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

I totally agree, otherwise it’ll just end up buried.
@tacozord

 

Alright guys, I’m a little curious about some stuff and was hoping someone else has already done this.

I have a first gen with a double din radio(so I have close to 0 room for switches) and was looking for a stand alone controller for all my switches to be in one unit(like the switch pro or equivalent) and being able to Mount the controller and not worry about individual switches.

The problem is, is the switch pro doesn’t really provide the amperage that I’d need for some accessories(compressor drawing max 50a under load) and the switch pro has a max of 30a for any single accessory. In fear of maxing that out at some point, I was thinking of using a stand alone switch controller to switch on any high current accessories through this bussman relay/fuse setup and then my lower draw accessories running directly off the stand alone controller. Then I have everything in one location and not have to worry about maxing anything out. Am I really far off the mark here or is this all making sense?

 

You could use the switch pro or other to activate a higher amp relay. Basically use the switch pro to directly control those accessories which it can handle and use it to trigger higher amp relays for those it can’t. Both the Bussman and Blue Seas panels are also limited to ~30A per circuit so for each of those higher current relays you would need separate high amp fuses or breakers.

 

So would I be able to build this bussman setup and just use a higher amp relay in one of those spots to keep it all in one place? Size wire accordingly? Or would this be a one off relay that I could install next to all this stuff

 

Kinda answered my own question haha. The compressor would basically just hook directly to the battery and I could just use the switch controller to control on/off.

 

One off. The relays that fit in the Bussman are only rated to 30A as are the terminals. You would use the Bussman for anything 30A or less. I didn’t use the 6th wire for ground and use it instead to trigger an extra 40A relay fed by a 40A fuse, both mounted on the same tray as the Bussman but separate. You’ll need to plan ahead to accommodate the space but the Bussman is smaller than the Blue Seas so that helps. Another way to save space would be to put the 50A relay by the compressor and run both the power/ground and switch wire to that location. Ground return for the compressor can be shared with the relay ground. Then only the fuse holder or breakers need to be on the panel.
Make sure your relay is sealed. Some have silicon seals on the wires and apron and some are flux tight. Avoid ones that are neither of those.
Along with adequate wire size be sure the connectors you choose are rated for the current, for 50A you’ll have to do better than what the OP used.

 

I wouldn’t recommend that. Connect a 50A fuse or breaker to the battery and mount it to your tray. Then go from that to the relay and on to the compressor. Use the controller to trigger the relay. Some compressors come with the relay already installed. I’d skip using any connectors and just cable directly using heavy duty lugs. My compressor is only 40A or less so I used Metripack 430 parts with a 40A fuse and holder. Even the Metripack 630 parts are only 46A.

 

Okay cool! Thank man! You helped out a lot.

 

Sure, if you want more ideas this thread is packed with them, Bussman, Blue Seas, Switch Pros, etc.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-off-your-aux-fuse-panels.308677/

 

From member Havoc on tapping junctions J2&3 for the dash circuit.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...en-tacoma-today.6499/page-11002#post-25524153
I’ll add the terminal repair wires later.
Part number for the terminal/wire
82998-24380 or 82998-12340

 

Here is mine. Powertray changes some things from the original. Still debating using a terminal block for the fuse only connections. Could add an additional connection with a jumper for under hood and bed lights. Others for my trailer lighting.

 

I have a Blue Sea block but I’m thinking of cleaning everything up with a Bussman. I hate how grimy and messy it is now, but do like how easy it is to add stuff to the block. How do you guys get to your plugs when you want to connect a new accessory? Do you have to unbolt your mounting plate?

 

Just remove accessory side of connector, de-pin and and new pin on new accessory. Mine is out of my truck but there is enough room and lead to disconnect without removing the bussman from the mount or truck

 

Anyone have some spare parts they're looking to offload? Terminals, connectors, and seals are what I need. A few of the ones listed are out of stock in multiple places.

 

My two go-to places are https://www.customconnectorkits.com/
And
https://m.delcity.net/store/Wire-Connectors-&-Quick-Splices/
Both have low or no minimums.

 

Folding those in to the other stores I'm searching. Seems they're also out of stock for some of the terminals.

 

ceautoelectricsupply.com and electricalhub.com are other good ones that I used.

 

I got my wires from CE Auto. Good prices.

 

It was a bit of a struggle to accumulate everything because Waytek, Mouser and others are backordered on a good amount of items, so I thought I'd share this spreadsheet of my purchases with good sources as of July 2021. Note that this isn't a list of everything you need to buy if you're starting from scratch as I didn't need to buy everything. If you're like me and already have basic electrical tools and supplies, you can definitely do this project for less than $400. I ordered some extras here and there and came in at $431.

I was surprised to find that the HARDEST thing to find was the Bussmann...it's out of stock almost everywhere - eBay/Amazon/etc included. Ship times for the usual suspects are listed at anywhere from mid-August to late-September. I eventually found it on a site called Aircraft Spruce which supplies uh, Airplane stuff. Strangely, they don't mention "Eaton", "Bussmann", or a product number anywhere on the page (and it's a bit pricer than other suppliers) so I was a little hesitant to order it. But that's probably why they actually still have some in stock. I'll update this when it comes in a couple days if there's an issue, but it looks legit.


Update: The Aircraft Spruce mystery fuse box arrived and it is indeed a legit Bussmann 15305-2. Might be the only place to pick one up at the moment.

 

Anyone have experience installing a winch switch? Trying to figure out the wiring for it kinda threw me for a loop after I realized you had a choice of a DPDT or SPDT switch. From what I've gathered, the DPDT switch would be required if your winch switches ground to control the winch motor in/out, as opposed to hot - in which case you would need to control both power and ground for both winch IN and winch OUT - and need control of those 4 corresponding wires.

I opened up my regular plug-in winch controller and found only 3 wires so I'm fairly certain it doesn't switch ground, and I can use the SPDT switch that I already ordered. Assuming that's all true, I was planning to also install a "winch power" switch to kill the "winch control" switch and help prevent accidental use. This is what I came up with - basically the wire that would usually go out to a relay in the Bussmann instead goes right to the winch control switch. Then two wires run out to the winch solenoid to control IN/OUT. Does that make sense?