BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Larry Dedrick on February 04, 2014, 01:47:42 AM
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As my wife has indicated already, we finished our shake down outing. As we were departing the park early in the morning with rain and darkness, I commented to her, " are the headlights on? because I can't see very well ", keep in mind here, she is a few years younger than me. We concluded that they were in fact on, with very poor lighting.
I researched on the BAC Forum and discovered the Video that will fix this problem, and Thanks, Bill and Roy for the great video presentation. After watching the video twice, it looks like a fun project. So! seeing I'm not real knowledgable on various types of wiring, I want to use the appropriate wire type to do this alteration. I do realize that I need 12 gauge primary wire, but there are different insulations on the wire, depending on the application. Could I please get some guidance on where to obtain a good grade of wire and lets not forget the connectors that are required. Everything else, (Time, Patience, Tools, and a Helping Wife) I have.
Thanks in advance. Larry
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Larry,
The best choice is Marine tinned copper stranded wire. The tinning eliminates corrosion, it consists of fine strands and therefor is ultra flexible and resists fatigue. You will appreciate the ability of this wire to bend when running it in tight turns. 12GA 25ft is $7.00 here. 14GA is $5 for 25ft.
http://www.bestboatwire.com/marine-wire/marine-primary-wire/12-awg-primary-wire
My choice would be Marine crimp connectors that heat shrink and seal the wire ends with a heat set adhesive $.30 apiece. I used Blue 14 to 16 GA. You can do this job with 14GA wire, for these wire lengths and current load there is minimal voltage drop. 12GA is fine also but you will need to trim a few strands to seat the wire in the blue crimp connector or you can go to yellow. The 14GA and blue connectors is a little more manageable to run in this space.
http://www.bestboatwire.com/marine-electrical-supply/wire-connectors/heat-shrink-terminals/quick-disconnect
Good materials will cost you just a couple of dollars more but if you are putting your own labor in, when you are done you know you have done it right. You will never have to touch it again, in my opinion money well spent. I say this because chasing down gremlins in electrical systems is a real pain in the ass.
Later Ed
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Ed:
Thanks for the information, it's a big help.
Larry D.
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Larry
FYI, the video did not match our set up in the 98 Pat although it was close and worked out fine. It did take a bit more figuring. I think some labeling was different or something. It was confusing for just a minute but we still had it done in 30 minutes or so.
Also, it would help on your posts if you go to the signature section on the forum and add your coach info. I dont recall the age of your coach but this video only works up to a certain year. After that I believe the electronics bay was changed. Perhaps someone else here could be more specific for you?
All the best
Keith
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I have been thinking about having a set of HID projectors retrofitted into the stock headlight housing of my 2000 patriot as i cant see anything with 2 sets of fogs and the headlights on.
also thinking about adding a set of Vision X LED lights in place of my already wired up fog lights,
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The wire and crimps Roy used in the video were automotive quality like you would get at a NAPA store.
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I think it's time to fix my dim headlights so where is the link to this video?
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Randy, Bill,
Links for part 1 and 2 are here Thanks to Bill Sprague and Roy Mueller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmYyoILEhMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIXez9bQNY0
I referenced Marine Wire and the self sealing connectors because I have had both good and bad wiring components offered to me at the automotive store depending on what was stocked and who is at the counter at the time. I also find that I can buy Marine quality electrical components on the web for less than what I typically have paid for automotive electrical components locally lately. On the Marine side there is a wiring standard specification that has to be met if you are selling Marine grade wire. For general automotive parts store I am not sure anymore....
I have no problem with good quality automotive wire and crimp connectors when they are available.
Later Ed
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Thanks, to all responders.
Ed: I like the idea of wiring having an anti corrosion process and I will be ordering some supplies from your sources.
Keith: I found the signature section and have included the standard info. I was wondering where to accomplish this and you pointed me in the right direction. My wife will be impressed with me, so, please keep this to yourself.
Bill: Thanks again for your contribution to a fine video. If I were to follow only printed directions, I'm sure I would have to recruit my wife. I will probably watch this video several times over until I can do it blindfolded.
Larry
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I have one more question regarding supplies needed. What size are the terminal connectors? , the diameter is what i'm after. (1/4, 5/16, #8. Or ??)
Thanks Larry
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Larry,
Watch the video and see what terminals you will be connecting to. You can buy some relays and check the spades that will fit those terminals. From the video, pull a nut off of the terminals that you will need to connect to and size it as needed. Best that you plan and sort out your connection points and relays and buy terminals for your specific connection points.
Later Ed
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Larry,
Think I sent you the write up on the video. It contains a parts list that should answer your questions. Will resend.
Steve
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I have been thinking about having a set of HID projectors retrofitted into the stock headlight housing of my 2000 patriot as i cant see anything with 2 sets of fogs and the headlights on.
also thinking about adding a set of Vision X LED lights in place of my already wired up fog lights,
Bill, HID lights will not solve the problem because the problem is low voltage. Watch the video. I did the video procedure and the difference was dramatic. Great light with no need to change the bulbs. If this does not satisify you, then upgrade the bulbs. But upgraded bulbs with poor voltage will not solve your problem.
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Watched video and what a snap! The only problem I had was the local auto parts store didn't have the relays in stock! Can't wait to "smoke test" them!
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Job Done. Now all I have to do is go for a drive at night.
Thanks for the Video Roy and Bill and thanks Ed as well for the advice on wire.
Larry D
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I'd also like to thank the camera man, the editor, the key grip, the producer and most of all, the Best Electrician, Roy!!
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Randy:
Just a side note. I ended up purchasing the exact relay that Roy used, and it did take a bit of searching. Nevertheless, I ended up ordering twelve relays at $2.20 each. The company I purchased them from had a $25.00 minimum order, so I did the math and that came to 12. After explaining my bulk purchase to Roy, I was informed that having spares is a good thing seeings the same relay is used through out the coach. I figured maybe some time in the future at rallies, someone may need a relay, so I will have plenty on hand.
The other reason I purchased the exact relay?, I am not that knowledgeable on relays, so this way, I couldn't go wrong.
Larry D.
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Wow Larry, I oreded (2) 40amp relays and they dinged me $13 each! I have a couple of 20amp spares but I think I'll search the web before going back to that auto parts store!