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

Anyone? Bueller? Trying once more before I order Friday.

 

Has anyone wired a ARB compressor into a Bussman block?

The

$338 CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation

CKMA12 has a 10 awg power wire. Can that be connected to the Bussman?

 

http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/airCompressors/airCompressorTechSpecifications.pdf

I say yes. The max amperage of the compressor under load would be 22.9 amps. The maximum per circuit for the RTMR is 30 amps. I would ensure it is connected on a 10 AWG from the RTMR.

Bottom line, ensure the maximum amps drawn from the RTMR does not exceed 80 amps combined at any given time. This is what the Bussmann 15303 series is rated for.

 

ARB says that compressor draws 22.9 amps at 29psi, so figure up to about 30 amps at 40psi. Yes you can wire it to a Bussmann if the back of the Bussmann also uses 10ga wire on that circuit. It will limit your overall (same time) usage as Bussmann rates the buss bars at 80 amps.

 

I think the proper way to connect an ARB compressor to the Bussmann is via the isolation switch and not with the power/ground leads because of the high amperage they put out. Instead leave the power/ground leads connected to the battery and have the compressor itself controlled through the isolation switch and your rocker switch via the bussmann. It won't matter that the compressor is wired directly to the battery because it will never start until your both your rocker switch is turned on and the isolation switch also is turned on from low pressure inside.

Essentially it's the same thing as the wiring harness supplied by ARB, only you're reducing the amount of wires under your engine bay by going through the bussman instead. Mine is wired in this way and it works flawlessly

 

I would really like to build my own, but its cheaper to buy one from @Yotamac. But by the time you pay for all the minimums its gets expensive. Thanks for the write up it was a great read!!

 

Thanks for the feedback. But everything in life is not necessarily about being cheaper. By building yourself you’re learning about how it goes together and that aids immensely in troubleshooting and install. And speaking of that, once you buy it, you’ll still need to install and add accessories. This will require tools and wire and connectors etc. So in the end, how much are you really saving? If you have questions, will the seller answer them all or will you come here to ask?

Best of luck!

 

I enjoyed building mine not perfect ,but mine !

 

Mine is almost ready to call the engine bay Home. It’s been a long ongoing process but In the end I’m glad I built and not bought.

 

Hell yeah! Looks great!!!!

 

Thanks man. Your write up is a thing of beauty. Thanks for your time.

 

So glad to be of help. I never thought the tutorial would have this much longevity. I'm beginning to think it was worth it. I really like hearing about and seeing pics of peoples builds and installs. It's awesome!!!!!!

 

All the cool kids are using it.

 

Very useful for sure !!!

I just build not only one, but 2 RTMR based on your work. One is a 15303-2, the other one, the one I will use, is a 15303-5. I intent to sell the other one within Canada once I complete it.

I decided to build mine with a 15303-5 since I needed more flexibility between a negative or a positive trigger for the relays. Still working on it a bit but it is almost ready to be installed. I'll be posting pictures soon.

 

Fantastic! Show some pics for sure. I’ve built two for my truck as well. One in the engine compartment that this tutorial outlines. The second one is slightly different, and I’ll get around to showing pics at some point. It’s in the bed of my truck for the auxiliary battery and accessories

 

If anyone is interested selling me enough parts, minus wire, to build 1 of these I would be interested. Paypal at the ready.

Ill buy wire also but its easier for me to get so I dont really need the specific amount for this kit.

 

She’s in!!! Just gotta terminate the harness inside and hook up power to the breaker.

 

Looks good. Great feeling, eh?!?

 

Hell yea. Like I said this project has been going on for way too long. Time to check another one off of the long list.