Power for gauges (1 Viewer)

[Varty Yo]

Where are you guys taping into for power for gauges? Right on the fuse panel or somewhere else?

Also ill have to run a small step down convertor as im 24v and my gauges are 12v. Is it ok to run 2 gauges off one step down convertor?

I was shown this by a fellow member. It should do the trick. I know egt should have a ground right to the batt.

I plan to mount them where my radio block off plate is. Just need to fab some type of mount unless someone knows of a pretty decent fitting premade one out there.

Cheers!

 

[60Works]

The electrical engineer at Solar Converters told me not to share grounds with 24 and 12V systems. I don't understand why, just repeating what a knowledgeable source told me. If you use a converter, the 12V + and - should have dedicated wires to each component in the system.

Tapping the low battery for a 12 V source is common but causes uneven charging between batteries and shortens their lives.

Stone has a great thread on his conversion solution with a Solar Converter Equalizer here in the Diesel section. It is generally considered the best path to add 12 V radios, gauges, and trailer lights.

Good luck.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Will the gauges fit in the radio spot? I want to say I measured and it wasn't tall enough. I tapped my Dakota Digital power from the original power for the dash. I also have found some unused pigtails near the fuse box that I have used for power.

 

[Varty Yo]

Yes they do fit. I did a test fit and it's perfect only going with 2 1/16 gauges also.

Bah I hate wiring

 

[Varty Yo]

@Mr Cimarron

Fit perfect. Just have to make a sweet mounting plate up.

 

[unfortunately]

Amazon sells some sheets of 1/8" plastic that work perfect for that kind of thing. Or if you have access to CNC aluminum would be very nice.

 

[77cruiser77]

What does it need power for? If it's just for the bulb then swap to a 24v one instead.

 

[Varty Yo]

I thought about that put the cobalt gauges are led it says so not sure if that's an option.

 

[Varty Yo]

So i kinda like the idea of mounting them where the ashtray goes as ill never use it. Kinda seems cleaner and keeps the block off plate there also.

 

[Varty Yo]

Auto meter got back to me and said max voltage for a cobalt led is 16v...