Fuse box type and placement?

Hey everyone.

Thanks for taking the time to reading this. I am looking into doing some mods / upgrades and need some advice.

I have a 2014 Tacoma DCLB SR5 PRE. I just ordered a pair of ditch lights from Cali Raised and wanted to know if I should order a blue sea fuse box and start adding accessories to it. I plan on adding accent lighting inside the cab and in the near future start adding a light bar and another pair of ditch lights for the rear for reverse lights.

I enclosed some pics of my engine bay because I dont know where to place the fuse box of I go that route. Also, I want to add output power to charge devices and run maybe some tools. Especially a mini compressor. Id like the output power inside the cab AND in the bed like the TRD has set up.

So what is your advice in fuse box type and placement? And how do I go about the output power? Do I need to hook up a second battery?

Thanks in advance!

 

If you plan to add multiple accessories, it would be a good idea to add an auxiliary fuse box.
Most guys add a plate right behind the OE box. But it looks like you have a something mounted there already? Kind of looks like a horn?

Anyways, here is a link to so ideas.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-off-your-aux-fuse-panels.308677/

 

Thank you. Yes The horn for the alarm is there, but Im sure I can relocate it. What size of an auxiliary fuse box is recommended?

 

That depends on the amount of accessories you plan to add.
It sounds like you plan to add 4 more accessories.
So at least one with 4 or more fuse locations.

 

The most compact unit is the Cooper Bussman RTMR. It has 10 fuse slots and 5 relay slots. Like the Blue Seas it is limited to 30A per circuit but is limited to 80A total vs the Blue Seas 100A panels. However the Blue Seas panels do not include space for relays. Both will require a matching 80 or 100A fuse or breaker. Just about any decent compressor will exceed the single circuit max so that will require a dedicated fuse or breaker. There are also solid state systems like Spods that are more costly but have unique benefits like integrated switch panels.

 

This looks nice and clean.Nice work!

 

Thank you for your advice. Im not super smart when it comes to amps and circuits, but from what I gather in your response, I should have no problems connecting a compressor if I stick to a higher fuse / breaker. I guess my first step is picking which fuse block to get first. But what about a second battery? is that over kill or the amount of accessories Im planning?

 

Thanks for your input. I just responded to @bagelboy in regards to fuse block. Yeah I don't want to short myself so something 4 and above would be ideal. Im sure as time goes by I'll think of other things to add. Which makes me think if I need a second battery.

 

Second battery or “house” battery is generally used over landing where you’re parked for extended periods and running accessories with the engine off like a fridge and/or camp lights. If not, an alternator upgrade might be a better choice and/or an agm deep cycle primary battery. I’d suggest you not be in a hurry to spend your money until you have a better idea what all of the choices are along with the advantages and shortcomings of each. There are threads on fuse panels, second batteries, over landing, compressors(or OBA, on board air), water storage and kitchen builds,not to mention where to put all of the switches. The best choices for you are going to be the ones that best fit your set of accessories and how they will be used. Take your time and consider the reading you do the most important investment you will make. Individual build threads are great resources as well since you get to see completed results. Those are usually linked in sig lines. My needs are more work related than recreational but I still read everything thing I can find that’s of interest.

 

Sounds good @bagelboy. Thank you fro for advise. I will look into it some more and make list of what other accessories I may consider. But I dont think I will be adding anything crazy as a fridge and such. My truck is mainly used for work at the moment and just need some convenient items to make my day go smooth since I do a lot of location for work. I thin most important is having constant power for either a power tool or charging devices. And exterior / interior lighting (ditch lights and accent lighting).

 

Then look into a deep cycle battery either as primary or along with an isolator as a second battery. Power tools suck current and you want to get home at the end of the day. Look into a 12v charger for cordless tools, it’s more efficient than boosting up with an inverter to run a 110v charger. For nailers and such I use HP air tanks @3kpsi, a small one will last all day and inexpensive compressors can be had to recharge them. I still have OBA but the tanks are more portable and it’s one less drain on power.

 

Thanks @bagelboy. I checked out the link for the fuse box thread. I have many questions about wiring and constant hot power. Ideally I would like to have anytime lights (interior & exterior) and charging capabilities. And most importantly, I would like a kill switch for all power to the truck.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-build-and-install-a-bussmann-rtmr-fuse-relay-block.399454/
This thread is also a great read even if you don’t go with a Bussman RTMR and indispensable if you do.
There are lots of ways to do kill switches. It sounds like you’re going to want at least one house battery so look into second battery threads like this one.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...atteries-thread.295653/page-160#post-26458430
And if you go for agm deep cycle batteries then this thread is also pertinent:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-northstar-agm-battery-voltage-booster-upgrade.604478/

 

AW MAN! thank for the links! this will totally help out! Im a little overwhelmed but in a good way. =)

 

It is totally that way but just keep reading and adding threads to your watch list. It does sink in eventually.

 

Copy that!