Thread: power for lighting on roof rack

Originally Posted by pete

Hi all and thanks in advance for any help, I have just bought a discovery2 and I am looking to get a roof rack and awning for it with some work lights and maybe some spotlights, I don't want to leave the rack on the vehicle all the time. My questions are how are people running power for their lights etc on roof racks I don't want to drill any holes I would like to hide the cable as much as possible. The next question is what type of connector would be best so that I can unplug all the power to the rack and remove it until next time I want to use it. The last question is can anyone recommend a good auto elect in the Sydney area?
Thanks once again
Pete

Hi Pete
No idea about the connector, but your local car shop should have something for you. Regarding getting the power up there, on my RRC I teased back the windscreen rubber and ran the cable (flat cable) up the edge of it and you would hardly notice it. Probably not the professional
way, but I aint seeing too many other ideas coming forward LOL

If you've got a snorkel you can run the wiring down through it into the engine bay.

I ran mine down behind the vertical windscreen finisher on the drivers side, there's a grommet between the void under the windscreen and the engine bay. I think the passenger side is identical.

Cheers, Carl

Originally Posted by pete

Hi all and thanks in advance for any help, I have just bought a discovery2 and I am looking to get a roof rack and awning for it with some work lights and maybe some spotlights, I don't want to leave the rack on the vehicle all the time. My questions are how are people running power for their lights etc on roof racks I don't want to drill any holes I would like to hide the cable as much as possible. The next question is what type of connector would be best so that I can unplug all the power to the rack and remove it until next time I want to use it. The last question is can anyone recommend a good auto elect in the Sydney area?
Thanks once again
Pete

Apparently it is now illegal (in the ACT at least) to have lighting on your roof! This is still the case even if wired independently of the driving lights. Maybe check before you go ahead (or curse if like me you have done it already )

For connectors get something waterproof like these Jaycar Electronics - Search Results for waterproof connector
Will only be suitable for low current though, LEDs would be fine. Not sure off the top of my head what they are rated too. I have a few of the black ones with the green grommets spread around my car exterior for various things, seem to be holding up.

Originally Posted by snowbound

Apparently it is now illegal (in the ACT at least) to have lighting on your roof! This is still the case even if wired independently of the driving lights. Maybe check before you go ahead (or curse if like me you have done it already )

Who told you that? And when did they repeal?

They cant make Jeep owners remove them...