Who knows about KC lights?? Give info here!!

[Mikes95XLT]

Ok guys I think I've decided on the KC lights... they won't be happening until at least summer, but there's a problem. I have no idea what the f*** I'm doing here, and I want to learn before I buy. Maybe you guys can answer some stuff and give me some info!!

1) Do I need to buy a light bar? I'm thinking about it, cause I think that mounting the lights to the stock roof rack bar would a) be a pain and b) it's too far back on the truck.... what do you think?

2) Which lights would you recommend? I'm thinking daylighters....

3) Installation.... "DIY" or "HELP!"?????

4) Will I blow out my circuits in my truck when I turn these things on? Will I drain my battery? How do these work?

Thanks for any info guys... much appreciated!

 

[JDraper]

I've had KC lights for years and I love 'em . I currently have 2 sets on my X. I have mine mounted on my brushguard and in my front bumper (Won't fit in the garage if I mount them up top ). Click on Jeff's Truck in my sig for a look at my setup.

1) Do I need to buy a light bar? I'm thinking about it, cause I think that mounting the lights to the stock roof rack bar would a) be a pain and b) it's too far back on the truck.... what do you think?

You don't need a light bar if you don't want one. A light bar would be sturdier than the roof rack, but it is possible to mount them to the roof rack. It's also not too far back if you run the front bar all the way forward. The biggest problem with roof mounting is running the wires. Best way to do it is to put waterproof connectors in the roof. Some people just drill holes in the roof and seal them with slicone, and others run them through the hatch seal. There are a couple of threads here on how people have rack mounted their lights. Here's one of them: Dead Link Removed

2) Which lights would you recommend? I'm thinking daylighters....

Definitely the Daylighters!! Get the sealed beam version. They are the most powerful and durable. (That's what I have)

3) Installation.... "DIY" or "HELP!"?????

If you are competent enough to use a drill, a socket wrench, a pair of wire strippers and can read, you can do it yourself. It is not tough to do. MAKE SURE YOU WIRE USING THE RELAY!!!!!. When you buy the lights, get the kit, not just the individual lights. It comes with everything you need (wiring, switch, relay, instructions) to get the job done. For roof mounting, you might need more wire, but everything else is there. For a wiring schematic, check out Dead Link Removed

4) Will I blow out my circuits in my truck when I turn these things on? Will I drain my battery? How do these work?

You won't blow anything if you wire it right. If you wire it wrong, you'll cook a fuse, but that's why the are there . If you use the lights while the truck is not running you can drain your battery, but the stock charging system and battery can handle a set of KC lights no problem. Now, if you use multiple sets, you might want a better alternator. I have 2 sets on my truck with the stock electrical system and have no problems whatsoever.

The easiest way to make sure you don't accidentally drain your battery is to use a switched hot wire to run the lights. That way, when your truck is off, the lights are off.


Good Luck!! If you have any other questions, shoot me an e-mail or a PM.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Wow thanks man!! I think that's all the info I could ask for!

Those Lemo connectors... their website was a little confusing, and I wasn't sure where to look for the info on purchasing the connectors. Also, how does that work when you hook up the system to your truck?

 

[JDraper]

Not sure by what you mean how does it work when you put it on the truck. All they are are in line waterproof connectors. They just give you a way of keeping the water out of the truck while still being able to disconnect the lights if you need to.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

What I meant was how does it work with hooking the connectors to the system, and hooking the system up to the truck, using the connectors.... how do you use the connectors with the system?

 

[jt1970m]

Whats the relay for? I have the 2 daylighters just hardwired with an inline fuse. Same thing isn't it? Mine works fine and I've never had a problem hooking my lights up this way.

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by jt1970m
Whats the relay for? I have the 2 daylighters just hardwired with an inline fuse. Same thing isn't it? Mine works fine and I've never had a problem hooking my lights up this way.

The relay is there to isolate the switch from the lights. Most switches aren't rated for the amperage that strong lights pull and will eventually fail. Depending upon what circuit you hooked your lights to, you may be overtaxing that part of your electrical system. Besides the starter, the lights draw the highest current in the vehicle.

If you haven't fried something yet from hooking them direct, you're lucky. I would HIGHLY recommend you put your lights on a relay

Originally posted by Mikes95XLT
What I meant was how does it work with hooking the connectors to the system, and hooking the system up to the truck, using the connectors.... how do you use the connectors with the system?

What you do is mount the connector receptacle in the roof of the truck and run the wiresfrom your relay to it. You then hook the connector plut onto the light harness. That way you just plug the lights into a connector that is mounted in the roof of your truck. It serves 2 purposes:

1: It gives you a waterproof interface in the roof of the truck to run the power through.

2: It allows you to unplug the lights from the roof if you ever have to replace one. That way you aren't having to mess with the roof again. Once and done.

 

[parli22]

I have (2) pairsof KC daylighter on my roof rack and I love them.
As soon as I throw the switch its like the night turns to day.
Here a picture of them in the day time
Sorry no I have no night time shots

 

[94ZebraRanger]

Hey Guys where did you get your Racks from????? I also want to add a rack to my X and add Lights.


I second the answer for the relay, I melted a switch with my off road lights a few years ago when I had my 86 Ranger. alway relay your lights.

Tim

 

[parli22]

I got the safari rack from www.Summitracing.com.
It's a 45x50 in size. You will also have to purchase adapters and light bracket for the rack. I have a spare tire mount coming for the rack this week to relocate my spare tire.

I got the KC Daylighters from www.desertrat.com. They were about 69.99 each if I remember correctly.

 

[Ken Cooke]

What location is best?

Roof mounted or near the grill? Does m.p.g. suffer? Do you get 5 miles of lighted range out of these KCs? I've got to have a pair, KC is my initials!

 

[Brian8]

I've got a set of KC's on my roof rack. I bought my roof rack a couple years ago from performance products. They have everything you will need for your truck and the price isn't all that bad either.

Ken..I have a set on my brushguard and on my roof..I personally like the roof mounted better. I'm gonna be adding a second set up there pretty soon.