What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

off road lights:How do you guys run the wires into the cab

Kain

Kain

3/4 ton status
Joined
Mar 16, 2011
Posts
5,725
Reaction score
2,141
Location
Lubbock Texas
well im looking at painting my blazer and want to undo the crap the previous owner did.The wires run threw the fiberglass top were the roof rack should mount. I want to fix this before paint. any pics of your installs would be great.
 
I know some guys poke thru the weatherstripping. I plan to design a roof rack and put a light bar, im still working on an idea for the light wiring. Id like to go with a 2 piece socket design, something that would actually bolt to the top complete with gasket etc.

Mount something like this up top, so if I remove the roof rack, I can unplug the wiring and cap it off.

mwI8-wIvIQWKng9KHKtiQMg.jpg


getimg.php
 
I haven't done it, but should be able to tap into the channel that the rear domelight wiring runs into.

Dab of silicone or something to seal the wires there (likely a more durable method, not thinking of one at the moment) and *if* somewhat protected from branches and what not, should be fine. Could then convert the two wire connector for the topper to four wire connector, or however many you need, if you plan on ever removing the top.

What Badmix links to would work as well, but I figure (and this is just my preference) if you can tap into the routing of the stock lighting, interior-wise it would be pretty unobtrusive, unless you have to run massive wires, or just don't care about the wiring inside.
 
WHEN I finally do wire my truck, I plan on keeping as many wires as possible as high in the truck cab/chassis as I can. Mainly for water crossing to minimize shorting out things. Also use quality waterproof style connectors.
 
badmix said:
I know some guys poke thru the weatherstripping. I plan to design a roof rack and put a light bar, im still working on an idea for the light wiring. Id like to go with a 2 piece socket design, something that would actually bolt to the top complete with gasket etc.

Mount something like this up top, so if I remove the roof rack, I can unplug the wiring and cap it off.

mwI8-wIvIQWKng9KHKtiQMg.jpg


getimg.php
Click to expand...
where can you get thes type of plugs that you have in the pics?
 
I havent gotten that far yet. lol.

But I searched BULK HEAD Sockets and Connections.
 
OK since I will be mounting 5 6x9 lights on my roof here is what I had planed. Much like a light bar on a police car I will have 6 wires running to lights.

I was going to drill a hole in the roof and use a hose (small sized) as my grommet for wires to run through. I will be using silicone on underside and the upper side. Since mine will not be removable no plugs. How ever I did help a Vol Fireman rig his bar up like what you want. He used a trailer wiring plug like this.

6way_rectangle.gif

http://www.hitchcorner.com/trailer_plugs.htm

My problem is where am I going to put the five relays for all the lights! :doah:
final-dantespeak.jpg
 
Make a "relay bar" right beside the battery on the pass. side, should be plenty of room , thats where ive got my relays for my off road lights and once I do the roof rack will add more.
 
Snorkel comes through that area............. but lets not hijack kain's thread with my stuff
 
Always use a realy, its cheap insurance even if you feel its not needed, just got a traditional 30amp type , 4 pole relay. I grew up never using them but after smoking switches and wiring, I swear by them, usually when a relay fails it just get stuck open or closed, easy to replace.
 
You can use a "continuous duty" solenoid for a light relay...get a good metal cased one from a brand like Cole-Hersey or Standard ignition..

Dont try using a Ford solenoid with a bakelitte case,they are not designed for continious duty,and will heat up and melt if left on too long,I know a guy who lost his truck because of that...
 
badmix said:
Always use a realy, its cheap insurance even if you feel its not needed, just got a traditional 30amp type , 4 pole relay. I grew up never using them but after smoking switches and wiring, I swear by them, usually when a relay fails it just get stuck open or closed, easy to replace.
Click to expand...

You should also fuse the main hot at the battery -- the heavy-gauge wire going to the relay that then goes on to the lights -- and further fuse the small hot that goes to the switches. This latter is often forgotten, can use something ridiculously small like a 1A fuse, and between the two protects you from smoking anything.

Though based on some of the lighting setups I've seen I suspect smoking still occurs, just by the guy doing the wiring :haha:

-- A
 
relay-diagram_small.gif


That is how I've always done them. I have a cheap set of the HF oblong lights that I got for $15 that I will throw on my Blazer as a back up light source. Nothing scarier than losing your lights out here in deer and mountain infested roads!

So dremu how did you run the roof lights wire in on the blazer?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom