Need some help from you wiring guru's!

If the converter is built into the lighter plug, you could also wire something like this in its place:

$8 SMAKN® DC/DC Converter 12V 8-23V Step Down to 5V/3A 5V 3A 15W Power Supply Module

http://www.amazon.com/SMAKN-Converter-Power-Supply-Module/dp/B00CXKBJI2

 

How reliable and trustworthy are the add a circuits? And if I did go that route, how would I know which fuse to piggy back off?

This is the power supply that it comes with. What is the real term for what I am calling the voltage changer lol, just so I stop feeling like an ass hat!

 

That is the device. If you want to remove power completely to the aux fuse panel with the ignition switch, you will need a beefy relay to do so. You will have to find the ignition acc wire and run it to the relay to control it.

 

Step down power supply

 

Ahaha I have no idea what it's called either! In this instance, you'd be fine to snip the wires at the cigarette plug since that little box is the one doing all the work.

As far as the reliability of add a circuits, let's just say I have 4 on my truck and they all perform flawlessly.

-remote on for amp
-dash cam
-cb radio
-light bar trigger for relay

 

that's a circuit breaker, it essentially does the job of a fuse in places where the current draw is too high for a fuse. The only way to turn it on/off is manually (unless you have a short, in which case it'll turn itself off). If you want the circuit to go on/off with the ignition, either tap off of a switched circuit in the fuse block, or use a relay that's run off a tap from a fused circuit.

 

I feel like all that is getting to be way over my head with relays and such. Since this is likely the only accessory that I will likely be using maybe the add a circuit would be cheaper and easier. If I did go that route would I need to account for the power that the LED on switch would draw? Or is that so small it likely wouldn't make a difference, especially since I have to use a 5amp fuse (smallest available?) for an accessory that pulls 2.5amps?

 

Agreed with early posts.

Check out the Blue Sea fuse box.

Based on your post you'd be good to do some research on DC electrical circuits and what kind of equipment you plan to connect.

 

LED on the switch will draw a small fraction of an Amp, no need to factor it into the draw for this circuit. 2.5A is the smallest 12V car fuse I've ever seen, and that'd be more than enough for what you're looking to do. I'd say use a 5A in the add-a-circuit just because they're a little more common to find replacements for if you need one.

 

Another option, if you don't mind wires in the cab and don't use the 12V outlets for much else, would be just to run the booster off one of the 12v outlets in the console and not worry about hard wiring it into the vehicle. Much easier, but maybe a bit risky if you live in a high crime area where the visible wiring might entice someone to break in and grab it.

 

I think this is the right route to go. The rest is wayyyyyy overkill for your needs. In the 2nd gens (and 3rd I'm assuming) they use the mini blade style fuse. You need the normal mini fuse. Google it and you'll see the difference. Nothing game changing, but thought I'd let you know to save you a trip to the store.

 

Yep. You gotta let all those relay questions go, start thinking simple on this. It's way easier than you're getting yourself worked up for.

 

X2

The amount of power that thing draws is negligible, so an add a circuit will suit your needs just fine.

 

So which of these fuses should I be tapping into and why? Honestly the rest is alot to deal with for the power I am using. Add a circuit isn't permanent. If I ever do add the inverter I'll go with the fuse panel and breaker then. Then I'll move this to the panel. Plus this way I won't drain my battery when I forget to turn the booster off. I know you can do it with relays etc but by the time that's done I'll be paying out more for wiring and parts and time than the booster is worth. Gunna keep it simple.

 

Sorry if I confused you OP. Was just throwing out another idea.
horstuuf is correct in his thinking of keeping it simple in this situation.

 

Not confused at all, and I really appreciate the advice. Just think that I am over thinking this for such little power. If I ever get the inverter going it will be a different story. But until then, easy and cheap is my friend! By the way, anyone else have suggestions on switches? As hilarious as the ones from offroad arsenal are, I doubt the wife and daughters would appreciate a 'the show stopper' button as much as I would lol

 

2nd gen tacomas use the low profile fuses, but the mini fuses will fit also. Amazon sells add-a-circuits for either type, and either will work with the truck. If you get a mini fuse tap, you'll need to get that kind of fuse to use with it, though.

A good circuit to tap in the block is the radio circut or the aux circuit, the gauge and tail circuits are questionable since they may not be hot unless the headlights are on.

 

Aux circuit is the one that would power the 12v supply in the center console right? That would be perfect.

 

I think the lighter and the 12v power outlet are actually on separate circuits, but at least one is on the aux fuse.

 

Will this fit? And why does it say left side only? What does that mean?