Electrical plugs for roof lights

[Lka1988]

With the advent of uber-high gas prices and junk, I need a way to remove my MPG-robbing roof lights without cutting the wires leading to them.

I've seen in other roof rack threads how some are using electrical plugs for the lights, so that the rack can be easily removed. But that's all I can find. No one goes into detail about it.

My question: Where can I get waterproof connectors to attach to my lights? Right now, the lights are hard-wired all the way down to the relays.


Thanks in advance,
-Lane

 

[Polak]

I used a lot of stuff from WAYTEK on my 40. Search their site for "Weather Pack Connectors." These are GM style connectors that require a special crimping tool available from Waytek or most autoparts stores (cheaper I think, in price and quality)

Good luck,
Polak

 

[Lka1988]

Nice, they have EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Except the crimping tool, $100 for the thing

Maybe HF has something similar...

 

[sseaman]

i use simple connectors and some dielectric grease, and have had no problem

 

[Lka1988]

i use simple connectors and some dielectric grease, and have had no problem

Where did you get your connectors?

 

[sseaman]

local parts store, there is nothing fancy about them, simple spade type, or even barrel type would work.

 

[Firedog]

I have used the "Weather Pak" connectors on my 40 and didn't buy the crimping tool, just crimped with pliers, ans some light soldier.

 

[Lka1988]

Ok, this is good stuff.

Firedog, was the solder just an added measure, or did you need to solder to keep it together?

 

[Count_Fred]

I've used trailer hitch connectors on my roof. A few more wires than I might need if all the lights were tied to one switch, but it left me options for the future.

Cheers,
JFS III

 

[96r50]

I've used trailer hitch connectors on my roof. A few more wires than I might need if all the lights were tied to one switch, but it left me options for the future.

Cheers,
JFS III

My buddy uses the same thing for the lights he has on the roof of his Xterra. Works great!

 

[Lka1988]

Trailer hitch connections? Huh, never thought of that.

Anyway, I went with sseaman's suggestion. Got a bunch of weather-proof (yeah right) spade terminals and crimped them on.

 

[Firedog]

Ok, this is good stuff.

Firedog, was the solder just an added measure, or did you need to solder to keep it together?

Just an added measure

 

[TeddyBoy]

Just a thought since this is about saving money. Any idea how many miles you have to drive to save enough $$$ to pay for the connectors and crimper?

 

[Lka1988]

Well, connectors cost me a little over $5, and a good terminal crimper....about $30 from Sears, so ~$35. That'll pay for 10.5 gallons of gas. I expect 12 MPG without roof lights...

About 126 miles, a week's worth of driving.


But if you got stuff through Waytek Wire...let's see... $11 for connectors (male and female), $90 for the special tool; $101, or 30 gallons of gas.

About 360 miles. Or ~2-3 weeks.

 

[TeddyBoy]

Yea this is what I came up with. Please check my math b/c I'm still no sure about this but it seams correct.

I'm in Atlanta so gas is about 3.40 a gallon right now. quick math: @ 20mpg (at best) equates to about ~17 cents a mile. If you save .5 mpg then you are saving .085 cents per mile $35 divided by .085 equals 411 miles to pay for the materials and crimper. okay, had to do the math.

 

[Lka1988]

Yea this is what I came up with. Please check my math b/c I'm still no sure about this but it seams correct.

I'm in Atlanta so gas is about 3.40 a gallon right now. quick math: @ 20mpg (at best) equates to about ~17 cents a mile. If you save .5 mpg then you are saving .085 cents per mile $35 divided by .085 equals 411 miles to pay for the materials and crimper. okay, had to do the math.

That's about a month of driving for me... Definitely worth it.

I only use my roof lights every once in a while. I'd rather keep 'em in the back than on the roof when not in use.

And 20 MPG?!? I'd be a rich man if I ever got that.

 

[TeddyBoy]

Thought that was a little high myself but it made the math easier. I have 2 trucks and neither get better than ~15mpg.