Best method for adding a fuse box/accessories?

[geocrasher]

Hi everyone,

I want to add some accessories to the interior of my 88 Burb. There will be at least one USB charger, perhaps two, a CB, 2M amateur radio transceiver, and perhaps more in the future. I don't think I'll ever use more than 10A at once. What I'm thinking is to run a set of 12ga wires straight to the battery and then to a fuse block such as this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBV2MHN/

Of course there would be a 30A fuse at the battery. I've also considered powering it through a relay energized by the ignition circuit in the fuse box using one of these connectors:

Pico 0952C GM Style Fuse Block Tap

Taps Into GM Fuse Block Splice Accessory Wire Onto 16 Ga Connector Wire Plug Connector Into Cavity Use In Ignition Cavity Power Supplied Once Ignition Is On Clear Housing

www.speedwaymotors.com

Does this all sound about right? Can anybody recommend a better way to add circuits to the truck without going through the stock fuse box? I don't want to tax the 34 year old wiring any more than necessary, and the radios need to go straight to the battery anyway. I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!

 

[75gmck25]

The way they did it on the ‘70s dual battery trucks with power to a camper or trailer was a relay and junction block on the driver’’s side fender.

The standard power junction next to the brake booster had an additional wire running over to a relay on the driver’s fender, and this relay was activated by an ignition-on wire. The output side of the relay only had power if ignition was on. The relay output side was connected through a fusible link or fuse to a 2nd power junction. All the camper or trailer power was connected there. You could use a similar wiring scheme up under the dash.

IIRC most of the old 10 gauge wiring in the truck is fused at 30 amps, which would give you plenty of power for accessories.

 

[Italianwagon]

I did a painless performance accessory fuse box addition, hooked up to the secondary battery. Works great, no issues and has a side for ignition circuits.

 

[67ventwindow]

On my vintage cars I use a setup similar to this. That was usually with an alternator upgrade as well. I don't have to hack the existing wiring. I was hoping my truck being 20 newer wouldn't require anything like that but we shall see. I try to use water tight boxes, old cars seem to leak when you don't expect it.

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[Originalthor]

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Could build one of these too. The left side is power to relay and right hand side is power out from relay. Since I don't smoke the USB cig lighter and battery monitor went onto the astray. Sorry don't have a picture of that but can get one. And put the whole thing in the glove box.

 

[nvrenuf]

Blue Sea offers a lot of fuse panels, I just added one to my Blazer that had 2 sections- 1 12v constant and 1 12v ignition.

 

[Camar068]

seen some mount one mounted to the backside of the glove box. I need one to eliminate a bunch of wires thru the firewall....haven't got around to it.

 

[nvrenuf]

I don’t have any hvac parts so I built a shelf behind the glove box.

 

[geocrasher]

Thanks for the replies and pics, these are all awesome ideas. Thank you so much!

 

[plugugly]

Hi everyone,

I want to add some accessories to the interior of my 88 Burb. There will be at least one USB charger, perhaps two, a CB, 2M amateur radio transceiver, and perhaps more in the future. I don't think I'll ever use more than 10A at once. What I'm thinking is to run a set of 12ga wires straight to the battery and then to a fuse block such as this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBV2MHN/

Of course there would be a 30A fuse at the battery. I've also considered powering it through a relay energized by the ignition circuit in the fuse box using one of these connectors:

Pico 0952C GM Style Fuse Block Tap

Taps Into GM Fuse Block Splice Accessory Wire Onto 16 Ga Connector Wire Plug Connector Into Cavity Use In Ignition Cavity Power Supplied Once Ignition Is On Clear Housing

www.speedwaymotors.com

Does this all sound about right? Can anybody recommend a better way to add circuits to the truck without going through the stock fuse box? I don't want to tax the 34 year old wiring any more than necessary, and the radios need to go straight to the battery anyway. I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!

did this work?