Strobe Power Supply Mounting Location

[07GD SFD]

I'm going to (hopefully) install my strobe hideaway kit this weekend and was wondering what the best location may be for the power supply. The kit is going into my 2007 Subaru Impreza seen here: http://www.elightbars.org/forums/showthread.php?211-2007-Subaru-Impreza


What's the best location for mounting the power supply? I can't get access underneath the rear seats. I'm thinking the trunk will be good but don't know of a secure location for it.

 

[C2Installs]

Considerations for mounting locations include (in no particular order):


-Strobe cable lengths


-Power source availability


-Suitable mounting platform (metal for heat dissipation)


-Protection from elements


-Protection from loose objects


-Protection from the curious (actually, protecting the curious from it and it's high voltage)


-Ease of access for servicing


-Ease of installation


-Ventilation


-Crash protection


Trunk mounting is usually best for the majority of these considerations. Try the "roof" of the trunk, also called the rear deck or package tray. You'll have to look up and see if it is a good spot. Watch for speakers and wiring.

 

[07GD SFD]

The rear deck may have to be the place then. How would you recommend attaching it there?

 

[chiefolson]

I have a laughable solution, though it may not work in the Subaru. In my 1996 Dodge Ram I have my power supply mounted under the hood to the inside of the wheelwell in a Rubbermaid container. When the truck was new, I had this aversion to drilling anything inside the cab. I was walking through WalMart and saw the container. Well, the install was neat, silicone sealant was applied to the hole cut for the power and strobe cables, and 15 years later it has worked flawlessly. Not the solution of choice for most, but it worked.


Jon


Wendell NC

 

[theroofable]

Under the seat mabye? I had mine behind, you dont have to worry about this one getting too hot since it has a fan built into it, but I jacked it up with a few washers to allow air to go underneath of it. Any other strobe kit that I have done has gone either under the seat or under the center console. I think your strobe cables should be long enough to reach any location in your car, since theyre 15ft cables. Did you get all of the bulbs in already?

 

[07GD SFD]

I thought about under the passenger seat but I have some satellite radio stuff under there. Maybe I'll look into underneath the driver's seat.


I was going to mount the bulbs today, but some other things came up and I got a late start to the project, so probably tomorrow.

 

[theroofable]

I know a few that have theirs in that location. You wont notice it if you put it in the middle and hide the wires well. You'll probably have quite a bit of excess strobe wire though, but that can be cut or wrapped up. If you decide to cut them let me know, I have a few extra pins that I can send to you, depending on how many you want to cut. You will also be able to tell when the unit is on too because you will hear the fan and strobe clicking, which you wouldn't if you put it in the trunk. Hope I could help!