Light wiring question

[Joph]

What did everyone use to connect the wires from the lights to the wires on the truck?

Right now I just used electrical tape but not happy with that.

I was thinking of those twist caps but wasnt sure how that would hold up in the elements.

 

[gopher870]

I've used a variety of crimped plugs and connections...some were the same used by BMW for their airbags (go ahead, say oooooooh) but in the end, after multiple failures, a soldering iron, solder, and heat shrink is the only thing that has held up. YMMV. Good luck.

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[The Car Stereo Company]

What did everyone use to connect the wires from the lights to the wires on the truck?

Right now I just used electrical tape but not happy with that.

I was thinking of those twist caps but wasnt sure how that would hold up in the elements.

those twist caps are for home electrical. dont use them in a vehicle. as far as tape..... you can use tape to cover the connection, but a good crimp tool with the proper connectors are best.

 

[Denvertaco07]

simple butt connectors work just fine, wrap in electrical tape afterwards.

 

[GordoJay]

I wouldn't use wire nuts, but if I had to for some reason, I'd get the gel-filled ones that you use outdoors and I'd tape or shrink wrap the wires together just below the nut. But if you use gel, the best gel to use is a mixture of tin and lead.

 

[Jace21583]

Heat shrink butt splices are the way to go!! Lowes and home depot generally have them in stock but the better buy is form amazon if you have prime.

 

[JohnyPython]

Solder, heat shrink butt and deutsch connectors.

 

[justcozz]

Definitely use environmental butt splices. I still generally cover mine with heat shrink for a clean uniform look once they are sealed up. Also, if you aren't familiar with wiring, try to get a friend to show you how to do it properly.

I also commonly see people using undersized wire for the appliance or incorrect splicing methods and am surprised that I haven't seen more trucks catching on fire. If you are running lights beyond the factory wire harness lengths or making your own harness, you can google "wire size chart" to ensure you are using the correct size wire and circuit protection for your intended use. Something as simple as adding a 30 Amp light bar to a chase rack might need a larger wire than you think because your routing takes it further than the stock harness length. The link below should help to find some important info on that.

https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437

 

[Mike O]

I solder and heat shrink. Below is a link to a cool connection that I use some times, especially if there is any chance of water getting in. It is a shrink wrap with a solder ring in the middle and plastic rings that will melt to bond to the wire plastic on each end. This is great for the elements. I then go back over it with a shrink wrap for good measure. It is bullet proof. When I am really bored or in an **** mood (easy Oldfart - not "in the mood for"), I sometimes will solder, put the solder ring shrink wrap, then cover with shrink wrap. WAY overkill, but I have no worries about the connection integrity.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C3NBTJ9/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072PCQ2LW/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

 

[Smokyray]