I am going to wire an additional horn in my truck. It's going to have its own button and not replace the stock horn. Would you guys supply the power from the distribution box, or can I tap into a power wire behind the radio/dash? I'm not sure how much power it draws and if that could be a problem.

 

use a 30 amp relay. use this diagram BUT instead of two lights just use the red for the +12 to the horn http://www.kchilites.com/faq/instruc...layDiagram.pdf

 

the switch isn't a rocker switch. it only activates as long as you push it. should it still have three poste on the back?

 

u'd just flick it on, then flick it back off

like a light switch in ure house

 

this help any. if you want to use a button take the 85 wire run it in to the truck put it to the button then take the other prong on the button and run it to a 12+ that way it intererups the 12+ or turns it on

 

I couldn't see the pic Zach, But I think I understand it now. I went and got the stuff just now. Because my switch isn't lighted, it only has two terminals.

 

sorry man I am at work and dont have access to all my pics i have a good diagram but its not on this pc

 

thanks for your help. What's the best way to connect to the distribution box without frying myself?

 

mount the horn somewhere where you would like it.
Then ground the ground wire from the horn.
Then use a relay to give the horn power.
Get the power for the horn from the battery.

For the switch, if you want a switch that can be hidden. Do like I did, I used a small black push button switch that's normally used as the valet/programming button for an alarm system. I then mounted it on the lower part of the steering column near the ignition switch.

It doesn't really matter what type of switch you use, because the horns will draw all the amperage that it needs through the relay not the switch. The relay only uses mili amps so it won't burn out the switch.

I can't find a pic of the switch that I used, But I can try to take a pic of one tomorrow while i'm at the shop and i'll post it. If you want one like it, send me your addy in a pm and i'll mail one to you.

Here is a pic if you need it, that shows how to wire up the relay. Instead of the regular on/off switch, you can use any type of switch you want.





Vic

 

I'm just worried about shocking myself when attaching the power wire to the battery. Is there a certain method of doing this that is safe?

 

Here's how I would do it. Disconnect the battery cables and secure them away from the battery. Then look at the front of the underhood fuse/relay box and remove a small plastic cover hiding a metal plate with 2 studs. This is where the other end of the positive battery cable bolts down to power the box.

A positive supply wire can be added under one of the nuts using a properly installed ring terminal. It is critical that the wire ampacity is adequate for the expected current and that an inline fuse of the correct size is used to protect the wire. To minimize the amount of unprotected wire, the fuse must be mounted as close to the box as possible.

Be sure to reinstall the small plastic cover. Those two lugs will be hot all the time when the battey is reconnected.

 

thanks Bob, thats what I was looking for. How easy is it to remove the battery cables. And is there anything to look out for. I'm not very experienced with this kind of thing yet.

 

I hate to say it but I am a little bit concerned when you say that you don't know how to remove the battery cables. It might be a good idea to get an experienced friend to help you with this if you're a beginner with electrical mods.

Whatever you do, be sure you wire it adequately and use the correct fuse. It is important that the ring terminal is properly crimped and other connections are made correctly. This is not the place for twisted together wires and tape.

Good luck with your project.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have removed battery cables before, just not on my truck. I've only had it 8 months and this is the first time I have removed the cables. I was just wondering if you had any tips that may make it easier

 

Well I got everything in and working. Thanks for the diagram Vic. It did the trick. Zach I tried your diagram first, but nothing happened when I grounded the switch. I don't know why it works for lights and not a horn. Thanks again for your help.

 

No prob, Glad you got it working.


Vic

 

j/w

why do you want another horn?

 

I have 3 including the stock...there fun haha

 

My stock one is ailing.. I'm just going to harbor freight and getting the "super trucker" model for 12$. Its close enough in size an shape to replace the stock one.. and it promises "Twice as loud as oem" which is good enough for me :)

Rand