Where to install power sources?

[Beej]

Hey folks,

I'm getting ready to pull the interior (for sound deadening) and need to install:

- back up camera
- inverter (with outlets front and rear)
- 12 v plug in the rear
- rear light
- lights on front bumper
- cb radio
- USB fast charge up front
- license plate lights (new ones for relocated license plate)
- winch power (hydraulic winch so very little power)
- some room for extra accessories so I never have to go through this crap again.

My question is, do install 3 fuse blocks?

- 1 in the engine bay for lights and winch
- 1 up front for dash and inverter under center console
- 1 in back for lights, back up, and 12v

How are other guys doing this? That seems to me like too many fuse blocks for 10 or so accessories?

I can install this stuff but I just don't know what electronics best practices is.

Thanks in advance.for any replies!

-- Beej

 

[SteamerF18]

I bookmarked this one for the day that wiring power is #1 on my to-do list.

HOW TO: POWER DISTRIBUTION Part 1-Aux fuse panel

 

[NLXTACY]

Think about things this way, you want fuse protection as close to the battery positive source as possible. Yes you are protecting the device but you are also protecting the WIRE to that device and preventing your truck from burning down.

So consider each fuse panel like it's a battery. You want to reduce the runs as much as you can. If it means having more than one fuse panel so be it.

 

[NLXTACY]

- back up camera

No power, just video signal so just shielded wire.

- inverter (with outlets front and rear)

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to the letter! This means the gauge wire used, the size of the fuse/breaker, the distance to the battery, etc. For outlets, are you talking about extending the 110v outlets? Remember...110V!!

- 12 v plug in the rear

The max amperage rating for these is something like 2-5 amps so that not a huge concern.

- rear light

Assuming LED so relatively low wattage, perfect for rear fuse panel.

- lights on front bumper

Assuming LED so relatively low wattage, perfect for underhood fuse panel.

- cb radio

If you don't want to run a center fuse panel then I would just fuse this to the rear fuse panel or use the inline that probably comes with the radio.

- USB fast charge up front

Same thing.

- license plate lights (new ones for relocated license plate)

Just tapping into the existing license lights I'm assuming? No need to fuse separate.

- winch power (hydraulic winch so very little power)

Yeah for hydraulic you just need to power the controller.

- some room for extra accessories so I never have to go through this crap again.

yup

My question is, do install 3 fuse blocks?

- 1 in the engine bay for lights and winch
- 1 up front for dash and inverter under center console
- 1 in back for lights, back up, and 12v

Doing things in zones. The fuse panel under the hood handles everything in the front clip zone. Everything. Make life easier.
Everything that is in the 1st and 2nd rows can be another zone. Everything on the roof and/or in the rear cargo area is another zone. Stick to the zone if you can.

How are other guys doing this? That seems to me like too many fuse blocks for 10 or so accessories?

There are many ways these things get worked out. There is no ONE right way. If you have a fuse panel that supports 10 circuits then you can mount 10 circuits...so long as they are properly rated for the fuse panel.

 

[Marine7]

My advice would be "GO BIG"! I just put a 6 spot blue sea box next to my underseat rear heater, and now I wish I would of put a 10-12 spot in. Oh well, I'll add another!
Like stated earlier- use as heavy, or heavier wire than recommended, and use QUALITY wire, marine grade wire is what I use, but pay EXTRA attention on invertor, that way it works correctly.

 

[LINUS]

The budget minding part of me would do as @Marine7 said - use the underseat spot(s), esp if you had planned to ditch the rear heater.

Seems Slee has some pics to that nature - prob somewhat deep in the site now, been 6-8 yrs since I was shopping ideas.

 

[Beej]

Haute dawg!

Wow, this is more than I could have hope for!

Thank you!!

 

[NLXTACY]

I bookmarked this one for the day that wiring power is #1 on my to-do list.

HOW TO: POWER DISTRIBUTION Part 1-Aux fuse panel

Jeez I need to update that thread

 

[ZeGerman]

Jeez I need to update that thread

Get to work updating. Im about to refer to that thread

 

[Shoredreamer]

I just finished up, finally, my whole truck power platform. It starts with dual batteries in the stock location. I've got an engine fuseblock that I use for all exterior power needs like lightwork, tent power, any circuit that doesn't enter the inside of the truck. Then I have a fuseblock under my seat that powers all internal accessories like 4 fast charge USBs, 12v sockets front and rear, fridge power, HAM, inverter. Both FBs run 4awg Ancor wire to the 2nd battery. My compressor and winch run straight to the starting battery with the winch on a disconnect at the battery and the compressor fused at the battery.

 

[SteelHunterFJ80]

Any pics?