just bought a 2015 GMC Canyon SLE Z71 with both a 7- and a 4-pole trailer connector already in the bumper. I have about an inch vertical and 55inch width available for a tailgate light strip. With Lake Ontario only 1.5 miles to the north of my house in Wayne County, NY, aka Apple County USA, we get pounded by snow, so that is my primary reason to avoid splicing wires. Also, I dont want to create any warranty problems with the dealer. Would a 7 - to - 4-pole adapter be of any help in my situation? My rear turn signals are red, so can you recommend what part numbers of red and white strips / adapters would fit my truck? Thanks!

asked by: LEON A

Expert Reply:

I understand your winter weather concerns; I attended college at SUNY Oswego (situated on the shore of Lake Ontario) way back when and I can STILL remember how well wind-driven "lake effect" snow can find its way into the sleeves and collar of even the best winter coat. I get it.

The light strip I suggest for your GMC Canyon is Pilot's Bully Fire Strip LED Light # BLS-1103 because it has a standard 4-pole flat type connector that will avoid the need to use any adapters. It simply plugs in to your 4-pole. Adapters and any additional connections can add potential for problems so avoiding them entirely is the best way to go.

There is one other thing you can do to protect the integrity of that electrical connection and that is to apply dielectric grease # 11755 when you plug in the light strip. The grease blocks entry of water and dirt that can over time degrade a connection and cause problems.

There is no special adapter to wire a light strip to your truck's reverse lights. That would require splicing. But the red LED light strip noted above can avoid that entirely. If you want a halogen type reverse light we offer the Bully Bumper Mount Clamp On Backup Light # PL-807.

expert reply by: Adam R