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Old Bastard !
Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Location: California USA
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Although the idea of the Relays in the cab is IMHO should be held to a minimum, because although the purpose of the relay is to control the Higher Current Loads it is also to separate the High Current portion of the circuit from the lower current portion and reducing the high current shorts in the cab.
The addition of a separate Circuit Panel is a good one, placed under the Hood, out of the way, but it is costly, in fact my Jeep Scrambler has two Blue Seas Circuit Panels, Marine Versions, Water Resistant, to keep all of the extra electrical components separated from the main Circuit panel.
It is the way to go but again cost enters in really fast.
Connector use... I tried to hold it to a minimum, Two on the switch and four on the Relay should be all that is needed... BUT if anyone needs a class in "Proper Connector Installation" on a wire then two things come to mind. 1) Get some advise on Stripping Wires and Crimping Connector before you start this project. 2) Proper Crimping of Connectors on any Electrical Application is a must for good current flow and all connector should be sealed, as per the suggestion on the Relay Wiring.
If there will be a lot of washing of the Engine Bay or Water Crossings, my thought would be to use a Water Proof Relay, something fully sealed with epoxy or a good sealing method. Both method adds cost but a good choice !
I wish the time to write up all aspect of the proper Auxiliary Lighting/Component Circuit was available, not to mention the information needed to do it correctly, but this is more of a good overview and will work for most people to get there lights up and running.
My Suggestion to all is that is, "If you have special needs, i.e. fireproof or waterproof components, buy your components to fit your purpose". Keep in mind the cost vs what you gain.
I purchased some Desert Rat Heavy Duty, Waterproof, Relays years back and they are still working and will be installed in the Ranger or if I get a new truck they will be in there. I disassembled one, maybe shouldn't have but I had to see inside, and the insides look as if new, a slight carbonization but all contacts were clean and no signs of dust or water marks.
It pays in the long run to buy good components but most of us don't have bottomless pockets so pick and chose your components as needed and you will end up with a good Auxiliary Lighting System.
One more note, thanks to Undrstm8ed, This is a basic wiring writeup, based on minimum needs, to be applied to your vehicle and modified to your own needs; replacing suggested component per your use is recommended and should be done !
If you are using the How-To to wire up your lighting, feel free to modify anything in it to fit what your requirements, use the How-To as a guide not a hard set rule to go by, although they are good to follow.
And again, I offer anyone wanting to talk about their Truck's application and how this How-To will work for them, please message me and we can talk about what you are doing !
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Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !