Buying Tips
There are a wide variety of driving lights available ranging from the very cheap to the way over-priced. Outlined below is a list of buying tips intended to help you buy better.
- Do not bother with cheap lights because you will find that the lens will fall out or the mounts will break on your first "off road" trip.
- Good quality lights will cost you over $100 each. Our advice is to get a good set of twin 100 watt lights.
- Most quality lights that work well with your 4WD will generally come as packages of single lights (you will need to buy two). You will not generally find a kit (2 lights in a box) that will suit your 4WD application. Most respected 4WD specialists will be able to provide you with a suitable quality kit, however stay away from the low-cost system available from the general parts suppliers as they are not designed for "off road" use.
- You will have the option of purchasing different lens types (depends on the lights you choose). You can usually get a spot and wide angle lens for most light set-ups. If this is an option then you should get one of each so that you gain the benefits of longer range (spot light) and better roadside lighting (wide angle).
- Be very wary of wiring kits included with your driving lights - they are often of "cheap" quality. Good quality wiring is more expensive but is necessary for ensuring maximum current is delivered to the bulb. Cheaper wiring often results in a loss of current reaching the units.
- You can also purchase new high powered globes for your standard lights. This will improve the power and quality of the standard headlights. Make sure that any replacement globes fall into the ADR specifications.
- Anti vibration fittings are essential on your 4WD. See the details below for one idea of how to make your lights secure.
- You can purchase Driving Lights from most good 4WD accessory outlets and some other accessory parts retail stores.
Installation Tips
As with all electrical devices in your vehicle the wiring is of utmost importance. Because this is so important with driving lights, lets calculate the power required to correctly power a pair of 100W driving lights.
Power Requirement Calculation
Assume the battery delivers 12V even though a car with the engine running will deliver about 13 -13.8V (dependant on battery condition).
2 x 100W gives us a total power requirement of 200W at 12V
Remember your physics and electronics - P = VI (Power = Volts * Current) or to calculate current I = P/V
The current required to power the globes is 200/12 = 16.66Amps or 8.33Amps per globe.
Add a some losses for the cable, relays and connectors and you will easily need 20Amps
- Lights must be wired using at least 20Amp cable or a high quality wiring kit. Have a look at any cable you buy and note how thick the cable is and whether it is multi strand or single conductor. Always use a multi strand cable in your vehicle wiring.
- You must use a relay when wiring your driving lights. You do not want to be running a 20Amps feed through the firewall. Also you should wire the relay to come on via the use of the vehicle's high beam.
- The relay should be rated at better than the required current i.e. greater than 20 Amps. It is not that uncommon to install a 70Amp relay. The better the relay the less current and voltage drop through it. Remember voltage drop is your worst enemy.
- You should install a fuse on the main feed from the battery before the relay. See diagram below.
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- Keep the wiring neat and away from moving parts. You should encase your wiring in some form of corrugated split sleeve tubing (available from most accessory parts stores). 13mm and 10mm are quite commonly used. See photos below.
- Solder any crimp connection on any high current wiring to avoid additional voltage drop.
- Anti vibration fittings must be installed on your 4WD. As the lights you fit are generally large they tend to vibrate at the top. Constant vibration will cause the lens to become loose and fall out, also the light is not as good if it is vibrating on the bull bar. An idea it to make up some brackets using long bolts cut and welded onto some flat steel and bolted to the bar.
TIP |
Make sure you slow down if driving at night, even if you can see for miles with your new lights! |
Portable Fridges
The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to consider when comparing brands and models.
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Snorkel
Although significantly different, both petrol and diesel engines require a steady flow of air to operate. If the vehicle is not fitted with a snorkel, they do this by sucking air through the inner guard of the bonnet or just behind the grill. These open airways will also allow water to enter the engine if submerged - with disastrous results!
UHF Radio
If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers, this radio can be a valuable part of your contingency list.
Recovery Gear Needs
The majority of situations that will stop a 4WD from moving are tyre punctures or getting yourself bogged in mud or sand - and these can happen in the simplest of situations, and for no real fault of the driver.
Suspension
There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip. In this article we explain why it is important to consider fitting a new suspension system and what is involved.
Bull Bars, Rails & Steps
A vehicle's bull bar, sides steps and rails are known as its "bar work". Some critics might suggest that bar work is not necessary but for people actually using their vehicles for offroad touring, the bar work provides critical strength and protection and should therefore be considered as essentials.
Accessories
This topic contains detailed articles on the complete list of vehicle accessories and equipment on today's market - includes basic essentials for weekend camping and must-have gear for setting up a 4WD for serious offroad use.
Aftermarket Seats
Unfortunately, car manufacturers don't always expect us to actually take our vehicles offroad - so when it comes to fitting out your vehicle for a major trip you replace your suspension to improve the ride so ... why not replace your seats?
Winches
All travellers should be capable and equipped for winching so in this article we will discuss the various winching methods and equipment on the market. Written in conjunction with one of Australia's most noted experts in winch gear, we will also discuss some important safety issues along with providing some practical tips to suit everyone from traveller to competitor.
HF Radio
HF Radios are a wise consideration if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia. In this article we discuss the usefulness of HF radio in practical situations and explain the many features and services available to enhance your use of the equipment including links to suppliers and manufacturers.
Long Range Fuel Tanks
A large number of outback treks involve long distances between fuel outlets. Jerry cans are dangerous, difficult to store and not as convenient as a long range fuel tank. Fitting a long range fuel tank is a common modification and there are many good manufacturers.
Topics Index
Each Topic contains a range of detailed and useful articles on products, services and issues. This section is full of practical tips, ideas, photos and factual information. Each topic has links to relevant Manufacturers, Retailers and Operators that can be found in our Directory; plus links to relevant Posts in our Forum; and links to related Trader listings.
Water Tank
Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source. We suggest a couple of small plastic jerry cans for backup but for the main supply, the best water carrying solution is a stainless steel water tank.
Roof Racks, Luggage Trays & Boxes
In this article we look at the pros and cons of using the roof of your vehicle for storage when travelling; discuss what not to carry on your roof; provide some helpful packing hints and finally some useful buying tips.
Bike Carriers
Using a recreational vehicle such as a 4WD is all about exploring places and enjoying yourself. Taking a push bike can provide you with the added advantage of exercise and exploring that little further in the nice open air.
HF Radio Installation
In this article, we discuss the procedures for installing a HF radio and the modifications that can be considered for a successful installation. We look at the different options and locations on the vehicle to mount the antenna base and provide some cabling and console tips to give that professional look.
Vehicle Shower
Water is the single most precious commodity you need to carry for your trip. Although heavy, we need to carry it for drinking, cooking and washing. When it comes to personal hygiene during remote travels, we often scrimp on the luxuries and make do with a quick wash of the arm pits and other spots. It's this sort of roughing it that puts off some travel partners, but there is a solution.
Cargo Drawers
This Article looks at gearing up for a 4WD camping trip and the need to find a sturdy, compact storage solution that won't rattle, break or allow loose items to fly around the cabin. We look at cargo drawers and list the features you should look for.
