Best way to wire?

I’m going to install an air compressor and switch underneath the passenger front seat. What would be the best way to wire this up? Everything I see/read online says to put the relay next to the power source/accessory. What happens when they’re separated?

Should I install a fuse block inside the cabin with 4 ga wire to the battery, or is this a waste since I’ll likely not have many other accessories in there (maybe a ham radio or fridge is all I can think of installing, but they’d be a ways out)?

I’m a novice (if that) at wiring, but don’t mind getting my feet wet. I’ve done some electrical on RC cars growing up, car radio connections and minor PCB soldering but instructions were laid out for me.

What’s the right way to do this?

 

I don’t have anything to offer other than as far as “getting your feet wet” is probably a bad idea while working with electricity. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I’m still amped up on coffee.

 

I hope that was an Electrical-themed Dad joke.
Thanks! I enjoyed that.

 

HA! I got a laugh out of that one.

 

how about for starters, some specs on the gear you're planning on using? 4ga sounds like overkill.

and what are your intents with this compressor? does it need to be charged/ready to go anytime the truck is running, or is this just a trail use-it-when-i-need-it sorta thing?

 

Air compressors can get hot. I don’t think putting one under a seat is wise.

 

the 4 ga would be for the fuse block (if I go that route) in the cabin. As for the e equipment, I’m powering a

$221 Viair 400p - 40043 Portable Compressor Kit. Tire Pump, Truck/SUV Tire Inflator, For Up to 35" Tires

Viair 400p 12V 30 amp compressor currently with alligator clips attached via 12 ga wire). I was wanting to put this on a separate switch because
1. the unit will be under the seat and it’s switch will not be accessible
2. I could elongate the leads, but don’t want all the desert dust going in the cabin while airing up
3. I’m wondering if there will be voltage drop using 12 ga wire from the battery to compressor (8-10’ of wire coming from the passenger side). This doesn’t need to be ready to go at all times, but I would like a clean install.

I’m hoping DesertDoesIt did the research and took all the thermodynamics in consideration when they came out with their under seat compressor mount. Otherwise I may get more use out of the fire extinguisher than the compressor mount

thank you both for your help!

 

Just for the compressor, #4 would be way overkill. And #12 would be insufficient for an installation of any length. If you intended on mounting the compressor inside the cab, I would recommend #6 or maybe #8.

Also, even though your compressor is rated @ 30A, I wouldn't recommend a 30A automotive relay. I would recommend a solenoid instead. Don't forget about the fuse too.

 

Thanks for helping me out. So solenoid over relay? This is why I’m glad I asked I’ll research why.

As for the cab fuse box, is this a good idea (considering potential additional items) or a waste of time? Assuming a cab mounted fuse box is the right way to do this, should I mount the solenoid closer to the battery or the compressor (or does it even make a difference)?

Thanks again!

 

Solenoid and fuse close to the battery. Solenoid because of the starting "high" curent from a motor.

Add-a-fuse-box should go in the engine bay - most accessories will probably be lighting (outside the cab). Unless you plan on installing a lot of accessories inside the cab?

You can do the additional fuse box at any time. Personally, I wouldn't connect the compressor to the additional fuse box. But it is possible. Doings so would be a large part of the capacity of the fuse box.

Just my $0.02

 

Only things I can think of going in the cab are this compressor, ham radio and maybe a fridge a ways down the road. If that’s not enough to justify an in cab fuse block in your opinion, that sounds good to me. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t messing myself up down the road. And thanks for the solenoid vs relay advice.

Appreciate the help from everyone! Thanks.