Rigid wiring harness question

[CF_Machete]

I picked up a Rigid Wire Harness - Hi/Po 40" - 50" for my light bar, however the rigid harness has a male deutch connector. I also picked up a deutch connector from evil bay, but its too small.

Disclaimer: yes I checked the consolidated lighting info thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/214398-consolidated-lighting-info-thread.html

Can anyone post a link to a female connector that will work with the Rigid 40-50? I guess I could just get water proof bullet connectors a Auto Zone, but I like the Rigid choice & quality.

 

[Mati-O]

If your not connecting to a rigid light bar, snip it off and solder the light bar and harness together. By using Darius Solder Seal Heat Shrink Butt Wire Connector from Amazon and use a heatgun or lighter. Permanent but easy to do over. Your deutsch connector should be a 2pin. And needs a $200 crimper regardless of size. Better to splice or solder. The deutsch connectors only make it easier to steal your light bar. It's easier than you think, lots of videos about how to solder wire but the heat shrink butt connectors are a game changer for do it yourselfers. The rigid's use 18AWG gauge wire. FYI. So order accordingly.

As a side note you can decide to connect directly to the battery and use it on or off ignition or into the wiring where it cannot be turned on unless car is on. On the rocker switch its black wire to gold prong and solid red to outer silver prong and red wire with black heat sink tab to middle prong.

 

[CF_Machete]

The more I think about it, hard wiring might be the way to go. I have the crimper already from my RC helicopter days (hence the screen name) however I also soldered a lot of connections while in the hobby.

 

[Okki]

I've got pictures of the process and tools needed to do the Deutsch connectors. I'm on my phone so limited ability to get them inserted here, but amazon is your friend :

Deutsch 2-pin Connector Kit W/housing, Terminals, Pins, and Seals 14-16 Gauge Crimp Style Terminals:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B...2_10?colid=FO5V12JKS5RP&coliid=I29HPKASBE1ONK

There are also 20awg connectors, so make sure you order the right size for your harness.

IWISS Crimping tool kit for different kind terminals with 5 interchangeable die sets 0.5-35mm ² packed with Oxford bag:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0195VXA10/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I keep a separate crimper for the Deutsch connectors so I'm not changing dies all the time.

Okki

 

[jrandom]

Two things, you can get a crimp that will work perfectly fine with Deutsch connectors for waaaay less than $200 (you can get a decent quality ratcheting 9 die kit for under $100, that will do nearly everything 8-22 awg). Second, connectors versus hard wiring make no difference to someone determined to steal your light bar. Seriously, it doesn't. The cheapest Chinese made bargain bin $1.99 pocket tool can snip through the wire faster than you can release a Duetsch connector. Even your mounting hardware is barely a deterrent. If they want your $1200+ light bar their going to get it. If your worried about theft the best thing to do... buy a $150 knock off bar.

I have used genuine Deutsch and Amphenol and they are both interchangeable. I am surprised yours was "too small" are you talking about the pin size? You can PM me if you want and I can give you the seller I have bought mine through.

EDIT: yes with @Okki

 

[flyrv9]

Deutsch and Amphenol make hundreds of different types of connectors that use a variety of different pins and sockets. No one universal crimper - die set will work for them all. It's important to have the right crimper - die combo because of the close tolerance fit of the pin or socket in the connector. If it's not crimped properly it will not lock in. Also if you don't have the removal tool you won't be able to get the pin or socket out if need be.

All that being said, hard wiring might be the way to go. Connectors don't offer any security - only a good connection if done right. Splices are another option as well as soldering, providing one knows how to solder and what constitutes a good solder joint.

 

[CF_Machete]

I hear a lot of people are concerned with security. Are light bars being lifted right & left?

I got mine off ebay... $67 shipped only to find them a hair cheaper on amazon. If I went the expensive route and got a Rigid, I'd take invest in some kind of security device.

 

[CF_Machete]

Said "**** it" & hard wired it.