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I’m looking for the best way to wire the harness. The cable is pretty heavy, like about 5mm dia. I think it will run down the gutter seam and into the front left pilar behind trim cover. Once into the engine compartment I don’t see a simple for for the switch cable to get in behind dash. Some have suggested the steering boot but tat is very low inside seems impossible to reach much less to drill a hole. Any simple suggestions before I drive myself crazy? Sorry for the crap photo.
The control module can be mounted in the engine compartment and wired to the power take off's that LR kindly provided under the hood by the right front area (there is a good ground connection near by too). The switch box/control is wireless/RF and can be placed anyplace inside the cabin you want it and IIRC can be powered via USB as well.
There are cheaper wired switching systems, but you know for the money, NOT having to run wire over to the steering column boot and not having to punch a hole through said boot, and then trying to seal it up around a wire afterwards might be worth the added cost of a wireless system over a wired system.
Going through the boot is pretty easy, once you take off the cover under the windshield wipers under the hood you can see it right there. There are many sources for these instructions. I think one of the light bar’s sold has a complete set of online instructions. I just can’t recall which company had the instructions. Was it Lucky8? Someone else will recall. I posted some photos as well, maybe later I can find the link,
For me I put the switch pro unit under the hood and ran one control cable into the cabin. Now I can hook up to 8 things under the hood.
Does anyone know how @PowerfulUK wired the external electrical socket to their first rig? It's featured in a ton of videos, but I don't think there's one where Simon gives the step-by-step. Would be keen on seeing a tutorial.
Does anyone know how @PowerfulUK wired the external electrical socket to their first rig? It's featured in a ton of videos, but I don't think there's one where Simon gives the step-by-step. Would be keen on seeing a tutorial.
I was looking for that and couldn't find it. Only found the installation of the Plumb products.
I ran all my electrical to the back. There are a couple of easy to get to grommets. My main relay box is under the floor in the back. I then ran one control cable to the front for the controller. That wire is shoved under the door sills. I use AUXbeam as my controller.
I ran all my electrical to the back. There are a couple of easy to get to grommets. My main relay box is under the floor in the back. I then ran one control cable to the front for the controller. That wire is shoved under the door sills. I use AUXbeam as my controller.
This is super interesting! Did you have to drill into any part of the car to run these wires? I'm very curious how you prevent any water leaks
I've been wanting to run wiring from a roof mounted solar panel to the spare battery going into my sub-trunk, and I had no idea there was a way to run anything from the roof into the area behind that rear panel. That opens up a whole new world of possibilities!
Last edited by Defendeth; Apr 14, 2024 at 08:54 PM.
The only drilling I did was through the grommet. PowerfulUK has a video on how to remove the outer plastic trim. The rear wall of the defender is two layers, so very hard for water to get in. I also used a lot of silicon around the grommet.
I have also installed a whole second battery system under the rear floor. I removed the 3rd row seats. I should probably put together a thread documenting all the electrical I have done. I have a hood mounted solar panel, an Anderson plug that can be run off the alternator or the second battery, and various USB and other 12vdc accessories I have added.
The only drilling I did was through the grommet. PowerfulUK has a video on how to remove the outer plastic trim. The rear wall of the defender is two layers, so very hard for water to get in. I also used a lot of silicon around the grommet.
Did you break the plastic trim as @PowerfulUK did, or did it come off "easier"?
Originally Posted by Adamalli
I have also installed a whole second battery system under the rear floor. I removed the 3rd row seats. I should probably put together a thread documenting all the electrical I have done. I have a hood mounted solar panel, an Anderson plug that can be run off the alternator or the second battery, and various USB and other 12vdc accessories I have added.
Wiring a Rack Mount Light Bar
