wireing lights -roof rack

[the great him]

so im building myself a full length roof rack for my runner, its almost completed just need to put in the floor(expanded metal lath) and then send it off to the powder coaters for sandblasting and finish. but in the mean time im looking for a way to wire in my lights for the rack, i plan on having 4 forward facing lights and at least two rear and two side lights. the only issue im having at this point is how to run the wiring for them. i would like the option of removing the rack from the rig without having to cut the wires every time i do so(the rack is a prototype and will be seeing lots of changes and modifications to adapt over time. so i need the option of taking it on and off. i will be running no larger than 10awg wire, prolly only like 12 per set of lights, (light wattage ranges from 130w-85w per light) (yes yes i know i will have electrical issues -bigger alt will be next, along with dual deep cycle spare batteries so ive got a plan for that area) but what im after is for you guys who have put lights on your racks, how have you wired them, and what is working and whats not. any input of info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[blcktpgsr]

Roof Mounted Lights - 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

I did the rail front end cap method on mine

here's another one...read on, there's also a discussion about the "quick disconnects" that you can use when modifying your rack.

How to wire roof rack lights??? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

IPF Roof lights w/basket quick disconnect - YotaTech Forums

Hope this helps!

 

[thorridder]

i used conduit to wrap all mine and lashed it tot he rack and ran it all to one point. i used disconnects bc i plan on getting the extension for one and if i need to switch one out or keep it off i can unplug it at the light. i ran all wires through the hatch and hid it behind the panels up to the battery.

i have more on my thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/78449-thorridder-build-thread.html

 

[the great him]

i used conduit to wrap all mine and lashed it tot he rack and ran it all to one point. i used disconnects bc i plan on getting the extension for one and if i need to switch one out or keep it off i can unplug it at the light. i ran all wires through the hatch and hid it behind the panels up to the battery.

i have more on my thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/78449-thorridder-build-thread.html

when opening and closing your hatch/gate dose it not pinch the wires and or excessively bend them? thats the way i was initially thinking of running the wires, i dont want to drill into the roof, just not a good idea. but i am worried about eventually braking the wires at the hatch cause they will be bending all the time(i have a dog, so he is always in and out of there daily). i was thinking of just pulling off the spoiler/rear sun visor, and then the back hatch/gate, and drilling a hole behind the visor/spoiler(so it would be hidden and almost vertical, -besides the gate/hatch has drain holes at the bottom for water anyways), through the gate/hatch, and running my wires in at that point. they would still bend every time i open the back, but not be pinched or have such a sharp bend. and it would be hidden and clean and less prone to leakage. what do you think?


and i do like the Sure Seal Connectors, i think i will use them for my quick disconnects

 

[Supertrooper4]

I have kinda the same setup as you, i got 4 hella 500`s in the front and 2 on the back. You are wireing them the same way i thought of doing

 

[bak3rme]

I have kinda the same setup as you, i got 4 hella 500`s in the front and 2 on the back. You are wireing them the same way i thought of doing

got any pics of it?

 

[Supertrooper4]

Not yet wired but ya i got some pics, i just gotta figure out how to do a build thread and yall can see how i built the brushguard to!!:banana:

 

[thorridder]

when opening and closing your hatch/gate dose it not pinch the wires and or excessively bend them? thats the way i was initially thinking of running the wires, i dont want to drill into the roof, just not a good idea. but i am worried about eventually braking the wires at the hatch cause they will be bending all the time(i have a dog, so he is always in and out of there daily). i was thinking of just pulling off the spoiler/rear sun visor, and then the back hatch/gate, and drilling a hole behind the visor/spoiler(so it would be hidden and almost vertical, -besides the gate/hatch has drain holes at the bottom for water anyways), through the gate/hatch, and running my wires in at that point. they would still bend every time i open the back, but not be pinched or have such a sharp bend. and it would be hidden and clean and less prone to leakage. what do you think?


and i do like the Sure Seal Connectors, i think i will use them for my quick disconnects

i thought about doing something with the light guard thing but it would be a lot of work, i dont think they bend much and not enough to damage them, they arnt conected to the hatch so they stay like that all the time for the most part and i am running 6-8 wires in it and they dont pinch or bind or anything

 

[the great him]

so i got it done for the most part, they are all wired in, as you can see from the pics(i will get pics of how i wired them for now, its only temp, i need them for this next weekend -road trip lol). i figured i would show you all some pics of this thing. ill be making more. this is only the demo/prototype unit. its kinda overbuilt so the next few are gonna go on some "diets". enjoy