So, would this work?

I am thinking about mounting some lights on the tabs on my safari rack on the roof. I do not want to drill through the roof to get the electrical through to the cockpit.

What if I mounted something like a trailer light connection plug on the rack with the lights wired to it, and then made an "extension cord" with the male part of the plug at one end and a plug that goes into the auxillary power outlet (like a cigar lighter outlet) on the other end? That way when I am off road, and need to use the lights, I would just plug in both ends of the "extension cord" run through my rear window, between the seats and into the power outlet on the dash. No switch would be required. To turn on the lights, I would just plug them in.

Is this a stupid idea, or would it work?

 

Interesting idea for sure. I'd think you may need to up the fuse to the cig lighter though. But very interesting Idea none the less..

 

Why not run a rear aux. acc. jack in the rear hatch area like my WJ came with as optional equipment? That would simplify your plan.

 

thats a damn good idea i think that would deserve a sticky write up

 

I would like to avoid having to run wiring the whole length of the jeep. I could just keep the extension cord in my console and pull it out as needed.

 

Just a thought. I like having that power back there for air pump, electric cooler, phone charger, whatever. It frees up the two in the front for CB, radar detector the wife's phone or anything else. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

So how much power these lights pull anyway?

 

I'm just turning this idea over in my mind right now, haven't bought the lights yet. The aux power outlet has a 25 amp fuse. I should be able to work with that.

 

Found these at a wholesale outlet this weekend...

http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_in...ducts_id/15580

I could mount them on the light tabs on the safari rack, stuff the plug and wire into the tubes on the rack in a waterproof bag and only pull out when I need to use them. They have a magnetic base I could reattach and move anywhere I need light - on the front, back, sides when hunting or fishing.

They were $12.95 each.

I also bought a plastic case that I could just store them in, in the rear cargo area and pull them out to attach with the magnets whenever needed.