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

Can you throw up a pic or a product link? Got room for a Blue Seas circuit breaker as well?

 

It’s technically called the RFRM, my mistake.
http://tacomapros.com/bussmann-rfrm-mounting-plate/

 

Aw shoot. I've seen that guy and would get it except there's nowhere to mount anything else. Might have to go custom.

 

Yeah, I feel ya. That’s the mistake I made and the project got pushed to a back burner when I got it and I never got to return it. I’ve been trying to offload it for so long now haha

 

Which Pelfrey mount is this? Looks like the auto trans with one of the breaker spots cut out. I have a manual trans, vacuum boosted master cylinder with no clutch reservoir. I would think that would fit, but it appears you notched this one around the booster and reservoir.

I suppose difference between 2G and 3G might be why.

If I can get the mount sorted out, I think I'm going to go this route.

 

Try @paranoid56 — he makes great stuff. I’ve worked with him on a couple different panels now.

 

With this setup, my recommendation is to build two. Put one in the engine compartment for the exterior lights and camera. Then put another inside the cab for the seat heaters and anything else, like a radio, etc. The extra cost of another RTMR is negligible considering that you're buying the tools and parts in bulk.

Personally, I have one in my engine compartment and another in the bed of my truck in the shell. This second one serves my fridge, dome lights, rear door lights, inverter, air compressor, and water pump.

It's also good to leave room for expansion for things in the future that you haven't thought you'd need or want yet.

As a side note, the larger RFRM is nice, but the problem I have with it is the size. I think that things get crowded really quickly even with the smaller Bussman. So I can only imagine trying to install the larger one with a lot more cabling and connectors; it would be really crowded.

 

Seat heaters sometimes(maybe typically) have their own relays and only need a fused power source. This goes for many of the things you might install in-cab so it’s not always necessary to have the relays too. A small fuse block could be all you need for a secondary panel and in-cab the requirements for sealing aren’t necessary so the terminals suddenly become cheaper and more commonly available. The engine bay requires sealed terminals, relays, fuse panels, etc. I’m with tacozord on the second Bussman in the bed, it’s more likely you’ll need both fuses and relays there.

 

Self inflicted pain is the worst. But owning up to it publicly is the best!

 

Jesus Christ. This is like a 20 page report on how to peel a banana.... or more accurately how to wire a relay.

My guide: point and shoot with the soldering iron, wrap in some electrical tape, and call it a day.

 

If I do not plan on using the fused side pigtails, can I just plug the positive holes with the green cavity Plugs and just have 5 pigtails for the 5 relays?

 

Yes, such as for camper shell lighting power or under hood lighting that both have their own switches. A way around that is to have one of your relays or a 20A switch power a separate small fuse panel for low current fixtures you want available but not always powered. Tons of ways to overthink it. And yes, it’s not necessary to use the 5 fuse only slots but I just mentioned two uses for them and there are plenty more( always hot power port for fridge, etc).

 

You must be some sort of an all knowing, electrical genius.

Please have some mercy for the rest of us imbeciles as we attempt to figure it out.

 

Yup. That'll work

 

You don't even need to be indignant about it, this is like buying a luxury fridge for an $800/month apartment - it's way over the top.

But yes, haha electrons go brrrrr

 

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing well.

 

What a weird thing to get your panties in a wad over....

 

Me? I'm the one with a wad? I made a passing comment and was immediately met with tears

 

Two comments, two days, two wadded panties. Maybe try cotton instead of silk.

 

There must be a correlation between insanity and tidy little OCD relay boxes