Auxiliary Fuse Panel - Part 1

[Halsey Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Halsey]

So I started by adding a second battery and Redarc BCDC1225LV to the Prado 150.
While at the shop I noticed they were selling auxiliary fuse panels in various stage packages.
I went home and wrote down a list of accessories that I intend and also a wish list and designed my own system.
The accessory panel (30A max per fuse) has 20 blade type and 3 MIDI fuses mounted on it.
The panel is split into two gangs, the first 8 fuses have power supplied by the main start battery and are isolated by a solenoid activated only when the ignition is on.
The other 12 are powered 24/7 by the second battery.
I incorporated a moment switch to bring both batteries together via the Redarc wiring diagram.
I ran a positive and negative cable to the rear to power a rear sub board which I will put on the next post.
Parts sourced through Allanco whelspool road, The 12volt shop Kewdale road and Connect source in Midland for Dutcsh plugs

Found a spot to mount the fuse panel in the engine bay
Made a paper template
Laser cut sheet metal
Bending sheet metal
Mock build up of panel
Completed install

[Halsey Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Halsey]

Part 2- Rear power
I ran a dual 4B&S cable through the firewall and passenger side of cabin to the rear.
The panel runs into a ganged 4 outlet fuse panel which feed two cigarette outlets on the drivers side for running fridges and two relays which power a rear and awing work lights switched from the dash board.
There is also a 50 amp MIDI fuse to protect the Anderson plug on the tow bar.
Cable run to rear of vehicle
And (had to trim the under sides of the scuff panels)
Found a spot to mount rear sub panel
Paper template and mock build

Things I would change if I did it again, maybe if/when we upgrade to a newer model;
1) I would get the harness professionally wrapped by Connect source instead of using plastic tubing, this would save a lot of space.
2) I would also install a plug mounted to the fire wall instead of cable protruding through grommets.
3) I would try to use the low profile miniature fuses as used by Toyota to keep fuses the same.
4) I would try and source smaller fuse and relays (maybe same size as Toyota) as space is a premium.
5) I would run the rear power to the Anderson plug via a solenoid so when the ignition is off the power to the plug is off.
6) Even though I have run the cables I would install some volt gauges for the batteries.
7) Maybe a Lithium battery to save weight and have more power capacity.

[rabs Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rabs]

nice job Halsey.

you wouldn't happen to have a copy of the templates you made? I'm in the process of installing dual batteries and rear power sockets and recon your templates would make the job a lot neater

Rabs

[Halsey Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Halsey]

Had three laser cut, stuffed up one bending them, still have a spare if you want it?

[rabs Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rabs]

That would be great. Let me know details via PM so I can pay you for it.