How to: adding 100 series hatch/camping/work lights (3 Viewers)

[Mxndrnks]

Oh.. That being the case, run a hot wire from the fuse box to each red wire on each light. Then, run a ground wire to the center switch. Then run the grounds from each light to each side of the switch x 2...

You have ground activated lights not positive activated. We all thought you were triggering via the positive.

Your switch will get a ground in the center pin. Then each light will get their ground from the switches output. The positives will go directly to the lamps from your fuse block.

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Now it makes sense! Thanks guys!

So, now that I understand what needs to be done, Let me ask this:

If I run (1) positive wire from the Fuse panel up to the first light, is it ok to then daisy chain to the second light? Or should I run two separate wires from the fuse panel (off the same fuse post) to the second light? Although these are low power draw.. I want to make sure I do it safely...

Thanks!

 

[liveoak]

daisy chain is fine. led lights have low current draw.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Makes no difference. Daisy chaining them will be fine. I assume you are going to snake the hot wire from the fuse panel through the rubber grommet that all of the other wires go through for the hatch? That is what I plan on doing.

 

[RobRed]

Daisy chain.

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[Mxndrnks]

Thanks! Yeah, I am planning to run it through the rubber grommet. Nothing will be visible without pulling trim off. I am doing an updated wire diagram for any one else that may need one. Hopefully it will help!

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Nice! I was wondering if we could figure out a pivot mount for the lights, so we could adjust the angle of them when the hatch is open. I have a feeling that it would be useful to direct them more vertical - use them for cooking or camp (pitching a tent in the dark etc) or illumination etc. I'll see what I can find...

 

[AATLAS1X]

Good looking concept.

Shane

 

[liveoak]

here is an old trick we used to do at the car stereo shop for running wires through rubber tubes/grommets. take a large zip tie cut the end off drill two holes in it put the wire in as shown then use the tip of the zip tie to feed through the grommet, when it reaches the other side just pull it through. a little vaseline helps too

 

[Mxndrnks]

Here is the final wire diagram I did.

I am planing to get this all done this week. Going camping this weekend. I will post some install pics and final pics when done and camping....

Edit: oops.. fixed the image

Edit 2: click on the pic for a larger image

 

[RobRed]

Here is the final wire diagram I did.

I am planing to get this all done this week. Going camping this weekend. I will post some install pics and final pics when done and camping....

Edit: oops.. fixed the image

Edit 2: click on the pic for a larger image

Perfect.

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[Mxndrnks]

OK... Here are the install pics and final results.

To install the lights you just need to drill a 3/4" hole. Here is one light installed and the other hole drilled:

This shows both lights installed and where I decided to put the switch:

This is the back of the trim piece the lights are installed in. As you can see I decided to make a wire harness with a quick disconnect (left side) so I can pull the trim easily if needed.:

As I mentioned before, I snaked the wires through the existing grommets. It was really tight! Luckily I had a wire snake I use for running things in the walls at home. Sorry for the blurry pic....

Again the pics here are blurry. I need to take the tripod with me this weekend to get a better shot:

Stock lighting:

White lights on:

Red lights on:

You can click on any of the pics for larger images.... Hope this helps some one doing one of these!!

 

[bluecruiser]

Looks good. Anyone have links to cheaper lights though? Like $15 bucks a piece? Thanks

 

[petrotk40]

dang, that's awesome. well done

 

[jgray]

Mxndrnks that looks nice... I just got a Blue Seas fuse box in the mail a couple days ago... Might have to rig up something similar...

 

[RobRed]

Mxn what gauge wire did you use for power and ground??? It looks huge. 18ga would have done.

Nice final result.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

Nice Jonathan. I may work on my installation this Sunday. What size drill did you use to mount the switch? I think I will have to use smaller gauge wire since I have the coax for my ham radio also running through the gromet...

 

[Mxndrnks]

Looks good. Anyone have links to cheaper lights though? Like $15 bucks a piece? Thanks

I am sure you can find something. I went with these because I really like having both the red and white light within the single housing. These are also a really good quality light.

dang, that's awesome. well done

Thanks!

Mxndrnks that looks nice... I just got a Blue Seas fuse box in the mail a couple days ago... Might have to rig up something similar...

Thanks. I am not positive, but, I think this is the thread I used when I did mine. https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/86714-accessory-relay-always-power.html

Mxn what gauge wire did you use for power and ground??? It looks huge. 18ga would have done.

Nice final result.

I used 16ga. I didnt have the fixture with me at the store when I picked up the wire so I guessed. The wires from the light looked to be 18GA once I compared them. So, I agree 18 ga is plenty. These are really low draw.

Nice Jonathan. I may work on my installation this Sunday. What size drill did you use to mount the switch? I think I will have to use smaller gauge wire since I have the coax for my ham radio also running through the gromet...

As Rob mentioned above 18ga should be good and looks like it should match the gauge of wire on the back of the fixture perfectly. I have a 3/4" hole saw I used for both the lights and the switch. The switch fits through but barely. If you want to borrow it, I can give it to you on Friday when I give you Richard's table.

 

[2000UZJ]

I must do this. Awesome work!

 

[jgray]

Me likes the White light or Red light district...

 

[jonharis]

x1000, bookmarked and on my list of things to do maybe this year. Incredible looking setup. Let us know if you decide on a different (read better) switch.