2013–2018 RAM 1500, 2500 & 3500 LED to 2019+ LED Tail Light Conversion Guide
The 2019 RAM 1500 introduced an updated tail light design featuring a more modern appearance while maintaining the signature RAM styling. Since then, many owners of 2013–2018 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks equipped with factory LED tail lights have upgraded to the newer 2019+ OEM LED tail lights.
One of the most common questions is:
Can you install 2019+ OEM LED tail lights on a 2013–2018 RAM truck?
The answer is yes, but simply replacing the tail lights is not enough.
Although the newer LED tail lights physically fit with the appropriate mounting modifications, the electrical system differs between the fourth-generation and fifth-generation LED tail light designs. A tail light conversion harness is required to properly adapt the factory wiring while maintaining a clean, plug-and-play installation.
This guide explains how the conversion works, why a plug-and-play tail light conversion harness is required, and what to verify before starting your upgrade.
Why Upgrade to 2019+ OEM LED Tail Lights?
The redesigned 2019+ OEM LED tail lights are one of the most popular factory-style upgrades for fourth-generation RAM trucks.
Many owners choose this conversion because it offers:
- Modern OEM styling
- Updated LED light signature
- Factory-quality appearance
- OEM fit and finish
- A cleaner, newer rear-end design
Using genuine OEM LED tail lights allows you to modernize your truck while maintaining the original RAM design language.
Why Aren't the Newer LED Tail Lights Plug and Play?
Many owners assume that because both vehicles use LED tail lights, the newer assemblies will plug directly into the existing wiring.
Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Although both systems use LED lighting, the 2013–2018 factory LED tail lights and the 2019+ OEM LED tail lights use different connector configurations and wiring layouts.
Without a tail light conversion harness, the newer tail lights are not designed to operate correctly with the factory fourth-generation wiring.
What Does the Tail Light Conversion Harness Do?
A plug-and-play tail light conversion harness connects the original factory LED wiring to the newer 2019+ OEM LED tail lights.
Rather than modifying the truck's factory wiring, the harness adapts the electrical connections while preserving the original wiring system.
Depending on the application, the harness is designed to:
- Adapt the factory connectors
- Correct the wiring layout
- Preserve the original factory wiring
- Eliminate cutting and splicing
- Support proper operation of the 2019+ LED tail lights
Because the harness is built specifically for this conversion, installation is cleaner and more reliable than modifying the factory wiring.
Turn Signal Operation
One of the most frequently asked questions involves the turn signals after completing the conversion.
The 2019+ OEM LED tail lights are designed differently than the factory fourth-generation LED tail lights, but on 2013–2018 RAM trucks, the turn signals will continue to operate through the red brake light section, just as they did from the factory.
This conversion does not add a separate amber turn signal function.
The turn signal operation remains consistent with the original fourth-generation LED tail light behavior.
2024 Tail Light Compatibility
If you plan to install 2024 OEM RAM LED tail lights, it's important to mention this before placing your order.
The 2024 tail lights require a revised harness configuration for proper operation.
By informing us before ordering, the harness can be configured correctly for your specific application.
Designed Only for Factory LED Trucks
This conversion harness is designed only for 2013–2018 RAM trucks originally equipped with factory LED tail lights.
It is not compatible with:
- Trucks originally equipped with factory halogen tail lights
- 2019+ RAM trucks
- Aftermarket tail lights with non-OEM connector pinouts
Verifying your truck's original lighting package before purchasing helps ensure you receive the correct conversion harness.
Why Choose a Plug-and-Play Installation?
Many tail light conversions require cutting factory wiring or modifying connectors.
A plug-and-play tail light conversion harness eliminates permanent wiring modifications by connecting directly to the factory wiring.
Benefits include:
- No cutting or splicing
- Factory wiring remains intact
- Cleaner installation
- Easier future servicing
- Professional OEM-style fit and finish
Keeping the factory wiring untouched also makes future maintenance much simpler if the tail lights ever need to be removed or serviced.
What This Harness Fits
This conversion harness is designed for:
RAM 1500
- 2013 RAM 1500
- 2014 RAM 1500
- 2015 RAM 1500
- 2016 RAM 1500
- 2017 RAM 1500
- 2018 RAM 1500
RAM 2500
- 2013 RAM 2500
- 2014 RAM 2500
- 2015 RAM 2500
- 2016 RAM 2500
- 2017 RAM 2500
- 2018 RAM 2500
RAM 3500
- 2013 RAM 3500
- 2014 RAM 3500
- 2015 RAM 3500
- 2016 RAM 3500
- 2017 RAM 3500
- 2018 RAM 3500
This harness is intended for trucks originally equipped with factory LED tail lights that are being upgraded to 2019+ OEM LED tail lights.
Before You Purchase
Before ordering your conversion harness, verify the following:
- Your truck is a 2013–2018 RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500
- Your truck originally came with factory LED tail lights
- You are installing 2019+ OEM LED tail lights
- Your replacement tail lights use OEM connector pinouts
- If installing 2024 tail lights, notify us before placing your order so the harness can be configured correctly
Confirming these details before purchasing helps ensure the correct harness for your conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cut or splice any wires?
No. This is a plug-and-play tail light conversion harness that connects directly to the factory wiring.
Will my turn signals become amber?
No. The turn signals will continue to flash through the red brake light section, just like the factory fourth-generation LED tail lights.
Will this work on trucks that originally came with halogen tail lights?
No. This harness is only designed for trucks originally equipped with factory LED tail lights. Halogen-equipped trucks require a different conversion harness.
Can I install 2024 RAM LED tail lights?
Yes. However, you must inform us before ordering so the harness can be configured for proper 2024 tail light operation.
Are the tail lights included?
No. This kit includes one left and one right tail light conversion harness. The tail light assemblies are sold separately.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading a 2013–2018 RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500 from factory LED tail lights to 2019+ OEM LED tail lights is one of the most popular OEM-style exterior upgrades for fourth-generation RAM trucks.
Because the factory fourth-generation LED system uses a different wiring configuration than the newer fifth-generation tail lights, a vehicle-specific tail light conversion harness is required to properly adapt the electrical connections while preserving the factory wiring.
With a plug-and-play design, no cutting or splicing, and compatibility with 2019+ OEM LED tail lights, this conversion harness provides a clean and reliable solution for modernizing the appearance of your RAM truck while maintaining factory-style operation.
