In car fusebox recommendations

**Ashes** · 26th July 2009, 01:21 PM

I haven't actually added anything to the D3 yet as I'm trying to do as much research as possible before I start spending more $'s.

I'm currently looking for options for a additional fuse box to power odds and ends in the car.
Things I'm likely to power in the car on a long trip
- 2 x portable DVD units for the kids to preserve my sanity
- UHF (thinking of an icom-ic440)
- GPS unit (streepilot 2610 which I already have)
- Fridge (yet to research but will use on day picnics, long trips, camping)
- ipod or 2 (recharge as required)
- Handheld games (recharges as required)

I would probably use the 2 front 12v sockets for GPS and 1 ipod.
The socket in the rear cargo area could be used for a DVD unit or 2 but I'm still a few short. I don't like the idea of running too much of a single 12v socket.

What my thinking is at the moment is
- traxide dual battery setup (if I don't do this straight away I'll run items of the primary battery) at a risk...
- run power to a fuse box under the drivers seat which can then power
- underseat ic440
- provide 2 or 3 12v sockets for kids in the 2nd row (dvd units/ipod)
- run some power to a 12v socket to power a fridge in the rear
- have a few spare connections for stuff I don't think of now

What I'd like some advice on is a suitable fuse box for these needs. Ideally I'd like a box that has both "always on" power (for a fridge connection, maybe UHF) and some connections that are ignition/relay switched (only active when the vehicle is being used) for non critical electrical items, eg. DVD players, ipods)
Any recommendations on a good quality fusebox?

**stevetd5** · 26th July 2009, 07:49 PM

Hi I use marine distibuti9on boxes check out whitworth marine. They also have good power panels also.

**VladTepes** · 27th July 2009, 12:23 PM

Whitworth Marine or Whitworths ?

This mob?
Whitworths Marine & Leisure: Discount Marine Supplies

**VladTepes** · 27th July 2009, 01:10 PM

I'm looking for options for a small fusebox for an overhead console.
Suggestions ?

**Basil135** · 27th July 2009, 01:38 PM

Most auto stores keep 4 way fuse boxes. They aren't linked to a common input, but this allows you to run some off the ignition cct, and others to a battery supply.

Should be less than $10

**waynep** · 27th July 2009, 01:58 PM

I don't think there'd be anything ready made to suit what you are describing - you'd need to make it up. Nothing a few skills with a drill and a soldering iron would prevent.

I've seen the ready made up marine fuse/switch panels in places like autobarn and super cheep. Trouble is they have labels like "bilge pump" and 'navgation lights". Anything like that is hellishly dear if bought from marine places.

You might also like to browse in Jaycar - they have plastic or cast alumnium utlility boxes that you could mount fuses, switches, sockets etc on to, and put your relays or whatever inside.

For 12V sockets look at using a combination of the normal ciggy lighter socket and the Hella sockets or similar for higher current applications ( like the fridge ).

**Ashes** · 27th July 2009, 03:11 PM

Ive used the following setup with the optional relay tap on my motorbike

Automotive Fuse Panels From Centech

This works pretty well. At the moment I'll probably look at using the same kit again. Looking at the info it appears it should do what I want in the car. Can anyone see a reason why I couldn't use this in the car?

miky · 27th July 2009, 03:40 PM

I realise you specify fuses but have you given any thought to using circuit breakers?

**VladTepes** · 27th July 2009, 03:59 PM

Funny you should mention - I was just looking at those and looks as if for about $7.50 per "fuse" the blade type fuses can be replaced with circuit breakers. Adds up a bit over the whole fuse box though, however I suppose that theoretically its a once-only expense.

**mike_ie** · 27th July 2009, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Funny you should mention - I was just looking at those and looks as if for about $7.50 per "fuse" the blade type fuses can be replaced with circuit breakers. Adds up a bit over the whole fuse box though, however I suppose that theoretically its a once-only expense.

I guess that depends on how often your fuses blow - I can count on one hand the number of car fuses I have blown in my lifetime in day to day running (have admittedly blown a few when installing stuff over the years). You can buy a lot of blade fuses for $7:50 per fused item...

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