Lighting Issue
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Lighting Issue
I have some extra lights that I want to install on my light bar. I used them previously on a '78 F100 that I used to have but I ran into many issues. After several wiring fires and burned up alternators I took them off but want to put them on my '90 F150. They pull 13 volts, 300 watts, 55 amps each and I have 4 of them. I have solved the fire issue but what I was wondering was is there any way to hook up an additional alternator or generator to run these?
Do I really need these? No but I like to see for miles. Just wondering if anyone has ever rigged something up like this.
'90 F150 XLT 5.0L 4x4 EOD
Do I really need these? No but I like to see for miles. Just wondering if anyone has ever rigged something up like this.
'90 F150 XLT 5.0L 4x4 EOD
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Something doesn't add up here. 300w at 13volts is 23amps, not 55 amps. Still that's nearly 100amps for 4 lights. You'll need the biggest alternator you can find and/or a second battery or 2 with a disconnect. You'll also need some big assed cable the size of your thumb to feed those lights.
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There is a device that is sold at auto parts stores that might help. It is a battery isolator. I have one but haven't found a place to mount a second battery to use it yet. But if I read the back of it correctly...when you connect this device up with a second battery, the alternator will charge bother batteries, as needed. When the vehicle isn't running it will pull electricity from the second battery, and the first is off. Then when you go to start the vehicle it will switch to using the first battery.
This way you won't drain one battery by using your lights and be left out in the dark. But you still need an alternator that will put out A LOT of amps.
This way you won't drain one battery by using your lights and be left out in the dark. But you still need an alternator that will put out A LOT of amps.
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Not sure of the actual amps. The 55 came from what is written on the back of light itself. I figured I would have to use huge cable as what I have used in the past only lasted a minute or so, hence the fires under the dash. I previously used a 100 amp alternator but the load was too much for it. I had thought about a second battery and will most likely add one but as we know it will not help if I can not get it juiced up. Maybe I need to gear down some on the lights? But they are kinda cool to show off with especially when some idiot will not turn his brights off. I love the reaction.
I have checked with the original source for these without much help other than the wire rating. Since I am not sure what plane these came out of I can not find out the exact power source used.
I have checked with the original source for these without much help other than the wire rating. Since I am not sure what plane these came out of I can not find out the exact power source used.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Originally Posted by truckhound
Not sure of the actual amps. The 55 came from what is written on the back of light itself. I figured I would have to use huge cable as what I have used in the past only lasted a minute or so, hence the fires under the dash. I previously used a 100 amp alternator but the load was too much for it. I had thought about a second battery and will most likely add one but as we know it will not help if I can not get it juiced up. Maybe I need to gear down some on the lights? But they are kinda cool to show off with especially when some idiot will not turn his brights off. I love the reaction.
I have checked with the original source for these without much help other than the wire rating. Since I am not sure what plane these came out of I can not find out the exact power source used.
I have checked with the original source for these without much help other than the wire rating. Since I am not sure what plane these came out of I can not find out the exact power source used.
Also, in most areas, these type of lights are required by law to be covered when on a public road.
Last edited by McLeod; Mar 23, 2007 at 11:05 AM.
