Electrical Wire Size

[Maxs Dad]

Being a Newby - Only had my 1st 3/4,quad cab, 4X4 since Sept - I've read all that I can lay my hands on from TDR. The electrical stuff catchs my eye as I'm in the telecommunications trade. One thing that I don't see discussed is the correct wire gage to use for all of the various add-ons. Some of the add-on lights and other accessories use a lot of amps and if the wire isn't big enough you'll starve the devices. My rule of thumb, on Lili (my big bronze baby) and my boat, is to install wire one gage size larger than that called out in the installation instructions. For example - I'll be putting on new back-up lamps. The wire that comes with the lamps is too skinny. It's easy to pop the back end of the lamp housing and replace the wire with the next size larger. Because there is a 12 foot run from the engine compartment - where the juice is - to the back bumper (counting all of the twists and turns) I'll use nothing smaller than 14 Ga - stranded wire - using the correct color code.

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

[GregSmith]

I'd like to add back-up lights also. What brand are you going to use?

 

[kaffine krazed]

Where do you find color coded wire? I've been doing alot of electrical work on cars lately and would like to keep the color codes. Thanks.

 

[thepitts]

On your backup lights can you just tap into the stock backup light? And have it powered when you shift into reverse? I plan on trying this if you think this will not work plz tell me why.

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Eric Pitts Terre Haute Indiana
2001 Properly Valved 2500 Qcab 4X4 auto Transgo shifts it 4. 10 LSD Prime-Loc Weston Nerf Bars Smith built brush guard Command Remote Starter Scotty Air DD stage 1’s, boost fooler, elbow 32psi boost 247hp,657tq Neophyte B. O. M. B. er
The Pitts Home Page
Member GLTDR

 

[Maxs Dad]

Thanks for your replys. Greg S. -I'm just starting my backup light hunt. So I'll let you know what I find. Kaffine - So far I've just used the standard solid colors that I can get at the local Kragen. What triggered the comment was an installer, who wired up the cargo light in my Stockland shell, used black wire (#18) to carry +12 from the main power distribution block all the way back to the rear tail light. I replaced it with #14 red and spent an hour and a half carefully routing the wire so that it wouldn't chafe. I'm getting the information on multi-colored wire so I can also keep the OEM color coding. "thepitts" - yes you can tap into the stock back-up lights - if your new back-up lights don't draw too much current. I am planning to add a radio shack relay so that I don't mess up the existing brake light switch. The tap on the existing brake light will control the relay. The relay contacts will have >10 amps available for the lights.
I'll keep you posted with my progress - however I have this hunch that others have done this before me and that I'm just reinventing the wheel. I'd sure like to hear from other members that have gone this route.

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

[HVAC]

Maxs, we need to hook up with you some time. We have been doing some dyno testing at RPM in Rohnert Park lately. There are more and more proud Ram owners in your area. Somebody should organize the north bay bunch and set up meetings every couple months or so. A little birdy mentioned there may be a blue 4x4 at Sears Point this weekend. Carlos's truck should put down a surprising time and mph #ad


I agree with you on the size of the wire issue. Better safe then problematic. I just installed a circuit for my fuel pump which I've relocated to the tank. I went with 14 ga. stranded wire which I'm told will carry 15 amps. The pump only draws a tad over 5 amps so I shouldn't have any heat build up in the circuit.

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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[ralphr]

Maxs, your idea of using one size larger makes sense. that should compensate for any additional resistance from making the connection. I tapped into the backup wire and added a "running" light mounted to the hitch, used an "el cheapo" about $15, but it works well providing much needed light when backing at night. I've been to petaluma many times, at the Coast Guard training facility there nice town. Good Luck

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[ralphr]

MAXS DAD thats why I only spent $15 on the light, if I hits something, no problem, just go and buy new one, has lasted almost 9 months no prob). Yea I guess the locals call it 2 rock, I agree nice 4wd country! Good luck with your new baby!!!

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

[Maxs Dad]

HVAC-Yes we do have to hook up. I work in Rohnert Park - Where is RPM? - I have a pretty good relationship with Autoworld in Petaluma (where I bought Lili) I'm going to see if they'll sponser a local chapter. Have you heard of a 4-wheel driving school up here? There is another issue with the wire gage. The larger size allows a more robust mechanical connection. I'm very conservative - I solder and mechanically crimp the connectors onto the wire. Have'nt lost one yet.

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

[Cooker]

As far as backup light go, KC makes a backup light kit but I think it is a little spendy around $60-$70. The kit I will likley be buying is only $28. Here is the link:
http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=14701&prmenbr=69 70

You can also wire a cheap "farm light" up for around $10 and that would do the job ok. I prefer the light kit, I think the two thin light will look ok too.

[This message has been edited by Cooker (edited 12-27-2000). ]

 

[HVAC]

Max's, RPM is on Martin which is west of 101 two lights. Take the expressway west, go two lights and make a right then a left and your on Martin. Then look for thick black smoke and your there! #ad

http://www.rpmeng.com/

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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[Maxs Dad]

ralphr - you must mean 2 rock - been out there more times than I care to count. **** good 4-wheeling country. How did you mount the light to the hitch and protect it from getting whacked from unforseen 2 and 4 legged objects?

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

[Big MAK]

I'm running cheap tractor lights, $13 each at Tractor Supply Co. I was using round ones that were $10 each but the rectangular look better and don't fold under as easy.

I like the inexpensive tractor lights since I tend to break them once in a while hitting obstacles plowing and backing into packed snow and ice.

As for wiring; don't tap into the existing back up light wiring except to power a relay -- and run the 'power' from the battery up front.

You should also consider just running a switch (don't tap into the back up lights). The reasoning is simple: let's say you want to load the truck in the dark; or hook up the trailer in the dark. Well, with the truck running you wouldn't want to be standing behind it when it's in reverse eh? At least I hope not. Or we won't be seeing much more of you'all on the board! #ad
Another reason is I have my lights point slightly outboard so I can see the trailer in tight cornering -- going forward. Really handy weaving your way to a campsite in the dark.

Great point on the wiring gauge! Wish I'd though of it before running all those wires... Oh well. Need to clean it up anyway. I hope to get a couple 'painless wiring' kits from Geno's this summer and re-do everything.


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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 275s and Original PowerMax
A "WARRANTY FREE" ZONE
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

 

[Maxs Dad]

HVAC - Stopped by Autoworld last nite to pick up my mud flaps - not much mud but a lot of rocks that I don't need hitting the body. Planted the seed of a new chapter up here in Sonoma Co. with the Marketing Mgr. Any idea of the number of TDR people that might be interested in a local chapter? My first thought is to move the meeting place around the bay area. That way we all would get to play in other people's back yard.

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty