Adding circuit(s) to driver's side fusebox

[dwight]

I've read a lot about adding circuits using fusetaps, t-taps, and plugging spade connector into the front of the fusebox. The up-sides and short-comings of each have been debated in some form or another. So here's my question: Given that the driver's fusebox has a number of empty fuse slots, how much work/inconvenience would it be to remove the fusebox to run the wire for an addition circuit into the back and connect it? Seems that this would give the circuit the same level of over-current protect as the rest of the truck, which shouldn't be a concern as long the circuit is fused in some manner, and provide the cleanest install.

Any thought/concerns would be appreciated

 

[rusty_tlc]

I've made connections to the back of the fuse block on GMC products. It works but it's not a lot of fun to do.

IMHO the best thing to do is add a new fuse block for non-OEM accesories. They are available with positions that are hot always or linked to the ignition, or combinations.

The advantage is you can have a lot of positions available for future use, there is no comprimise to the OEM harness, and you are sure you are not overloading the wire that supplies power to the main fuse block.

These are all conditions I have seen in older vehicles that have had accesory circuits added over the years.

 

[Corey]

Here is how I did mine on my '91 4Runner.
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=75190

Will be doing the same to the FJ when I get it, but may be using a box with a marine cover on it.
The open covered one I am using now though it fine.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Here is how I did mine on my '91 4Runner.
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=75190

Will be doing the same to the FJ when I get it, but may be using a box with a marine cover on it.
The open covered one I am using now though it fine.

Thats what I'm talkin about. Nice job.

 

[dwight]

Thanks for the great input!

 

[CandyPants]

Here is how I did mine on my '91 4Runner.
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=75190

Will be doing the same to the FJ when I get it, but may be using a box with a marine cover on it.
The open covered one I am using now though it fine.

Hey Corey, did you do this with your FJCruiser yet? I am getting ready to wire in a CB, 2 sets of IPF lights, a backup camera, and some back up lights. Could use some advice!

Thanks!

 

[Corey]

Heather, have not got around to it yet, but hope to this late spring/summer when the weather gets better for working outside.

Still have not bought a new aux box yet.
I have one here just like the one I had on the 4Runner, but I want a better one that has a clear case over it to protect it better.

Yeah, right now my CB goes directly to the battery with two fuses.
One my the CB, and one by the wire that goes on the battery terminal.
This way I can have the CB on at anytime.

I will eventually move the CB hot wire to the new aux fusebox.

If I was using a three prong light switch (3 of them in the 4Runner) I would wire them to a new box, but I am using the Tacoma switch from trdparts4u which is 4 prong, and it needs to be hooked up to a power source that is only hot once in awhile, or the switch will glow all the time.
I have the IPF fogs in the ARB bumper wired to the running lamp circuit so when I turn the steering wheel stalk to the first position, the switch will glow inside the cab so I can see it at night/early morning.

 

[Degnol]

When I added the OEM receiver hitch and trailer wiring, it was plug-and-play....all the way. Yes the fuse block has lotsa empty slots and you might be surprised to find that a lot of wiring for accassories is already there. Instead of $449 for the hitch, I paid about $200, less the drawbar, which I already had.
Came with everything, including fuses, hardware and even instructions. Took me about an hour to install. Only problem is that my "compass" light flashes. Probably because I did disconnect the battery as per "instructions."

Ed

 

[billybongo63]

the compass reset is easy to re-set, see owners manual or wait till I go out to the rig and grab mine.

 

[sbechtold]

I added a Blue Sea 12 Circuit Marine fuse block behind the passenger side kick panel when I installed my Dual Battery setup. I run all of my electrical accessories off the AUX fuse block (and 2nd battery).

 

[Corey]

I added a Blue Sea 12 Circuit Marine fuse block behind the passenger side kick panel when I installed my Dual Battery setup. I run all of my electrical accessories off the AUX fuse block (and 2nd battery).

Nice...
The red wire coming in, is that 4 gauge?
Looks like the hole it enters is up about one foot or so off of the floor?

That is the kind of box I want to use either in the cab or under the hood to tap stuff into.

Will be hooking up my Warn Disconnect (ran it on the 4Runner to prevent the winch from being used when I am not there) at a later date, and I need to tap a line to 12v to energize the relay for it.

 

[CandyPants]

I added a Blue Sea 12 Circuit Marine fuse block behind the passenger side kick panel when I installed my Dual Battery setup. I run all of my electrical accessories off the AUX fuse block (and 2nd battery).

OK, that is way cool. I just ordered me one of those handy dandy Blue Sea fuse blocks. I don't have a second battery, but I wanted a second block to avoid a mess under the hood.

I plan on hooking up my air compressor, cb, 2 sets of offorad lights, my phone/gps charger, and maybe a winch relay. The only thing that's hard is that I have no idea what the heck I am doing!!! I might need some advice along the way from y'all. It'll be a few weeks before all the stuff comes in, so I am sure I'll be back asking for help and advice!

 

[Corey]

Heather, where did you order the box from?

That Warn Power Disconnect I mentioned earlier is a very good itme to have.
It is very easy to wire up, easier than doing a set ft lights.

It comes with a very cheesy switch though, not the type that fits into the cutouts, but stands off of its own mount.

You will want to get a better three prong switch.

Here is a little more info on it, on a page I made long ago.
Not even sure if all the links still work on it or not.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/ramsey_remote.htm

I also have that wireless Ramsey winch remote hooked up to the FJ now, very cool.

 

[CandyPants]

Corey, here is the link:

http://www.seattlemarine.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=1009&idproduct=2040

The winch disconnect is interesting to me. I assume it's a cut off switch? Do you think I could use an OEM switch? Or use one under the hood if not? I'll check out the link, thanks!

 

[Corey]

You can put a switch under the hood it you want to.
You could use one of the Tacoma 4 prong switches too that many of us use for the IPF fogs in the ARB bumper.
trdparts4u has that switch and the 4 green wires.

Thanks for the link, I may just drive there to get it, but then I love getting packages delivered to me

Yes, it cut off the power to the winch, or even booster cables if you have your rig wired for them.

The reason I like having this Warn Power Interrupt kit is because of some of the crazy greenies out there.
They have been known to unspool a winchline and put it over the roof and back to the hitch.

They can then crush your roof in half, not cool.
They do not even need your winch remote.

 

[sbechtold]

Nice...
The red wire coming in, is that 4 gauge?
Looks like the hole it enters is up about one foot or so off of the floor?

Corey - There is an OEM grommet up quite a ways up on the firewall. Here is a pic from the engine compartment. This is pic of the red wire running from the dual battery location through the firewall. IIRC I had to cut a small hole in the interior insulation in order to get to the wire when feeding it through the firewall.

I might need some advice along the way from y'all. It'll be a few weeks before all the stuff comes in, so I am sure I'll be back asking for help and advice!

That's why we are all here...

Heather, where did you order the box from?

I bought mine from www.westmarine.com.

The reason I like having this Warn Power Interrupt kit is because of some of the crazy greenies out there.
They have been known to unspool a winchline and put it over the roof and back to the hitch. They can then crush your roof in half, not cool.
They do not even need your winch remote.

That would just suck. I put my winch controls under the hood, just so I wouldn't have to worry about tweekers playing with them.