Need some help with FOG/Driving lights

[Hutch51888h]

I have done alot of searching in the FJC Forum and can't seem to get specific info on the wiring and setup of the Lights. So here is what I am looking to do:

I want to add 4 Driving lights to the Roof and 2 Amber fog lights to the front bumper bar.

I kinda want to use the factory fog light switch to do this so I can keep the interior simple. Do I need to Use three switches for 6 lights doing it two lights each or can I run Two switch one for the roof(4) and one for the front(2).

Here is the other problem I have Per German Law I have to mount a rear Fog lamp(red) in back (just one on the drivers side) Thinking about getting a Maltese Cross harley tail light wire for the bright brake lamp for this but I would like it wired with the front two fog lights. Would I be able to run a third light on one switch?

Is the alternator/battery good enough for all these lights I have seen alot of Rigs with all these lights but want to make sure.

Sorry for the book I am new and don't want to FK anything up

 

[Niner]

us a relay for the roof lights and for the fog lights and have the switch turn on the relay. the switches are not designed to run the lights.

 

[spaldam]

Relay's are your friend - like Niner said, you'll melt the switch trying to run that much power threw it. The stock FJC battery and alternator should work fine as long as you remember to turn the lights off before you turn of the vehicle. I'm actually planning a secondary battery setup so that I drain the secondary battery and am still able to start the vehicle, but I have no plans to upgrade the alternator.

 

[Hutch51888h]

Thanks for the heads up how does a relay work and how will the switch for that work? Can I still use the factory switch just to turn on the relay?

Is this set up run through the fuse box or separate?

What size power wire/fuse is there a kit that will work? Like the HD ones on ebay? I noticed they only power 2 lights though?

What about the light bulb watts does that play a role?

Never messed with a new SUV so relays are rocket science to me My 65 Chevy Nova has about 20 wires in it all together

 

[spaldam]

Since your new to all of this, I would suggest getting someone to show you the ropes before attempting anything, but hopefully this will help:

A relay allows a small amount of power to control a large amount of power, which keeps you from exceeding the switch's power limits. If you can figure out how to run it threw the fuse box, then you're doing a lot better then me (personally I'd avoid messing with the fuse box and install my own instead); you'll find it's much easier to just use your own in-line fuses (or box) or tie into an existing wire that's already fused (again be careful not to exceed the wires power limits).

Here's some diagrams of some relays (I drew in a crude picture of one as well):

http://rotisory.spaldam.com/spaldam.com/cars/rita/Lights/DRLdisable/diagram.jpg

Personally, I use the wiring diagram at the Marine shop I buy wires from to help me decide what gage wire I need. The fuse should have a slightly larger amp rating then what your equipment will require, so a lot of it depends on what you are planning to install. I know All-Pro sells some wiring harnesses that work for the lights they sell, and there's a lot of people on here (and other sites) who have done very nice step by step write ups on various wiring projects that you could get ideas from, and that would probably be easier to understand then the gibberish I just spewed all over you.

 

[Hutch51888h]

thanks thats was good to know I will search so other webpages and see what I can find thanks for your time

 

[ckline]

I wanted extra light as well for night riding. I mounted a couple of PIAA lights to my Bull Bar, but didn't run them through the relay on the console. Just a nice clean button to the left of the stearing wheel. Those two, with the help of the fog lamps was HUGE. To me it was like mounting the Sun to the front my rig. You can adjust the angle of the lights by simply getting out of your truck and aiming the lights by hand. I haven't fealt the need to add any more lights since then. If you do this though, and adjust the lights to aim more upward....don't forget to turn them off when your off the trail, or aim them back down. You will hack off anyone driving toward you on the road as they will go temporarly blind!!! :whoops: