How To Mount Lights To An Aftermarket Roof Rack, And How To Wire Them, 4Runner

We install roof rack camp lights on our 4Runner and wire them to a switch. Also; how to build a 12 volt wiring harness, and how to wire in a relay.
The roof rack side lights we chose are relatively inexpensive but are nice quality:
amzn.to/3dghs0B
The wire and connectors that we use:
Wire: 18AWG UL2464 Power Cable LED Red & Black 2 Conductors(18AWG 2C 25ft)
amzn.to/2OK2p53
Connectors: MUYI 10 Kit 2 Pin Way Waterproof Electrical Connector 2.5mm Series Terminals Quick Locking Wire Harness Sockets
amzn.to/2Zk3mTI
The cable clamps:
Clamps: LOKMAN 20 Pack 3/16 Inch Stainless Steel Cable Clamp, Rubber Cushioned Insulated Clamp, Metal Clamp, Tube Holder for Tube, Pipe or Wire Cord Installation
amzn.to/3b6Isgg
Bolts: 1/4-20 x 1/2" Button Head Socket Cap Screws, Allen Socket Drive, Black Oxide, Grade 10.9 Alloy Steel, Fully Threaded, 25 PCS
amzn.to/3u2Eyxz
Tee Nuts: 80/20 Inc, 3686, 15 Series 1/4-20 Centered Slide in Economy T-Nut (25 Pack)
amzn.to/3rXlgYA
Links to our other videos:
How To Wire A Relay: • How To Wire An Automot...
How to make a custom switch panel: • DIY Custom Dash Switch...
How to make a relay panel: • The Best Way To Make A...

[@gogerwi]

Perfect timing, thanks. I have been piecing together parts to light up the outside of my truck topper for camping and fishing trips. These lights are exactly what I was looking for.

[@BigRandyR]

Mark is a natural, he should have his own cable tv show. Keep up the good work, Sir.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks!

[@UNKPCRIDE]

a bit stiff however, could loosen up, a bit more casual maybe.

[@philliphamilton1626]

haha, cable tv... geddit?

[@Mellow429]

Ya this couple are the ultimate DIYers to be honest. I can see that their 4runner is PRICELESS as they all are ;)

[@sadkomodo]

Again, another excellent video! Doing that mod soon. Timing is everything!

[@OMACMedicFiveZero]

Finally someone using a Deutsch connector. Great build!

[@midsouthaerials7178]

This is outstanding, thank you for taking the time to show exactly how to build. I’ll be adding a similar set up to my Prinsu soon and following your steps!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Fantastic! Let us know how it goes, and thanks for watching.

[@jonathanrafallo2177]

Excellent video, well filmed and your instruction was thorough and detailed. I love your videos! Always informational with just the right amount of cursing and comedy that highlights install frustrations.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you very much!

[@woadscout9955]

I've watched this vid a few times now that I'm installing my front roof lights and I really have to say that all the links and explanations have been super helpful. Thank you so much for putting in the time and being rad people :)

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you liked it!

[@seankanemoto8232]

Your work ethic’s are top notch. Enough Said!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you VERY much!

[@senseidadproductions]

Thanks for another informative video! I have a 2015 4runner trail that my sons and I have modified for overlanding and have learned a great deal from your videos. I'm considering an SPOD but I was forced into retirement (aka unemployment) during COVID so I may try your kit. Have a great new year!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching and have a great new year yourself!

[@skeeburton3360]

Thanks to the both of you wil try to follow your lead thank you greatly

[@van_mod1]

I used your cable management method and connectors…so far happy with it. My rack is Series 10 80/20 so I changed up the Tnuts to roll ins. Went with 1/2” cable guides and 3/8” bolts.

[@jasoncobb218]

Great video guys, EXACTLY what I was looking for in advance of my rack lighting project! Many thanks. And yes, go amber!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@alabastardmasterson]

Well done. Never would've thought of securing the wire like that

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@allterrain]

I used amber for my camp lights and found that the bugs are less attracted to them. Great content as usual!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Good to know!

