Looking for basic info...

[ctf0015]

Hello!

Quick background: just picked up a camper shell and looking to build my truck bed to become a camper and do some travelling. My goal is to hook up some lightbars and an external battery to assist with power. Instead of paying someone to do this, I'd really like to do all of the work myself (saves me money and helps me if something gets *****'d while away).

Who do you guys use as good resources to learn basic wiring for external lights, adding switches, etc.?

I plan on hitting up the youtube, but wanted to check here as well.

Thanks!

 

[AFMoulton]

Check out expedition overland on YouTube. He has a video talking all about electrical info for overland vehicles


2018 Ram 2500 6.4L 4x4
Amsoil SS 0W-40

 

[NJMOPAR]

Auxiliary lights are usually just positive and ground. How you hook them up is individual taste.
An example setup would be running the red (pos) light bar(s) wire to a relay, then tap into a fuse or run an inline fused power wire to the battery through a switch. The black (neg) light wire(s) goes to a frame bolt to ground.
Switches that are lighted require an extra hot wire, unlit switches don't. Where you put them is your call.
I like the 14ga dual black/red wire to make runs neater. Shrink tubing, heat gun, decent wire strippers and a terminal crimp assortment should get you started.

 

[kurek]

There are upfitter switches that allow a super clean install, just google "Ram upfitter switches" .

Another good option for aux driving beams if you get SAE forward lighting is to just tie them in with a relay to your high beam headlight circuit. That way you don't need to install any new switches or clutter and they shut off automatically when you flip to low beams for oncoming traffic.

 

[rule18]

I'll add to NJMOPAR's post and say that if you're running wire around the engine compartment get yourself some split wire loom. It makes for a cleaner install and protects the wire a bit.