Quick change junction for multiply bar useage?

evfd4822

evfd4822

Member
Member
May 7, 2011
97
USA, East Texas
I had this idea in mind of figuring out a way to run permanent wiring from battery and switches up to my roof. At this point i would like to be able to mount a junction box of sorts to where i can connect all these wires and then all i would have to do is connect in whichever bar i wanted to use for a while from a short wire harness from the bar to the box. Taking into consideration that the bars may require different gauge wires, theoretically couldn't i run the highest gauge wire required for the bars i have and then i would be good for using any of the bars?


For example...let's say I have an Edge 9000, a Vector, an Aerodynic, and a StreetHawk. All basically the same setup. Either Strobes or Rotators with side alleys and front take downs. If i figured up which one needed the heavest wire and ran this from power and stitches to junction on roof, i could then hook in whichever bar i wanted to use at the time?


I have found a couple of watertight marine grade wiring junction boxes, just unsure at this time what gauge wire they are capable of accepting.


Anyone ever been crazy enough to try this? Or any Wiring guru's got any objections to this type setup? Would love any and all feedback.
 
I don't quite follow what you are trying to do but the simplest form of heavy duty quick plug and disconnect set up will be to use a flat trailer plug and socket.


In my first go at this back in 93 I ran three fused 20 amp circuits to the left side of the trailer socket and three negative returns to the right hand side of the socket. This in turn went into a simple 3 switch box with heavy duty switches


In my case I used one circuit for twin rotators and the other 2 circuits for takedowns and flashers


The best thing about flat trailer sockets and plugs will be the ease of wiring and the flap that makes them water resistant.


Hope this has been of some use
 
I would look at a waterproof connector like Marinco, or a dedicated harness from MNSTAR. Neither will be cheap.


That said... configuring your vehicle where you can switch lightbars at will? IMO, that's pushing the edge of the whacker envelope...
 
Umm Don't know what a whacker is. But i am a VFF and collector. I love my bars and don't want them to just sit there. Same way i feel about a beautiful car, shouldn't be a trailer queen needs to be driven.


As for the flat trailer plug dont think that would work as some of the wiring would need to be higher gauge than that. Plus i dont want a bunch of plugs just chillin on top of my truck. I want it to be maybe a box or single large plug. Something i can mount to the side of the cargo rack out of sight.
 
evfd4832 said:
I had this idea in mind of figuring out a way to run permanent wiring from battery and switches up to my roof. At this point i would like to be able to mount a junction box of sorts to where i can connect all these wires and then all i would have to do is connect in whichever bar i wanted to use for a while from a short wire harness from the bar to the box. Taking into consideration that the bars may require different gauge wires, theoretically couldn't i run the highest gauge wire required for the bars i have and then i would be good for using any of the bars?

For example...let's say I have an Edge 9000, a Vector, an Aerodynic, and a StreetHawk. All basically the same setup. Either Strobes or Rotators with side alleys and front take downs. If i figured up which one needed the heavest wire and ran this from power and stitches to junction on roof, i could then hook in whichever bar i wanted to use at the time?


I have found a couple of watertight marine grade wiring junction boxes, just unsure at this time what gauge wire they are capable of accepting.


Anyone ever been crazy enough to try this? Or any Wiring guru's got any objections to this type setup? Would love any and all feedback.
Click to expand...

Really? Why not just put them all on the roof, stagger them at different heights, and use the one you want too at that particular time. That would keep you from having to take them on and off.


Now I know that sounds silly, but then again, so does your idea. Not being critical, but you did say you wanted any and all feedback.


On a side note, the Connecticut state police used to have quick disconnect plugs on the roof so the troopers could remove their bars easily.
 
Thanks for the info guys. Doesnt really have to be cheap. Whatever it takes to do the job.
 
twodogs603 said:
Really? Why not just put them all on the roof, stagger them at different heights, and use the one you want too at that particular time. That would keep you from having to take them on and off.
Now I know that sounds silly, but then again, so does your idea. Not being critical, but you did say you wanted any and all feedback.


On a side note, the Connecticut state police used to have quick disconnect plugs on the roof so the troopers could remove their bars easily.
Click to expand...

Taking them on and off is not a big deal. That is definitely a silly idea. Don't think mine is at all. But to each his own. And it's no sweat, I did ask for all feedback. And I appreciate you chiming in. My thing is I don't like sticking to one look for long. Guess that goes back to car club days.
 
evfd4832 said:
Taking them on and off is not a big deal. That is definitely a silly idea. Don't think mine is at all. But to each his own. And it's no sweat, I did ask for all feedback. And I appreciate you chiming in. My thing is I don't like sticking to one look for long. Guess that goes back to car club days.
Click to expand...

And I wasnt trying to be cruel. I just thought your idea was funny so I was being too.
 
twodogs603 said:
And I wasnt trying to be cruel. I just thought your idea was funny so I was being too.
Click to expand...

I didn't take it for no more than what it was. I actually LOL'd. But like i said. To each his own.
 
I'd suggest a marine grade disconnect if you're going to do something like this (and I secretly like the idea of being able to swap bars).
 
Found a watertight box for trailer wiring. Has the post type connections. So while it wouldnt ne as fast as just unplugging a harness it would be faster than rewiring every time. All 9-12 wire connectors i have found are only 18ga
 
On a side note, the Connecticut state police used to have quick disconnect plugs on the roof so the troopers could remove their bars easily.
Click to expand...

Years back, while visiting family in New England, I remember seeing those CT cars. They had a small black box on the roof, drivers side.


I remember seeing a trooper pull off his lightbar (Edge, I think) and stow it in the trunk.


Seemed very strange to me. Anyone know how they did that with the mounting brackets ??


-Pete
 
Pete L. said:
Years back, while visiting family in New England, I remember seeing those CT cars. They had a small black box on the roof, drivers side.
I remember seeing a trooper pull off his lightbar (Edge, I think) and stow it in the trunk.


Seemed very strange to me. Anyone know how they did that with the mounting brackets ??


-Pete
Click to expand...

They still have them and all of the new cars will as well. It's so when they are "off duty" they are a little more inconspicuous. The new spec includes front headliner lighting as well though, so I'm not sure if it will become more common to see an "on duty" trooper without the lightbar mounted. They use a quick disconnect that is available from Whelen.


The straps for the feet are two pieces instead of one. There is a piece of metal that is mounted to the vehicle, then the strap on the lightbar hooks to it.
 
The straps for the feet are two pieces instead of one. There is a piece of metal that is mounted to the vehicle, then the strap on the lightbar hooks to it.
Click to expand...

Still seems strange to me. At least they don't have to break out the wrench to take the bar off...... :haha:


Every Dept. has there own way of doing things, I guess.


Thanks for the info.


-Pete
 
I am also wanting to do the same with my C3 Defender, I want to run the wires through the third brake light housing with quick disconnects under the third brake light. Now to find the right connectors.
 
Anyone have a link to somewhere selling one of the Whelen models? I have searched around and cant find it.
 
evfd4822 said:
Anyone have a link to somewhere selling one of the Whelen models? I have searched around and cant find it.
Click to expand...


bump on this question ^
 
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