[@gripweed4041]

🦟

[@darthtyranus7683]

Don't forget some offroad ceramic spray some have UV coating too

[@jodyk4949]

Great content! Thank you for sharing! I’m subscribing as it is obvious you are thoughtful about your projects. I know I will benefit greatly from your knowledge.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markvaught8884]

Thanks for all the great videos!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you like them!

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

I agree the Amber may reduce the pesky bugs while giving you plenty of light 😎👊

[@CK_Row]

I love your channel and your content. As a female new 4Runner owner and wanna be, newbie overlander, your no nonsense approach is so helpful and practical. Thank you!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dominica2765]

You do very clean work I’m using the switch pro totally self-contained I like it better than he has pod and it’s waterproof be blessed

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching Dominic!

[@OverlandPNW]

Great video. I've done the same with my roof rack. The liquid tape is a home run !

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks 👍

[@joshuaspence3926]

You two rock!!! Great video!!!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks so much!!

[@henrikm4657]

I like that SSO rack. Way more thought out than the Rhino Pioneer platform that I have. The 80/20 profiles are way more versatile. Cool install. You know they’ve made flux core solder for the last 50 or so years, right? 🤪😂

[@donoberloh]

ROFL… glad we know what you meant. Thanks for the Video sir.

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

Once again great video 😎💪

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks again!

[@ford4602]

Thanks guys, great vid!!! I was looking at a kit of 2 of those same lights from offroad company. They wanted $99 for the lights and a simple bracket with hardware, no extra wiring. Thanks to you found the lights for $15 and I can make a bracket out of scrap if need be.

[@WanderlostOverland]

We saw the same lights and were astounded at the markup they had on them. Thanks for watching!

[@VincentShumai]

Can you link me to the lights you purchased?

[@WanderlostOverland]

@@VincentShumai www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/vehicle-area-lights/5-rv-led-flood-light-porch-and-utility-light-700-lumen-12v/5568/12478/

[@RolandoNispiros]

Awesome wiring tutorial!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RolandoNispiros]

@@WanderlostOverland Welcome! Wish I saw this video before I put on my roof rack lights.

[@AaronLives34]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you for watching!

[@jayc.1753]

Great video ! Thank you! Subscribed!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Awesome, thank you!

[@410bacci]

Anyone who pronounces "roof" as "ruhf", you know you trust their judgement on building things. Instant cred. Really tho, love your videos. I've followed the lead on a number of your projects including the cargo floor replacement which I recessed l-track into for modular mounting points.

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's awesome Michael!!! I pronounce creek as crick too.

[@mitianiseduadua2116]

Awesome Job

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@janlaird2651]

Clear Amber film cool!

[@RatBonez74]

Great video. Thanks

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you liked it!

[@emadventures6975]

for sure time consuming but the outcome can overcome some big name companies connectors! totally worth it!

[@YouTubeMaster1611]

Great video. Good wiring techniques. I separated the left side, right side, and rear lights so that I don’t have to turn them all on together.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great tip!

[@doug5428]

Does that mean you ran three sets of wires from the engine bay? Or one 6 conductor cable? Either way I’m thinking that is quite a bit bulkier. I’m wanting the same separation. Thanks in advance.

[@YouTubeMaster1611]

@@doug5428 I ran two two conductor (blk & white) cables from under the hood up the channels along side of the windshield. One on the left and one on the right. I have two lights mounted in series on the left two lights in series on the right. If you are counting wires it’s a total of four.

[@onemansthought]

HA! He said A Hole!...LOL Great how to video and thank you for the links! I liked and sub'd

[@lambertsaldi1550]

Great Review thank you 👍 🇺🇲 Nice work 👍 The Vermonter

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@jmtrimwork]

Great video thanks

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@laffilmfest3759]

Thanks for the info!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Any time!

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Nice job!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DD-Aerial-Photography]

That was a quick answer to my question

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great to hear!

[@SadfoxGuyver]

You got a sub

[@FrenchHawk878]

The thing about the spod and the other one that I forget the name of, you have the issue of something breaking and it being hard to fix and/or no longer in warranty. If you make it yourself and notice one relay has gone bad you just replace that relay. Also, what I suggest people do is make one with a negative terminal with multiple hookups on the board. Then have one negative wire going to the chassis. It'll keep you from finding 10 bolts on the chassis to use and keeps wires straight.

