I was just reading jacksonpt's writeup on his wiring of the lights mounted on his rack. I have been contemplating adding some lights on my Loadworrior but the wiring would be a big part of my decision. Has anyone done the option 1? ie, drilling holes in the roof... Anybody have leakage problems? My car sits outside all the time now that I'm in a dorm so this issue is pretty important to me.

Thanks Guys!

 

I know that some do drill holes in the roof, but man, that makes me & the Runner both cringe

Here is how I did mine.
http://www.pnw4runners.net/roof_lamp_wiring/

They are talking pics, and may not work if you click the links and try to stream them.
They work better if you save them to the PC then view.

I have had zero problems with the wiring.

PS, editing this post since I lost the talking pics when the server I have been on for over a year messed up.
Here is a new write-up with some pics & a vid from my new server.
http://64.127.247.125/tech/roof_light_wiring/

 

Thanks Corey,
I like that install much better , I just don't like the idea of having all those wires exposed back there...

 

I was so paranoid about holes in my roof I took a couple of extra steps when repainting the roof rack. I removed the rails, cleaned the holes, and dumped in a ton of clear silicone designed for outdoor use prior to reinserting the screws that hold down the rack. I then put a coat of this clear silicone over the screwheads to create a clear coating. If I ever have to remove the screws it will be a simple matter of cutting the silicone away but any rust protection is important.

 

Don't drill if you don't need to (you don't).

I have a brief write-up and pics as well.

http://mycolorado.org/wiring.html

 

Darren, same way I did mine.

I was told a few years ago when I did it the wires going through there would get pinched.

Nada, zip, ziltch, they are still like new as I have pulled them out and inspected them to make sure they were not getting pinched.

 

Ran mine the same way.. no problems.. and easy to remove if needed.

 

I tried to run mine like Corey did, but I've got too many wires to do it that way... I can't hide them as well. I've got 6 lights up top (3 sets of 500s), plus my CB antenna. I had to run them to the back. That pic you posted was before I siliconed them to the rig (silicone is easy to work with, won't damage the wires, holdes the wires well, and is easy to remove if I need to remove the wires for some reason). It actually looks much better now - you'd barely know they are there.