roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

[lugueto Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close lugueto]

Guys, i was thinking, are any of you running roof mounted spotties? i was thinking, instead of mounting a bullbar, I thought id install a roof rack, and mount the spotlights on the roof. Now, I've got a couple of ideas but i'm kinda stumped as far as wiring goes. How'd you run it? where did you pass the wiring out to the roof? any tips?

Also, I wanna install a power inverter, but don't know how or where. Most automotive inverters ive seen have the lighter outlet connector, but i wanna make it a permanent install. How did you guys do the install? permanent? with the lighter socket?

thanks in advance!

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

for the spot light im not sure where you could run the wiring ive (go a 120) as for the inverter go to autoshop and get some decent wire, 6mm twin core and run that directly from your battery, throught the firewall into the cabin to where you want to mount your inverter. some ppl put them under the passerger seat and some mount the in the rear cargo area of the car. dont forget to put a fuse in line or you can get auto reset circuit breakers. as for wiring the inverter just simply cut the plug off and solder the new new wires together or use some crimp conections. cheers samo

[infraredfotografy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close infraredfotografy]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

there is a topic in this forum that our friend did install his roofrack line from the A pillar up through the top of the door. Search it and you can find it.

For my 500W inverter (it will be 2000W inverter soon), I installed it directly with my ignition line (the line from the ignition key that show +12V whenever you turn on the key to start position) without any issue. I hang the inverter under the rear wall on the right side, +12V wiring running along the right side of the car. Nobody can see it except only one screw there.

With this way, I can save my space for other jobs, also it will be safer for people when they get into my car as they don't have any chance to see/touch that one.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

My opinion is.......forget about the roof mounted spotties, reason being, they get knocked off too easerly when 4wding, they cause glare back to you as they reflect off of the bonnet, and I really think they look dicky up there. instead, buy a set of decent HID spot lights and mount them up front on the bull bar, they will out perform any halogen light you put on your vehicle and will cost about the same after installation

[lugueto Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close lugueto]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

Croozza, i thought about the same thing. But i'm looking to make a special rack just for the lights, with some added protection. Also, i wanna make it so its removable (we have some serious theft issues here in Venezuela) so I can unplug them, unmount the rack and the lights are off, and when their services are required the i simply bolt them back on. I dont know when I get the chance to buy myself a decent bullbar! Also, i did some research, and if you use a spot pattern, you wont get the glare off the hood. This is caused with the driving pattern, or so ive read.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

Croozza, i thought about the same thing. But i'm looking to make a special rack just for the lights, with some added protection. Also, i wanna make it so its removable (we have some serious theft issues here in Venezuela) so I can unplug them, unmount the rack and the lights are off, and when their services are required the i simply bolt them back on. I dont know when I get the chance to buy myself a decent bullbar! Also, i did some research, and if you use a spot pattern, you wont get the glare off the hood. This is caused with the driving pattern, or so ive read.

Yeah mate I see your point of view, did you know you can get anti theft locking nuts for your spotties, and with a spot pattern light, they are useless unless you drive on a road that is more than 1km straight, I have a combination set of HID's on the bull bar and I have measured the distance in a straight line and I get 1km, plus I get the added bonus of being able to see to the side of the road, great for us here in Oz due to the kangaroos jumping out infront of you at the last second, the combination pattern is also better in off road conditions.

[Taresk Member Find all posts View Profile Close Taresk]

Re: roof mounted spotlights, and power inverter

Mine are mounted over the B-Pillar, the roof creates enough shadow to prevent bonnet glare, the only problem is my white whip antenna, but a bit of black insulation tape up the back of it for night trips does the trick