LED whip lights are increasingly popular accessories for off-road vehicles, enhancing visibility and adding a distinctive aesthetic. Installation procedures vary depending on the specific product and vehicle, but generally involve mounting the whips and connecting them to a power source. This article details the installation process, required tools, and troubleshooting considerations based on available documentation.
Understanding LED Whip Light Systems
Several manufacturers offer LED whip lights, each with unique features. Moose Racing provides 2-inch diameter whips with built-in wiring and Bluetooth control via a mobile application, offering 300 colors and 200 patterns. Kits include whips, a remote, wiring harness, flags, and installation instructions. Gorilla Whips offers six styles, including the “Chunky Monkey,” which features a 2-inch diameter resin epoxy tube and RGB LEDs. These whips are designed without flex and are covered by a lifetime warranty. Whip It Angel Whips are available in 2-foot and 3-foot lengths.
The core components of an LED whip light system include the LED whip itself, a mounting bracket, a wiring harness, and a power source. Some systems utilize a quick-disconnect mechanism for easy removal, while others are permanently mounted.
Required Tools and Equipment
Successful installation requires a specific set of tools. According to documentation, the following are necessary:
- Two or one LED whip lights
- Mounting brackets
- Wiring harness
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits
- Zip ties
- Marker
- Wrench
- Wire cutters
- Shrink wrap with solder
- Lighter
Installation Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The installation process can be broken down into several key steps.
Step 1: Pre-Installation Checks
Before beginning, it is crucial to inspect the package contents for any damage incurred during shipping. This includes checking for cut wires, scratches on the base, or broken components within the harness. Following inspection, the lights and harness should be tested to ensure proper functionality. This can be achieved by connecting the harness and touching each wire individually to the positive terminal of a 12-volt battery, verifying that the corresponding LED functions illuminate.
Step 2: Location Selection
Choosing the appropriate location for the LED whip lights is important. Documentation from Extreme LED Lightbars suggests considering the vehicle’s structure and accessibility for wiring.
Step 3: Mounting Bracket Installation
Mounting brackets are typically installed using a drill and appropriate drill bits. The documentation suggests mounting to a metal base for stability. Measure carefully to ensure even placement of each whip light. After drilling, the base of the whip light is secured using a bolt, lock washer, and nut. Quick-disconnect mechanisms, if present, allow for easy attachment and removal of the whip.
Step 4: Wiring Harness Installation
Proper wiring is essential for safe and reliable operation. It is highly recommended to run a dedicated power and ground wire directly from the vehicle’s battery to the supplied RCA jack. An inline fuse (10 amp) should be installed within the first 12 inches of the power wire for single LED whips. The red wire of the RCA jack is positive, and the black wire is negative. Soldered connections are preferred for strength, but solderless connectors can also be used.
Car Mount Base Installation
For vehicles equipped with a car mount base, the installation process differs slightly. The base mounts permanently to the vehicle using a ½ inch hole. The threaded side of the base is inserted through the hole, followed by a washer and nut, which are then tightened. It is important not to overtighten the nut, as the base is aluminum and the nut is steel, potentially stripping the threads. A single 12-volt wire (approximately 12 inches long) powers the mount, while the chassis provides the ground connection. Ensuring good metal-to-metal contact for grounding is crucial; paint may need to be removed or ground away to achieve a proper connection. An inline 10-amp fuse is recommended.
Wiring Considerations and Alternatives
Some vehicles may have auxiliary 12-volt sources under the dash that can be used to power the base. Alternatively, a rocker switch can be used to control the lights. When connecting to the battery, secure the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. Double-checking the wire connections is vital to prevent blown fuses. Some vehicles utilize a bus bar behind the dashboard, providing an alternative connection point.
Troubleshooting
Several potential issues may arise during or after installation.
- Stripped Threads: Overtightening the nut on the aluminum base can strip the threads.
- Poor Grounding: Insufficient metal-to-metal contact can result in a poor ground connection. Removing paint or grinding the mounting surface may resolve this.
- Non-Functional Lights: Verify all wiring connections and the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it. Ensure the wires are connected to the correct battery terminals.
- LED Strip Failure: For whips with internal LED strips, proper positioning is crucial. The mount should allow the LED strips to face forward and backward, minimizing pressure and twisting, which can lead to premature failure. Spiral-wrapped whips can be mounted in any position as long as the IR sensor remains accessible.
Specific Whip Considerations
Gorilla Whips’ “Chunky Monkey” models have no flex and are covered by a lifetime warranty. Moose Racing whips offer Bluetooth control with a free mobile application. Whip It Angel Whips are available in varying lengths.
Conclusion
Installing LED whip lights can enhance the visibility and appearance of off-road vehicles. The process involves careful mounting, secure wiring, and thorough testing. Following the steps outlined in available documentation, and paying attention to potential troubleshooting issues, will ensure a successful installation. Proper grounding, fuse protection, and careful handling of the aluminum base are critical for long-term reliability.