Wiring an Aux Fuse Block, Relays and Switches in a 2016

This thread will be a work in progress. And I have to give all the credit to others on this site in the 1st and 2nd gen world for figuring most of this stuff out for me. My 2016 will be my 4th Toyota truck (1986, 1996, 2007, 2016). However my 16 will be my first brand new Toyota truck, so I want to do things the correct way this time. In the past I have always run all of my accessories off of fuse taps or directly from the battery, and then had a mess of wires, short circuits, melted wires and different brand switches running all over the place. But since this is a brand new truck I want to make everything as clean as possible. So here goes.

This thread will show how I wire up a 6 fuse auxiliary fuse block, relays, 6 rocker switches, and eventually 6 accessories (lights, water pump, extra 12v sockets etc.). I will try and keep this up to date as I actually build, wire, add accessories etc.

Also, please note I have no idea what I am doing. So seasoned electronics installers, randy old TW's, and all other pirates of the sort PLEASE TELL ME IF I AM DOING SOMETHING WRONG! I am using this thread as a learning experience for me and also to help others, so please speak up with ideas or issues, or problems you see. Lastly, if you mess up your truck following my build-along, you suck, not me, so only attempt this install if you know more than I do.

My idea for this build came from this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blue-sea-aux-fuse-block-install.340763/

 

Here is the first day of my build. I have not clue if the waterproof box I have built will fit in my 2016 (my truck arrives next week). So right off the bat I may be screwed with this build, I will find out next week i guess. The link I provided above gives a fairly detailed accounting of how I built and wired this auxillary fuse panel. I am waiting on the relays, so once they arrive I will attach them into this box and wire each of them with the hot/ground wires I have installed thus far. I will update this thread once they arrive and i have them installed.

 

Genssi 30/40 AMP Auto LED Light Bar Relay Wiring Harness SPDT 12V 40A (Pack of 5)

http://www.amazon.com/Relay-Harness...?ie=UTF8&qid=1447633737&sr=8-1&keywords=relay

Above are the relays I have ordered for my build. I plan on attaching these inside the waterproof box and then running wires out to switches or accessories. This box will be quite full once all the relays and associated wiring are installed, but it will be completely self contained and relatively waterproof.

 

Do I have the ability to do this on my own.....Nope....read with amazement and wonder what genes I am missing in my genetic make-up.

Bob

 

Sub'd and good luck! I like where this is going

 

Trust me guys I have no electronic skills. If I can figure this out, so can all of you. I'm at a stand still right now until the relays (and my truck) arrive. I'll update once I install the relays inside the aux fuse box. Cheers!

 

Why do you need four guys that can run. I can see the need for your truck but relays????

Bob
ps SEE!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-secondary-stand-alone-fuse-block-install.120561/

Here is another good 2nd gen write up on this type of mod.

 

I am no electrical expert either so I admire your willingness to experiment with your brand new truck.
In my eyes, you're taking a big risk. Nonetheless, I wish you good luck and I hope you wire everything up correctly and use the correct wires, connectors and configure everything appropriately.

Just out of curiousity, what is the point of putting everything in a separate clear container? It seems pointless since you've drilled holes in the container that aren't water tight.. all the box does is trap any condesation that will inevetably occur. I would think it's be better to select better mounting point and let it breathe for cooling (evaporation is your friend) and to minimize contact/connection point corrosion. It's also easier to maintain when open.

I've see lots of guys simply mount this setup or similiar to the top of the fusebox in the engine bay, which makes sense (since that's not water tight either) and if that gets wet and stops functioning, your auxiliary loads don't really matter much, right?

again, good luck.

 

Hmm. I had not thought about condensation. Thanks for the input.

 

My thought behind the box was to keep dust off of everything and to be fairly water resistant. Here in Nevada I run a lot of roads that are nothing but bug dust. By bug dust I mean 6-12" deep silt that will cover all parts of the truck including stuff under the hood with a thick film of super fine dust. The box was an attempt to keep connections clean, and relatively dry. I will watch it closely and if there is any condensation I will either remove the lid or drill holes for the sole purpose of letting it breathe.

 

Well my switches and relays arrived (still no truck). I got 5 relays mounted in my auxiliary fuse box, cut the wires to the appropriate length. I do not have the correct female wire connectors to attach to the relays so will buy some of those and try and get them installed this weekend. Then it will be a waiting game for the truck to show up (24th supposedly), so I can find a location to mount all the switches and the auxiliary fuse block. Then mount lights and such and wire this puppy up. I'll post more pictures once the truck arrives and I get everything mounted.

 

I finally got the relays installed and hooked to power and grounds. I also assembled the wire harness that will go to the switches and hooked them to the relays. I should have some time tomorrow to install the fuse box in the truck and hopefully run the wire to the switch location in the sunglass holder. Hopefully all goes smoothly.

 

You will notice I installed the auxiliary box directly over the main fuse box. It fit perfectly in this location. I did not want to drill any holes in the main fuse box and i wanted to have quick access to it as well. So, I riveted a quick release strap to the battery hold down bracket and used this strap to attach the auxiliary fuse box. It holds super tight, and I can remove it in a matter of seconds if needed.

I have now also installed the switches so now all I need to do is run the relay wires through the firewall and to the switches. Then run power to the switches. Last step will be to simply hook everything up. Getting closer.

 

Looking good.

 

I'd like to see how you get through the firewall.

 

There is a small black rubber plug on the drivers side. I pulled that plug out and my wire loom was a tight perfect fit through the hole in the cab. On my manual the wire loom came through just above the clutch mechanism.

 

The pic above shows it without the plug in place.

 

Got all the wiring finished tonight. I'll post some more pics tomorrow but this one was too good not to share.