[@Daleejr08]

Excellent video! I did something similar on my rack. Excellent for camp lights, or to avoid stepping out into something nasty! (Cow patties or rattlesnakes) I think I would like to tie into the dome lights or door switch to turn on automatically. Ahhhhh some day

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's a great idea!

[@Hackepro2012]

I think amber is a good idea, but some of the lights should be white for visibility. You Folks do a great job at explaining the way it should be done. Best Wishes

[@WanderlostOverland]

Great suggestion!

[@MrAndyUPS]

Would try out the amber film, gives a warm light but keeps your 20ft of seeing. Have a good one, rgds.. from Germany 😉

[@WanderlostOverland]

Good call!

[@OzManshinnanigs]

Great install video! Do you have a link for the amber film?

[@JAM76ER]

A little anti seize would go a long way on the rack screws. I pulled mine out one at a time and coated them. Those channels hold water for a while when your truck in not moving. Just a suggestion. I know you guys are sharp people. I like these type of videos a lot. Thank you.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Darn great advice Jamel! We're huge fans of anti-seize! We put a little on every bolt when we first installed the rack, but we should have taken the time to reapply when we had the chance.

[@woadscout9955]

Awesome video, very helpful, thank you! Quick question, would it be a hassle to move the wire if you have to replace the windshield?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Not at all, just pull it out of the channel and lay it to the side.

[@jonnybkuehl878]

Very nice!! I'd go amber for softer light.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yup, after having the lights in for a while, we couldn't agree with you more.

[@jonnybkuehl878]

@@WanderlostOverland Are these lights wired to the primary or secondary battery?

[@socalfritos9452]

Hey guys! I was watching your video on how to make a custom relay panel using the bussman RTMR style power tray. I am having a hard time finding the bussman 15303-2-2-4. I found a SPT rear terminal mini fuse relay panel. Does this look like the equivalent since the bussman RTMR 15303-2-2-4 is not made anymore

[@RaceMentally]

Great video! Where are you located in the country? Want to wire up my roof rack? Looks great!

[@williamlucrisia9169]

I agree with the other comments both the wife and I enjoy all your sharing of information. The lights on the roof rack some time has past, are they still holding up? William- Bellingham, WA

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! They're holding op okay. Once in a while during a heavy rain one gets a little foggy inside. but dries out fast. Obviously, they aren't 100% guaranteed waterproof.

[@williamlucrisia9169]

@@WanderlostOverland Thanks for the reply. Just so you know, you have had a very strong impact on my build energies to my '15 Tacoma. Your sharing has been valuable. And the Tacoma (G2G)(Good2Go) build for the most part complete. It's first shake down run will begin 20 June on the Washington St. BDR. for a couple of the sections as my time off is limited. A buddy of mine reached out to you a couple months ago about the Gaia app... He mentioned you did reply. Mark, my name is William, I can turn the nuts and bolts but a bit cloudy on the tech aspects. Trust me, my head has been filled with lots of details on the Taco build, I just haven't had the capacity to get into the Gaia app. I am most certain I will watch you vid again for the umpthteen time. Thank you again, the wife and I enjoy you both a lot. William and Erin - Bellingham, WA.

[@laconitoisking]

The clear amber film is good for camping

[@WanderlostOverland]

We agree.

[@BB-xb3mz]

Excellent video, I love that you are willing to share your builds. Just a little tip though, your T-Nuts are upside down. You struggled to put it in because you had them on backwards. The flange on the nut is designed to go in the slot of the track, not up the way you installed it. Flip the nut over and the taper on the sides fits into the channel easier.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bencti4851]

If I Install 2 each side so total of 4 then merge black wires together and red ones together from each side and ready to connect to my auxbeam then to what fuse amp I should connect them ?

[@hurpaderpp]

This is really good but also insanely overkill haha

[@larrylopez1793]

At 7:19 there is some kind of tape on your splice. Where’d you get that?! Thanks for the vids!

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's a piece of butyl tape we have laying around. Not sure where we got it.

[@flytrout5514]

After a year of having these lights are you still happy with their performance? Thanks for the great content.

