Roof Lights On A 3 Door Roof Rack

IndiTd4 · Feb 17, 2013

Hello all,
I have got a roof rack to fit the my 3dr Freelander, but before I fit it I am going to be mounting 4x3" spot lights to it and running the wiring to roof level, I think that I should be OK wiring all 4 lights so they all connect and run off of 1 live wire and 1 earth, I intend not to make any holes in the roof so was looking for some inspiration in where is best to run the wires into the car.

I have seen one where the guy just runs it in through the passengers side door, and around the frame down to the dash where he then runs wires where needed.

Another one suggested doing similar through the back door and then running the wires internally the full length of the car.

Thirdly I have wondered if it was a sensible idea to go in between the body of the car and the edge of the hard top....

The hole point being that I would like to be able to remove the roof rack and the bars, also the hard top, so thought it better if it had a waterproof plug that was mounted up on the roof rack, so it was easy to disconnect if I wanted to remove the roof rack..

I am also a complete novice when it comes to wiring, so would love a mentor if anyone is brave enough..

There could be many questions and sub plots as I go through this job..

So all and any help/advise would be gratefully received..

Pikey · Feb 17, 2013

1 single wire is a ****e way to wire 4 lamps. especially if you intend to "daisychain" them. if you don't know what ya doing get someone who does, to do it for you.

Duncp73 · Feb 17, 2013

Indi, I'll take some pics of mine tomorrow. I'll draw you a wiring diagram as well. I just need to know what size bulbs you'll be fitting.

Dunc

IndiTd4 · Feb 17, 2013

redhand said:
1 single wire is a ****e way to wire 4 lamps. especially if you intend to "daisychain" them. if you don't know what ya doing get someone who does, to do it for you.

This is why I asked mate,,but seems I need to do it another way then,,thanks for the straight forward advice..

Duncp73 said:
Indi, I'll take some pics of mine tomorrow. I'll draw you a wiring diagram as well. I just need to know what size bulbs you'll be fitting.
Dunc

They are 55w H3 12v each Dunc,,

Thanks for your help..

Duncp73 · Feb 17, 2013

That makes life a bit easier. Same size as mine, don't need to do anymore math :hysterically_laughi

IndiTd4 · Feb 17, 2013

Duncp73 said:
That makes life a bit easier. Same size as mine, don't need to do anymore math :hysterically_laughi

Just had a look at your Roof Rack Dunk, it looks way stronger than mine, but I suppose if I am only supposed to put a maximum of 75kg on it then what I have should be fine..how did you route yours??

Duncp73 · Feb 17, 2013

It goes under the plastic cover at the side of the rear window and then under the roof. I've not had any problems with it leaking. My roof rack is home made.

IndiTd4 · Feb 17, 2013

I think I will need lots of pics mate...

better too many than not enough..

Duncp73 · Feb 17, 2013

I'll sort out the pics tomorrow. Photobucket isn't playing for me tonight.

Duncp73 · Feb 17, 2013

Here we go.

Optimus Prime · Feb 18, 2013

in through the middle of the two sunroof panels, more than enough give on the rubber seal, just have the plug inside the vehicle at roof level, coming out from beside the interior light if that's the way you want to go.

at various times have cb aerial lead and beacon cable through mine, seals perfectly in even the heaviest rain.

teddywood1 · Feb 18, 2013

well you have 4x55 wats at 12volts so you need at least 20 amp wire,but you can get 45 amp wire that will do it and you only need one wire to go through the hole and the earth from of the bolt on the roof rack . do not for get to put your relay in and you could do this under the bonett, as for mine i put on the low current side onto the main beam so they switched off when your full beam switched of, but i also put a switch in line so when the main beam was on i could also switch them off. look at my profile picture them are the lamps on the roof rack , i now drive a 2006 hse model but the same roof rack is on it.

JC600 · Feb 18, 2013

Duncp73 said:
Here we go.

Nice roof rack Dunc, think someone really awesome must of designed it.

lol

Duncp73 · Feb 20, 2013

Hi Indi, sorry I haven't done this sooner. This is how I've got my wires.

IndiTd4 · Feb 20, 2013

Great pics Dunc...I will be having some fun soon,,
But I think I will leave it till a little warmer..
will update when I have made progress or not...

IndiTd4 · Mar 2, 2013

Well fitted the spots to rack and fairly happy so far..

I have tucked the wiring away for the moment,
as its only the two little bits attached to the lights,,
I might fit it like this just to see if I really like the look
before spending the time and effort of wiring it all in..

mick 1986 · Mar 2, 2013

IndiTd4 said:
Well fitted the spots to rack and fairly happy so far..

I have tucked the wiring away for the moment,
as its only the two little bits attached to the lights,,
I might fit it like this just to see if I really like the look
before spending the time and effort of wiring it all in..

That looks alright mate! Did you build the rack yourself?

IndiTd4 · Mar 3, 2013

Thanks..
its made out of 2 cheap e-bay purchases..

I got one and found it to be too flexible,
and was lucky enough to find exactly the same
item for 1/2 price a week later..
used number two to strengthen and make it more solid..

The wife is a little unsure..
I will fit it and see what she thinks then..

mick 1986 · Mar 3, 2013

IndiTd4 said:
Thanks..
its made out of 2 cheap e-bay purchases..

I got one and found it to be too flexible,
and was lucky enough to find exactly the same
item for 1/2 price a week later..
used number two to strengthen and make it more solid..

The wife is a little unsure..
I will fit it and see what she thinks then..

I like the way you have done it to be honest! How are you attaching it to the rails? U bolts?

IndiTd4 · Mar 3, 2013

They came with clamps..

I put it on this morning and it didn't stay on for long enough for me to clamp it down,

the wife is going to need some convincing that this is the look she wants on her Freelander..:blabla:

So I will give it a while and if I get no joy it will end up on ebay
(The Roof Rack that is)

this is what it looks like sitting on the Freelander..

it might look better if all 4 lights were pointing ahead instead of the outer ones to the side a bit..

I will shout out on here before I put it on ebay, if it gets that far..

Roof Lights On A 3 Door Roof Rack

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