Lighting and Wiring help please

[Tofudude]

I sure this topic has been smashed on quite a bit, but i'm still having a hard time trying to figure out the idea of it. I have some clue to wiring but this is some i just can't figure out.

So basically i want to rig 4 hella 500's to one switch, problem is i have no clue if i need any extra stuff to do this. The kits came with there own wiring harnesses but i don't want to have two switchs for the roof lights. I've tried researching it but i end up more confused. Can any one give me a dumbed down explanation?

I'm pretty sure some one is going to tell me to search...did it, still confused.

[junya92toy]

Its pretty simple, use 2 relays. So wire in 2 lights off one relay and go to the switch. Then wire in 2 more lights but use a piggy back connector to go to the wire from the first relay that goes to the switch.

[Tofudude]

Ok so what kind of relay would i need, and where would i buy them?

[junya92toy]

Any auto parts store carries them.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Santech-4-pin-universal-SPST-relay/_/N-2659?counter=2&filterByKeyWord=relay&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=946044_0_0_

[yota4x4sc]

any  relay will work..just figure out wat each wire on the relay needs to do to work

[junya92toy]

No any relay wont work, make sure it can handle the amps you will be using.

[Tofudude]

So how many watt/amp should i be getting for my setup?

o thanks a ton...for some reason that made sense to me

[bleakhorizon]

kc # 3300

40 amp relay... never had a problem with them....

[Rocksurfer]

If you have harnesses for both you can just wire one switch to both harnesses. Just run a jumper to the second harness. They should have their own relays in the harnesses.

[jimbo74]

what is the stuff you have now?

[Tofudude]

some harbor freight lights (two on the roof and two on the bumper)...but there is no relay on them so i'm trying to fix that.

Planing on either 4, KC daylighters or Hell 500 or 700 to replace the cheap HF lights up top.

Trying to create a parts list, and make sure i don't light my truck on fire

[bleakhorizon]

just a FYI, lights on the roof are good for distance but the glare on the hood can be nasty, and expensive lights on the top mean sad days around here... the trees are tight and low in spots...

[Tofudude]

i dono i've hit some solid tree branches (Not the little,the off shoots from the trunk) on my HF lights. Doesn't move nor has the lens cracked (probably cause the lights have brush guards themselfs). I've made some sheilds on my roof lights already to get rid of that glare. plus my hood is primer so it doesn't really reflect much.

[Rocksurfer]

So that means you have high voltage/amp switches so that's good. You really want to run relays for the exact reason you state if it is wired direct to the battery you could come out one morning with the fire dept. putting out what is left of your truck.

[junya92toy]

Dont forget even with relays make sure you use fuses.

[Tofudude]

So after i wire up the relays can i still retain the switchs i have already or do i have to use the ones they came with...because the ones that came in the kit are fugly and i have to cut a new hole for em?

[yota4x4sc]

u can use watever switchs u want to use..it dont matter, as long as they are  rated for enough amps.. u be fine if ur runnin a relay though

[Rocksurfer]

No problem using any switch as long as you are using the relays since you will not be drawing high amperage through the switches.

[KDXSR5]

Get something like this and read about some stuff. $20 at Autozone and such.

http://www.haynes.com/products/productID/44

[Tofudude]

So its all done and the hella's are set. i've got two left over HF lights and i was thinking about using them for back up lights. I'm thinking about putting them on the original spare tire spot(body lift makes it possible to shoot a light from under), my bro says to put them on the back of the rack. Any opinons?

[81_yota]

under side youll see better but can be easier to break

[87hillbillyoter]

how do you like em? i love mine. i mounted mine on my rack and i angled the front ones as my high high beams, and then i angled the back ones as back up lights, but also as lights for some idiot tailgating me at night. here i just went out and got some pics-

[81_yota]

ok maybe i misunderstood ya topside would be way better opp my bad 

[Tofudude]

how do you like em? i love mine. i mounted mine on my rack and i angled the front ones as my high high beams, and then i angled the back ones as back up lights, but also as lights for some idiot tailgating me at night. here i just went out and got some pics-

Yours look amazingly powerfull, you sure those are 500's

@81_yota: i think you got the right idea. like i said though...opinons are welcomed.

Do you need to have the rears covered at all times though...i'm in socal so they tend to be jerks about that stuff.

[87hillbillyoter]

oh sorry haha i forgot to say they are kc daylighters i misread yours i thought you had daylighters d'oh!

[Tofudude]

hahah no worries dude. Photos do help on deciding where to put the extra lights though.

[81_yota]

i would cover them just to be safe

Do you need to have the rears covered at all times though...i'm in socal so they tend to be jerks about that stuff.
[/quote]

[kneedownnate]

Do you need to have the rears covered at all times though...i'm in socal so they tend to be jerks about that stuff.

Yes you do, because of morons like this. 

i angled the back ones as back up lights, but also as lights for some idiot tailgating me at night

Don't quote me on this, but I think anything above the headlights or above X height has to be covered unless you're off-road.

[87hillbillyoter]

Yes you do, because of morons like this. 

Don't quote me on this, but I think anything above the headlights or above X height has to be covered unless you're off-road.

what, morons like me? i dont get upset easily, but tailgating is one of the things that pisses me off. so if someone is tailgating me at night, they deserve to get blinded for a second. so far, its been about 3 or 4 weeks, ive been fine.

[Tofudude]

and if we didn't all get mad at every person who did cut us off or whatever there would be no such thing as road rage. No need for name calling.