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Customising a Big Rig

Watch the video from the Mackinaw City Truck Show, and see some examples of customised Big Rigs.

You are working in a truck shop, and a customer has asked you to customise his truck. He has sent you a picture of what he would like to have done. Here is his letter to you:

Dear Mechanic,

I have been to the Mackinaw City Truck Show, and I was inspired by it. I really love all these extra lights all over, it looks really great at night. I would like you to help me customise my own Big Rig, so it can be a little more impressive than it is today. I have sent you a picture of my Truck, so you can see what it looks like. These are the things I would like to have done:

1. Yellow side marker lights along the bottom trim.

2. yellow side marker lights up the back flaring.

Here is a photo of my truck

Big Rig

TASK

You need to determine the lighting circuitry and components needed to complete the job. You will need to do the following:

1. Number of lights

Look at the picture and figure out how many lights you will need. Don't forget both sides!

2. The correct lights for the application

Use the Grote Catalog (www.grote.com/prodcat/) to find the lights you would like to install. You will be able to find out about the lights and their amp draws. You may also use your notes from previous lessons.

3. A wiring schematic

Draw out a schematic using proper symbols and circuits. Use the site below to help you.

4. The wire sizing and length

The length of wire and the total amp draw of the circuit will determine the wire size. If the wire is too small it will cause a voltage drop and will result in dim bulbs. If the wire is too big, it will be more expensive for the customer. Use the Wire Rules site to compare amp draws, wire size and voltage drops.

5. Switches and circuit protection

Use the Grote Catalog to identify proper switches and circuit protection. You will need these components to be rated for the amperage of the circuits you have designed. This is a specification catalog, but doesn't have prices.

6. Prices

Class 8 Truck Parts is a supplier of components. Some suppliers list all specifications but most limit product information to part number, price and limited specifications.

PROCESS

You will work with a partner to complete the estimate. The truck is in the shop to make measurements on to determine component location and wire length. Lights and circuits need to be run in parallel and switches and circuit protection need to be run in series. The frame will be acting as a ground but you will be mounting most of the lights to fiberglass and plastic. You will figure out the following:

- Amperage of single lights and complete circuits from which you determine wire and component sizing.

- You will be working with web resources to identify lights and specifications needed to complete the job properly.

- You will draw a schematic, using proper symbols, of the electrical circuits required to install the customer requested items.

- You will make a list of all components including quantity, part numbers, descriptions, specifications and price using an Excel spreadsheet.

- You will present your estimate to the class

Follow up questions:

Is there any way that you can reduce amperage draw of the circuits? What components were not necessary?

Short url:   https://multidict.net/cs/1116