im just curious... whats the best way to run the wiring to the lights on a roof rack? the ones on the bumper are easy, i ran them through the firewall. but the roof, im not sure how to make it inconspicuous.. any help or suggestions are appreciated. thanks.

 

I saw a post on another JEEP forum about using trailer light harness. But the also drilled a hole in the roof to do so, they wired lights to a roof basket and so if it needed to be removed then unplug and take down. I will look for a link for you.

 

alright thanks i appreciate it. im going to use a toggle switch like the ones for the bumper im just not sure how not to have wires running all over the outside of the jeep...

 

wires on the outside are very bad! for one there ghetto looking and two they'll get ripped off. if u havent used it up already there power accessory ports in the fuse box. thats an easy place to get power and theres a ground right under the gas pedal thats hella easy to use what type of lights and how many are you trying to mount???

 

i just wired a friends jeep for a cb antenna which he mounted on the rack.
we also didnt want to drill any holes so we ran the wires in side behind the panels and up to the back door. we squezed the wire threw the washer fluid hole boot which we made a small hole in it and pulled the wire out the top then it was right at the top of the door. worked great.

 

i think im gona put my lights on my roof, i plan to run the wires out the back hatch tail light along the roof rack up to the lights! but i will have to use good insulated wires bc they will be exposed to the elements! but that is my plan.

 

The best way to run wires thru your roof without leaks is using thease

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...ial/20/0?N=377 710 1621&Ne=0&Ntt=Switches, Fuses &Ntx=mode matchallpartial&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&isLToke nURL=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=184
Also use a good primary wire that is fine stranded for flexability and UV protected marine suppliers are great for this kinda stuff. if it can withstand salt water and being in the sun out on a boat it is more than good for your jeep

 

Go to Walmart and buy 2 sets of $20 baja lights[total of $40] Remove your rail going from front to back on the ds. Drll a hole through the roof where the rail will cover the wireing and run your power wire through the hole. Put silicone in to seal hole. Put rail back on. Put a 2x4 under the rack so you dont overdrill into your roof and drill the holes and mount lights . Run wire down the pillar by the windsheild into the fuse box,then into a switch. Put wireloom and zipties on the wires on the roof for good looks and adjust lights. Your good to go .

 

i just ran my wires across my rack bar to each light and tucked them into the lip on the rack then ran down my driver side into my windshield trim into the hood and through the firewall. havent had a problem yet...and no hole in my roof

 

Yea,i ran my lights through the door too. Havent had a problem either as long as you do it right.

 

I have to agree with TheGreatGazoo I am an marine electrician and I used to build police and emergency vehicles. When used with sealant an cordgrip is the best choice . I actually ripped my rack off (dont ask) and the wires where still in tact hanging out of the cord grip. Running wires through a door jam is just asking for trouble. The lights will work fine for a while however eventually you will rub through the insulation and short out your wiring. I have seen many vehicles burned to the ground because of simple chafing issues. Also always remember proper fusing and that a standard automotive toggle switch is only designed to handle 15 amps maximum. There is a reason that relays are common place in automotive lighting.

 

How does the factory roof rails mount to the roof? Maybe you could use an existing hole?

 

if i were to put some lights on the facorty rail...would that be strong and steerdy enough to keep them in place especially drivin and the weather??? just curious cause i was goin to put lights up on them and didnt know if that would work or not?

 

anyone have any pictures of there set up for the roof rack wiring ?

 

The lights are mounted to stock roof rack,( with 2 bunger cords to hold on strong) The wires run down the seal for the Driver door into the cab