How long?
- Thread starter Wolfie
- Start date
firebuff17
Member
I also went with 20. You say your putting it in a class B truck. Typically you may need longer depending on the actual size of the truck and where it gets mounted.
Sparky_911
Supporting Donor
Better to have it too long than not long enough.....innuendo implied, lol.
Pete L.
Member
I voted 20 also, but like others have said, longer is better.
Having dealt with towing customers, the rollbacks need a much
longer cable.
WARNING: this question will have the "Jazz Dad" coming along
anytime now. You've been warned
Having dealt with towing customers, the rollbacks need a much
longer cable.
WARNING: this question will have the "Jazz Dad" coming along
anytime now. You've been warned
dmathieu
Lifetime VIP Donor
Dang thank you for that. I should have thought of that, but it just didn't come to mind. I am gonna have to hit Home Depot and get a few spools of 12ga braided wire like they use on 110v.
Jarred J.
Lifetime VIP Donor
Jarred J.
Lifetime VIP Donor
Pete L.
Member
Like he said.
The only time we use that kind of wire is for siren speakers.
You need larger stranded wire for this kind of amperage (at 12vdc).
I may not be explaining myself well on this but I'm sure someone
else will come along to explain.
Scoot163
Member
It is imperative you use the correct gauge wire for the job or you will have at worst a vehicle fire and at least equipment failure. You need to figure out the max amperage each wire in the harness will handle. Then determine the length of wire you will need. Go to http://elightbars.org/forums/threads/wiring-it-right-info-on-wiring-connections-splices-etc.25567. In this thread several posts down is a useful chart in selecting the proper gauge wire. Always better to use a heavier gauge wire than to minimize it. You will need to fuse and quite probably install a circuit breaker as well.
Thank you so much for that chart/info. I am gonna have to go thicker than I thought. Just so you guys don't think I'm a total hack, my first two projects used existing wiring harnesses so this wasn't an issue there. This third bar, however, came with none. But hey, $50 for a 70" Federal Jetstream project was something I couldn't pass up, wires or not. I am holding off on posting the project until I finish....hopefully next week.
Well with surgery coming up in 3 days, I probably wont get around to this project any time soon, but I bought my Class B truck for this project. I figured I'd share for those that like the old and unique.
My plan is to run good heavy wires to a watertight box on the frame which will contain a set of relays. From there the trigger wires will make their way to the front where the cab is hinged and then on up into the cab where my switches will be.
My plan is to run good heavy wires to a watertight box on the frame which will contain a set of relays. From there the trigger wires will make their way to the front where the cab is hinged and then on up into the cab where my switches will be.
dmathieu
Lifetime VIP Donor
Well it will be continued. Gonna make my own flatbed for the back. I am just worried a new set of drive tires will cost me more than I paid for the truck.
StEaLtH2
Member
Hey Wolfie, would ya post some pics of the dang 70" jet stream already!!!
Lol
On a serious note, that is quite the endeavor to undertake ya got yourself there. Will the flatbed have a headache rack? Or is the bar going on the cab?...will the bed be functional or fixed? I'd recommend machine tool wire for this project. Keep us posted and good luck with your surgery.
Lol
On a serious note, that is quite the endeavor to undertake ya got yourself there. Will the flatbed have a headache rack? Or is the bar going on the cab?...will the bed be functional or fixed? I'd recommend machine tool wire for this project. Keep us posted and good luck with your surgery.
The plan is a fixed bed with a headache rack I will custom make. I don't want the light bar on the cab because if I break down and open my own hood my lights will be pointed at the street and moon. I am going to wing it for the ramp system. It is a good height I need to work up to, which means longer ramps that will need supports on the way up. They will probably be detachable and slide in next to the frame. I might just wait on the jetstream pics until it is mounted on the truck so I can post it properly.
I'm playing with the idea of cutting a couple of 4" holes inside of the headlights and putting amber wig-wags in. With the bar mounted behind a tall extended cab like that, I want to be sure I am showing some warning lights you can see from directly in front.
StEaLtH2
Member
[QUOTE="Wolfie, post: 601937, memberView attachment 160449[/QUOTE]
We had that exact cab on a pierce pumper and it had a pair of "school bus lights" mounted inboard of the headlights. Just another idea for ya. Don't be a tease with the bar pics! Hahaha
How many rotators?
We had that exact cab on a pierce pumper and it had a pair of "school bus lights" mounted inboard of the headlights. Just another idea for ya. Don't be a tease with the bar pics! Hahaha
How many rotators?
EastSide279
Member