Lighting upgrade...What connectors?

[PNW EXPLR]

Hey all,

I am gathering up the materials to install lighting on my truck. The system will consist of

• Rock lights mounted to the outside of the frame. These will be more for perimeter lighting while camped.
• Led pods mounted in the fog light holes of my front bumper.
• Led bar, or individual round beams, not sure which yet, mounted to the front bumper.
• Led utility lighting mounted to the top of each pillar on my bed rack.
• Switch-pros SP8100

I am looking for good weather proof connector options. I have used the weather pak connectors in the past and they are nice, but a little pricy and a bit bulky. What else is out there?

 

[PNW EXPLR]

So, either all of you guys use weatherpak connectors, or....you just twist the wires together and e-tape them, this can't be.....

 

[Jimmy P]

I use knock off weatherpack style connectors and dielectric grease outside of my rig. I got a pack of like a dozen for about $10. So far so good. Where I have wire to wire connections under the dash, it's soldier and heat shrink. at switches I use waterproof female spade connectors. I don't know that that helps, but figured I'd throw it out there.

 

[phxdsrtrat]

I like the Deutsh DT style 2 pin connectors for lighting. I used two different sizes for my wiring. The slightly larger for the 14 AWG and the smaller for the 16-20 AWG. Here's an example link off of Amazon for one of them
-Curtiss

 

[PNW EXPLR]

I like the Deutsh DT style 2 pin connectors for lighting. I used two different sizes for my wiring. The slightly larger for the 14 AWG and the smaller for the 16-20 AWG. Here's an example link off of Amazon for one of them
-Curtiss

This is exactly what I am looking for. Do these require a special crimp tool?

 

[phxdsrtrat]

This is exactly what I am looking for. Do these require a special crimp tool?

They do make special crimpers for this style of connector however I got by using my regular barrel crimpers followed up a touch of solder. Solder was probably not necessary but I typically do this for extra security. Mine are definitely not coming apart.

-Curtiss

 

[PNW EXPLR]

They do make special crimpers for this style of connector however I got by using my regular barrel crimpers followed up a touch of solder. Solder was probably not necessary but I typically do this for extra security. Mine are definitely not coming apart.

-Curtiss

Thanks for the info. I definitely think that the solder is necessary. Without the solder any moisture will eventually cause corrosion and then result in a poor connection. Cheap insurance!

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

I like the Deutsh DT style 2 pin connectors for lighting. I used two different sizes for my wiring. The slightly larger for the 14 AWG and the smaller for the 16-20 AWG. Here's an example link off of Amazon for one of them
-Curtiss

What I use also. They make nice M/F caps as well which are great for keeping connections clean when I unplug my roof lights. The basket comes off every the winter.