Light Wiring Diagram

[Revco]

I'm about to build my roof rack and have some lights I want to install on it after I get it mounted. These are cheap HF/TSC Tractor lights with the NAPA aircraft bulbs installed. I've always used these on my previous trucks mounted on the receiver hitch or headache rack for loading my trailer in the dark. I have of 4 these lights total. I also have two PIAA driving lights that I will be installing on the front bumper. I got them cheap at a swap meet. Since I only have the lights and nothing else, I'm going to piece everything together from scratch. My Suburban was a custom conversion, so it has a fancy console with a stupid tissue box holder that I would never use. I plan to mount the switches on the tissue box cover so they are easily accessible. I have some ARB rocker switches that I've been saving so I'll most liekly use those.

I want to wire the lights in pairs, with 3 switches total. One switch for the PIAAs, one for the center roof lights, and one for the outer roof lights.

What relays should I use and how should I wire these up? I'm just trying to wrap my head around this whole wiring thing and want to do it right. I'd also like to eventually wire in another pair of lights for the rear of the roof rack as well.

Anyone have a drawing or diagram that could help me plan this out?

Thanks

 

[Hilldweller]

You're using some cheap lights with thirsty bulbs; I'd use some stout wires and big (40a) relays at least.

Actually, I'd throw away all of those lights and get something better. But, if you insist...

 

[corprin]

^^^
I am currently running merely a pair of Hella 500 (euro) converted to 35w 4500K HID's at the moment. If I go any further I will have to rethink my switch location.
The relay I run is rated at 30amp, so use these directions at own risk. My lights, and currently my electric fan are running through a Toyota Corolla relay box that has been modified to use 5-pin Bosch style relays in all three positions (simple junkyard mod) and a dedicated 30amp fuse, but will be rewiring my OEM relay/fuse box to clean up the wiring a bit more.

yes, I cleaned up that rat's nest of wiring

I would run three DPST relays, Bosch 0332019150 (w/hanger) or 0332019151 (w/o hanger), and three SPST switches (which it sounds like you already have) using the following diagram as reference.

Credit to "scoobyxj" on naxja.org

 

[Hilldweller]

I'm tellin ya, those bulbs are thirsty. And won't live long.

 

[Revco]

Thanks guys. I'll look into getting some better lights, this is just what I have laying around from previous trucks, figured they might work here. Guess I can mount them on my trailer instead and get some better ones for the Suburban.

 

[Revco]

I've decided to buy some lights instead of using the cheapies I talked about before. I'll most likely use two of the cheap lights on the rear of my roof rack for now, and use the other two on the rock guard of my car hauler trailer. I'm in the market for some lights, but don't want to spend a fortune since these will only be used when wheeling, and I don't get the chance too often. I've seen some ebay specials that look tempting, but I want to spend my $ wisely and get the best bang for my buck.

 

[Hilldweller]

What's the budget and how impressive do you want them?

You have lots of options once you say "offroad only" and mean it...