[@WanderlostOverland]

We are, although they do get a little moister in them during a heavy rain.

[@JC-4791]

Great video. Did your lights come with the full size rubber gasket for the mount? 5:32

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yes they do

[@anavan7]

Would it be good to add medium thread locker for the bolts on the roof rack?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Maybe, depends if you plan on taking the crossbars out at some point.

[@imdbtruth]

Instead of running the wire up the windshield, I recommend using a marine grade cable gland by Seaview or Scanstrut. The glands are equally easy to install, once you get over the shock of drilling holes in your roof. But it's a more permanent solution, once it's there it's there forever, and you'll always have an easy and professional way to power any additional accessories on the roof of your vehicle.

[@blackackcl]

Pro Tip: Don't put the wires into your "A-Hole" 🤣

[@djR32N]

Packin yer crack in the back of the Ack?

[@nnperformance76]

👍 put the amber film on. Not so harsh on the eyes. And could be used in harsh rain or snow as amber is the sign for the side of a vehicle?

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's are thinking as well. You can never be seen too much in a fog or dust storm.

[@alabastardmasterson]

Also doesn't seem to attract bugs like white or blue hued lights

[@jng4723]

Are you using the same gauge wire for all the connections? same for the combined harness?

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yup.

[@RB_CO]

Actually, amber or red lights do not attract the bugs like white lights. Just check out Ronny Dahl or any of the other Aussie overlanders, they all use amber lights. We switched out our interior bulbs in our 4runner to red so that we can access the vehicle interior at night and not get murdered by the Wisconsin mosquitos and it works like a champ! Highly recommended for any camping in the Midwest or lower altitudes in the summer time.

[@drumcycle007]

Were you able to buy all the interior red bulbs as a kit? If so, where did you find them? I've been considering this on mine!

[@lacrestadr100]

Do you think one light one each side provides adequate lighting for a camp set up? thx

[@WanderlostOverland]

The ones we installed in the video are pretty bright. One light would be plenty.

[@lacrestadr100]

@@WanderlostOverland great videos and you reply to questions! Bravo 👏 Thanks

[@dC5alex]

How much amp did this setup require?

[@BradMillsOK]

How wide are the lights?

[@mmmmmmb]

Do you find it necessary to waterproof your custom relay panel?

[@WanderlostOverland]

No, the components themselves are waterproof enough.

[@alabastardmasterson]

Does anyone know of a head unit with an integrated SPod type control panel?

[@jollyrogueoffroad]

Switch pro has an all that works with android. If your head unit is android based then you can have it work

[@codysalyer1105]

Is there a reason you're using liquid rubber as opposed to waterproof heatshrink?

[@munecito]

When he splices into a continuos wire it would be impossible to add heatshrink.

[@Didewro]

Do they come in Amber?

[@WanderlostOverland]

I don't believe so. The amber film we put on them is working our surprisingly well though!

[@van_mod1]

The connectors featured in this vid all completely failed when I finally got around to testing my roof rack lights. I replaced ALL of them with soldered connections. Now the lights work.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Sorry to hear that. We've been using them for many years without a single failure.

[@anonymousperson4363]

The bar looks like 80/20 aluminum.

[@mattb.2359]

You don't need to solder the wires into the Weatherpak connectors. They are the same ones Baja Designs uses for all their lights. I have them on my rig and they have yet to let water into the connection. Using a crimp tool with the connector means the wire can't be pulled out. I have yet to solder any wires, as finding crimp on connectors to be much easier.

[@luisandluisgabriel6778]

Hi, If possible, I would love to see how the lights illuminate the area around the rig at night. Perhaps a pic in your IG account ? 🤔 Lol Thank you 🙏

[@WanderlostOverland]

Noted!

[@salvadorgarcia9108]

Amber

[@rexandmolliedog7971]

Cool project, but real links would be helpful.

[@grn9209]

Please clean up all my wiring!!! 😫😫😫😫 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@WanderlostOverland]

On it!

[@dhubbs4]

Turned it off once I saw the lights.

[@WanderlostOverland]

That's too bad. The lights are performing great!

[@velle71]

Those aren’t w-crimpers mannnnn 🤣

[@juliancordova5446]

To hard