Running Wiring From the Roof Rack to the Interior?

[Topher]

I know this is a bit premature but I’m customizing my new Bronco in my head. I plan on installing a roof rack that will be used to mount several radio antennas and several lights. I am wondering how I am going to be able to get all the wires and cables from the rack into the truck. When I was about to buy a Rubicon, I had planned on buying the type of rack that has posts coming down to the rear bumper. I thought I would run the wires and cables along one of the legs then under the Jeep and into the interior. To date I do not see that type of rack available although I’m guessing someone will offer it in the future.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Please, I don’t want to sidetrack the conversation into “Why would you want to do that...” so please be respectful and keep your answers on target.

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[wbrainbow]

This is a link to the auxiliary switch option. If you didn’t get it this will still give you an idea.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/how-to-2021-bronco-auxiliary-switch-wiring.13485/

 

[broadicustomworks]

I know this is a bit premature but I’m customizing my new Bronco in my head. I plan on installing a roof rack that will be used to mount several radio antennas and several lights. I am wondering how I am going to be able to get all the wires and cables from the rack into the truck. When I was about to buy a Rubicon, I had planned on buying the type of rack that has posts coming down to the rear bumper. I thought I would run the wires and cables along one of the legs then under the Jeep and into the interior. To date I do not see that type of rack available although I’m guessing someone will offer it in the future.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Please, I don’t want to sidetrack the conversation into “Why would you want to do that...” so please be respectful and keep your answers on target.

I may be mistaken but I think the front mount has access (have to drill a hole apparently under the cap) they showed in the overhead switch wiring video a week or so back.

I would Assume that with the factory rack it has a provision in the rack mount to route wiring through that mount with the rack mounted?
I could be totally wrong but that was my plan (route it through that front mount even if I had to modify something to do so).,

 

[Broncolli]

They offer factory roof rack lights - someone at Ford must of thought of an OEM solution to this already. Or am I giving them too much credit ?

 

[AcesandEights]

You can do it a couple of ways. I did it like you suggest, running the wires under the vehicle and back up/in. Today, I expect I'll drill a hole in the A-pillar and run them through there, or there will be a rubber grommet in one of the pillars for access. Just drill a hole, use a grommet and silicone.

Run them down the pillar, along the windshield to the engine compartment and back in?

 

[ZackDanger]

I know this is a bit premature but I’m customizing my new Bronco in my head. I plan on installing a roof rack that will be used to mount several radio antennas and several lights. I am wondering how I am going to be able to get all the wires and cables from the rack into the truck. When I was about to buy a Rubicon, I had planned on buying the type of rack that has posts coming down to the rear bumper. I thought I would run the wires and cables along one of the legs then under the Jeep and into the interior. To date I do not see that type of rack available although I’m guessing someone will offer it in the future.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Please, I don’t want to sidetrack the conversation into “Why would you want to do that...” so please be respectful and keep your answers on target.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/how-to-2021-bronco-auxiliary-switch-wiring.13485/

As linked to above, Ford intends, and in some packages has included, wiring run up the A pillar.

 

[Topher]

The auxiliary switch wiring is only a single wire. I'm talking 6-8 wires PLUS 3-4 coax cable for the antennas. I might be able to route those cables the same way as the auxiliary switch wire but I'm not sure if they will all fit. Then you have the issue with waterproofing the hole.

 

[BuzzyBud]

Like yourself, I plan to use a roof rack with four lights. (Baja Designs from their S2 Pro series mounted to the rack.) The rack is fully assembled with gear mounts and gear awaiting my Bronco. I will be using the Yakima light mounts and hope to run the wires via the rear window seal to the "E" circuit on the diagram below. I will have an antenna for my GMRS radio, but that will not be located on the roof rack. I will hold that idea since it could take us off track. Hope this is what you seek.

 

[Rubisquatch]

Please define “several”. Wonder if this guy is on the forum as he might know how to wire it up nice and clean.

 

[ZackDanger]

Please define “several”. Wonder if this guy is on the forum as he might know how to wire it up nice and clean.

Missed a spot.

 

[Bmtz3845]

Like yourself, I plan to use a roof rack with four lights. (Baja Designs from their S2 Pro series mounted to the rack.) The rack is fully assembled with gear mounts and gear awaiting my Bronco. I will be using the Yakima light mounts and hope to run the wires via the rear window seal to the "E" circuit on the diagram below. I will have an antenna for my GMRS radio, but that will not be located on the roof rack. I will hold that idea since it could take us off track. Hope this is what you seek.

Thats a good looking rack....... (couldn’t help myself)

 

[BuzzyBud]

Thats a good looking rack....... (couldn’t help myself)

Good one!
It was easy to assemble. The rack, mounts, gear, and gasoline will weigh 108lbs. That gives me 2 lbs for lights.

 

[ilbastarge]

The auxiliary switch wiring is only a single wire. I'm talking 6-8 wires PLUS 3-4 coax cable for the antennas. I might be able to route those cables the same way as the auxiliary switch wire but I'm not sure if they will all fit. Then you have the issue with waterproofing the hole.

When I was modifying motorcycles I would always head toward marine components and use those. If you are talking that amount of cable then you might be able to run most of them through the rack channel itself. Then maybe into that sport bar? The factory will want you to enter the cabin via the rack mounts on the windshield access: waterproofing there is easy for small amounts. There might be a remote control application but those coax cables are going to be your Achille's Heel.

 

[Glove_fits]

If you want those antennae in the rear of your rack you could bring the wiring down the c pillar into the aux E wire of passenger rear panel. May require a hole/plug kit for the roof and weatherproofing thereafter.

 

[Lakelife36]

The auxiliary switch wiring is only a single wire. I'm talking 6-8 wires PLUS 3-4 coax cable for the antennas. I might be able to route those cables the same way as the auxiliary switch wire but I'm not sure if they will all fit. Then you have the issue with waterproofing the hole.

Have you considered running the one wire as a master power source and then using a remote or other toggle to switch the individual lights on and off? I believe that the heaviest relay is 25A - what's the draw of all the lights you are thinking of?

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