DIY - Build and install a Bussmann RTMR Fuse/Relay Block

You look like you need to be a little more organized: Third screwdriver from the right is crooked.

 

DUDE!! Just now seeing this thread! You've done an AMAZING job! Really great detailed write up. I have enjoyed doing the wiring on my truck and know how tedious wiring can be so I appreciate the work you've done. Great job again!

 

kinda down yeah

 

Best writeup ever!! I've been very hesitant to start messing with my vehicle's electrical, but with the level of detail included in this writeup I took the plunge and ordered all the parts I needed to get started. Don't be surprised if you get a couple PMs from me.

 

How do you wire in the solenoid?
Why would you wire in the solenoid?

Thanks.... from the newb...

 

Excellent, thanks Blackout14 .

Could someone show which wires are connected to which ports on the Solenoids that were discussed in this thread earlier.

 

Awesome write-up OP!

 

OP what a badass write up. i'm going to be doing this for my 4runner. i'm going to be using the AOB switches which fits in the factory blank slots. The AOB switches doesn't have the male spade connector but they have wires instead, i guess i could daisy chain like what u did with the jumper wires.

 

Hey everyone,

Does anyone have extra parts? Or want some if I order?

Most of the sites have a large minimum order, like 40 and I only need 10, or 10 and I only need 2.

Was wondering if I could buys some spares off someone who has does this project?
Or would someone like to buys some spares off of me?

 

Heard that- I was pricing it out and not even a quarter of the way through it's costing way more than getting one pre-built.

 

Just be cautious - you are not comparing apples to apples. Pre-built and this DIY are not the same parts (check it out). Nor do you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself!

@tacozord mentioned that there are other available options at the beginning of this beast so I'm not knocking your decision to buy pre-built. Just one of the many options out there.

 

Who has them prebuilt?

 

Fair enough - question tho how important is it being in a watertight box like this vs using blue sea fuse box with mounted relays? Doesn't seem OEM fuses are watertight.

 

nice

 

The Bussmann box itself in this build is watertight. The fuses and relays are all contained inside.

 

There are several different vendors out there. The main one would be sPOD. @DefconBrix uses one in his build (amongst many others).

 

Didn't answer the question tho!

 

In either case, you want the electrical components to be waterproof. The reason is to eliminate contamination, which causes corrosion in the long run.

The Bussmann is an all-in-one box where the fuses and relays are protected. With regards to a Blue Sea setup, the fuse box will be waterproof, yet the waterproofing on the relays is dependent on which relays you purchase and how to wire them.

What I don't like about the Blue Sea setup is that it gets messy. To do a clean install with all of the components organized takes more planning and work. Some people care about this and some don't. In the end, it's up to you.

 

I never intended or claimed that this setup is the cheapest way to go. What it does is give you the knowledge to build it yourself as well as the realistic cost of building it compared to the alternatives. If you look at this setup as the "Cadillac" of Bussmanns, you can go down from here and cut cost by trimming the extra's, such as Metri-pack connectors, Weather-pack connectors, busbars, etc. It's all up to you. But if you want to go hog-wild, then hopefully this tutorial will help.

If you plan to build at least 2-3 of these, maybe you should consider building them yourself. Otherwise, the tutorial will give you a good idea of what it costs and takes to build one, which will help you evaluate the quality and price of what others offer.

I don't want to come across as preaching, but knowledge is power.

 

Definitely! If we could order parts in an as needed quantity this would be an amazing deal. I think it would be so much fun to build one of these and I much prefer having this Bussmann than a blue sea, pricing is the factor. The issue I am having now as you pointed out is where I would put relays if I went the blue sea route.