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

Yeah that's what I figured too. I'd hate for a fuse to go out on the trail and not have another to run my accessories.

 

Thanks for the great writeup! I'm in the process of getting mine all wired up. I'd like to put in something to cut the voltage off to the bussmann if my voltage gets too low so I don't drain my battery. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

You might look into something like this

https://powerwerx.com/low-voltage-disconnect-battery-guard

I was worried about low voltage too, so I went with a second battery and all of my auxiliary electronics are powered by it. I know that's not quite the answer you were looking for, but if you're not running a second battery it's worth considering if you think you may drain your starter battery often yet want your auxiliary electronics to work anytime you hit those switches.

 

No that's a great answer and its totally my plan. i want to get a second deep cycle battery to run everything off of. id still not want the deep cycle to get too low because i left something on overnight by accident.

 

Good call. I do my best to avoid draining my aux battery buy keeping all the high voltage items on the relayed circuits which may only be switched on when the key is in the accessory or on position. If I leave a low draw item on while the truck is off it will take a long time to drain my battery(ies), or so I hope!

 

Just found this thread. Top notch, so much info, thanks for the great write up.

 

The way this is written up it will turn off if your key is out of the ignition.

 

Only the relayed circuits are controlled by the ignition

 

Somehow I overlooked your comment.

Yes. You are correct!

The fused-only accessories remain on. Those are so low of an amperage pull (or should be!) it would take forever to drain the battery.

My apologies.

 

No worries! You're right about that. I've often thought about switching up the switch power wire from the ignition wire tap to a constant hot wire tap so I can have my relayed goodies come on whenever I want them to. I'm pretty good about turning off all of my switches in the cab. Where I run into problems is I sometimes leave on the dang bed lights, water pump, and bed outlets

... but unless I leave something power hungry plugged into the outlets I don't have much to worry about given the low amperage draws.

 

Coming along! Need to work on my mounting bracket next. Still can express how awesome this thread is. This is by far the largest electrical project I've ever worked on and it's turning out very professional looking.

 

Does anyone else think the intro is not detailed enough?
You might have inspired me though

 

Just finished all the wiring to my larger 10 relay and fuse box this past weekend. Still need to place all the fuses in. Had to use this build alongside another to actually complete the box though.

Currently working on my mounting bracket too. Mocked up a cardboard panel for now and traced it out on some aluminum paneling tonight.

 

i thought it was enough, though i had already been researching this before I found this thread. it does take a while to soak it all in. Some advise on part ordering. Mouser.com has most everything with lower minimum quantities than Waytek.

 

So a few weeks ago, I upgraded from this

to this

• 10 DualBus is for x18 Rock Lights
• 5 DualBus is for x4 Bed Lights
• 3 Terminal Blocks are for x2 of any lights, in my case I plan on having x2 Engine Bay Lights, x2 Ditch Lights, x2 Rear Lights
• I then have 5 open sockets for other lights, again in my case I plan on having a Bumper mounted Lightbar, Roof mounted Lightbar, and Roof mounted Flood Lights aswell as any 2 other accessories.

Aftermarket fog lights will retain factory harness

I plan on having x4 Flood Lights, although these will be wired via harness on the roof and not via a terminal block in the engine bay, simply due to the fact that I need as little as possible wires running to the roof alongside my windshield to keep it looking clean.

 

This setup is no joke. Looks Great! Did you do this all yourself?

 

Yup, sure did. Designed and got the mounting plate cut myself too

 

Very ambitious! Can't wait to see everything you've got going installed and working!

 

Awesome. I just finished my mounting plate last night. Still have to paint it, but it looks good. Your panel is definitely setup better than mine though I can already tell seeing as I blocked my OEM fuse panel. Whoops. Lol

 

@Philly100000 wanted access to my firewall and accessory cord.