The C1R HitchMount LED Pod Reverse Kit for the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 installs a C1R LED pod in your 2-inch trailer hitch receiver, adding a high-power reverse light, running light, and fourth brake light with Safety Strobe. This guide covers the C1R-specific installation with the tail light signal harness. Here's the full walkthrough.
Table of Contents
- Installation Video
- Tools Required
- Tail Light Signal Harness
- HitchMount Installation
- Optional: Using a Hitch Pin
- Questions About the Install?
- Shop F-150 Lighting at Ess K Customs
Installation Video
Note: This guide is for the C1R kit only. If you're installing an SSC1 kit, refer to the SSC1 HitchMount installation guide.
Tools Required
- 8mm socket
Tail Light Signal Harness
Step 1 — Remove Tail Lights and Connect Signal Harness
Lower the tailgate. Using an 8mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the driver-side tail light and firmly tug it to release the ball clips. Unplug the two connectors. Set the tail light aside. Repeat for the passenger side. Select the appropriate tail light signal harness based on your factory tail light type (refer to the included table). Identify the shorter side of the harness coming from the AMP connector — this connects to the driver side.
Step 2 — Install Signal Harness on Both Sides
On the driver side, plug one lead of the shorter harness end in line with the matching factory harness. Route the rest through the tail light pocket and down under the vehicle alongside the factory harness. Reconnect the factory harness to the upper tail light connector. Plug the remaining signal harness lead into the remaining connector. Push the tail light back into place until the ball clips engage and reinstall the 8mm bolts. From beneath the vehicle, route the other end of the signal harness from the driver side to the passenger side, guiding it over both frame rails on either side of the spare tire. Route up through the passenger-side tail light pocket and repeat the same connection and reinstallation process.
Optional: To disable the Safety Strobe feature, cut the purple wire looped on the C1R HitchMount harness.
HitchMount Installation
Step 3 — Connect HitchMount Harness
Underneath the vehicle, disconnect the factory 7-pin trailer harness from the back of the bumper. Locate the AMP connector toward the middle of the tail light signal harness and remove the dust cap. Plug the female AMP connector from the signal harness into the male AMP connector on the C1R HitchMount harness. Connect the C1R HitchMount harness inline between the factory 7-pin trailer harness and the bumper connector.
Step 4 — Install HitchMount LED Pod
Route the DT connector of the C1R HitchMount harness through the back of the trailer hitch receiver. Remove the dust cap from the DT connector and plug it into the LED pod. Push the HitchMount LED pod into the trailer hitch receiver until it snaps in place using the patent-pending HitchMount clip. Test all functions and secure the wiring harness with the included zip ties.
Removing the HitchMount: Depress the clips on either side and apply forward pressure to slide the LED pod out. Reinstall the dust cap and tuck the DT connector away until needed again.
Optional: Using a Hitch Pin
The HitchMount stays securely in place during use, but you can add a locking hitch pin (not included) for extra security. Push each retention tab outward and use a cutting tool to cut out the circular section on each tab. Plug the DT connector into the pod, slide the HitchMount into the receiver, and insert the hitch pin while aligning the HitchMount with your other hand. The tight fit prevents rattling and movement. This modification does not void the manufacturer warranty.
Questions About the Install?
If you run into any issues during the installation, contact Ess K Customs — as an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, we're here to help.
Shop F-150 Lighting at Ess K Customs
Looking for lighting upgrades for your 2021-2023 Ford F-150? As an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, Ess K Customs carries genuine products with full manufacturer warranty.
Browse F-150 C1R HitchMount Kits at Ess K Customs →
This install guide applies to Diode Dynamics SKU: DD7649