Alton Brobst If you’re a Subaru Outback owner and you’re planning to install a roof rack on your vehicle, you might want to consider wiring lights on your roof rack. This can be a great way to add extra lighting to your vehicle, especially if you do a lot of off-roading or if you often drive in low-light conditions. Wiring lights on your roof rack can also be a fun DIY project that you can do on your own. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to wire light in roof rack for Subaru Outback.
Key Takeaways
- Wiring lights on your roof rack can be a great way to add extra lighting to your Subaru Outback.
- Before you start wiring lights, make sure to choose the right type of lights for your needs.
- You will need to gather a few tools and materials before you start wiring lights on your roof rack.
- It’s important to follow safety precautions when wiring lights on your roof rack.
- If you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.
Choosing the Right Type of Lights
Before you start wiring lights on your roof rack, you’ll need to choose the right type of lights for your needs. There are a variety of lights that you can choose from, including LED lights, halogen lights, and HID lights. The type of lights you choose will depend on your specific needs.
LED lights are a popular choice for roof rack lighting because they are energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting. Halogen lights are brighter than LED lights, but they also consume more power and have a shorter lifespan. HID lights are the brightest of the three, but they are also the most expensive and consume the most power.
Tools and Materials
Once you’ve chosen the right type of lights for your needs, you’ll need to gather a few tools and materials before you start wiring lights on your roof rack. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Lights (LED, halogen, or HID)
- Wiring harness
- Relay
- Fuse
- Switch
- Electrical tape
- Wire strippers
- Wire connectors
- Zip ties
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
Wiring Lights on Your Roof Rack
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start wiring lights on your roof rack. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
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Begin by mounting your lights onto your roof rack. Make sure to position them where you want them and use the appropriate bolts and nuts to securely attach them to your roof rack.
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Run the wiring harness from your lights along the length of your roof rack. Use zip ties to secure the wiring harness to your roof rack.
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Once the wiring harness reaches the end of your roof rack, use wire strippers to strip the ends of the wires.
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Connect the wires from the lights to the wiring harness using wire connectors. Make sure to connect the positive wire to the positive wire and the negative wire to the negative wire.
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Connect the wiring harness to a relay. The relay is used to control the power supply to your lights. Make sure to connect the wires properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Attach a fuse to the wiring harness. This will protect your lights from electrical damage in case of a power surge.
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Connect the relay to a switch. The switch will be used to turn your lights on and off. You can mount the switch anywhere you like, but it’s best to choose a location that is easily accessible.
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Use electrical tape to cover any exposed wires and to secure the connections.
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Test your lights to make sure they’re working properly. Turn on your Subaru Outback and flip the switch to turn on your roof rack lights.
Safety Precautions
Wiring lights on your roof rack can be a fun DIY project, but it’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents or electrical damage. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to disconnect your vehicle’s battery before you start wiring lights.
- Always use the appropriate tools and materials for the job.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when connecting wires and components.
- Do not exceed the recommended power rating for your lights or wiring harness.
- Avoid splicing wires together. Use wire connectors instead.
- If you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.
FAQ
How do I choose the right type of lights for my roof rack?
The type of lights you choose will depend on your specific needs. LED lights are a popular choice because they are energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting. Halogen lights are brighter than LED lights, but they also consume more power and have a shorter lifespan. HID lights are the brightest of the three, but they are also the most expensive and consume the most power.
Can I install roof rack lights on my own?
Yes, you can install roof rack lights on your own. However, it’s important to follow safety precautions and to make sure you have the right tools and materials for the job. If you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.
How much does it cost to wire lights on a roof rack?
The cost of wiring lights on a roof rack will depend on the type of lights you choose and the complexity of the wiring. LED lights are typically less expensive than halogen or HID lights, and you can save money by doing the installation yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with electrical wiring, it’s best to seek the help of a professional, which will increase the cost.
