I agree that this arrangement can make the high power wires longer and in the case of running a winch or bumper mounted lights, this would be undesirable. But I'm my case most accessories are inside or wired inside (rock lights) and even the reverse lights would need the power run all the way to the back. In this case, it shouldn't be a problem mounting the fuses and relays inside.

 

It does help. I have a distribution block not far from from there for my sound amplifier. I could feed off that. Thanks for the idea.

 

No problem. Let me know how it turns out.

 

I like how the daisy chain method worked out.

Thanks for the tip.

 

Wow, that's a lot of wire and it's just from the switches to the relays (and switch lights).

I did a test hook up tonight to see if it worked.

Tomorrow I hope to get these parts installed, at least to the point of having the relays functioning.

After that it's just a matter of actually connecting the accessories to the relay outputs.

Phew!!!

 

Agreed that it does work. But there are a few concerns when mounting this type of gear inside the cab. But hey, it's your jeep. Typically, you want to keep your power distribution conductors ( from the battery ) as short as possible. This increases the safety margin from short circuits by keeping the runs shorter. And keeps the higher current carrying devices outside of the cab ( fire and smoke safety ). This also reduces cost from buying longer lengths of larger cable. And orginizes your distribution gear into one area. Your smaller control conductors ( from switches ) are cheaper and more easily managable. And since they carry smaller currents, are safer to install inside the cab.

For what it's worth. Have fun with your install.

 

It was a lot of work to get these switches going but wow, they look great.

The windshield lights are controlled by side marker lights being turn on. The footlights, rock lights and full time backup lights are controlled by switched power. And the auto function of the reverse lights are controlled by putting the gear selector into reverse.

I've just completed the switch portion of this project.

Tomorrow I will finish up the relays and fuse panel. Then when I find time, I will install the footlights, rock lights and backup lights and it should be easy to just connect to the relay outputs.

But for now, a big cheer for completing stage 1.

 

WHere did you get the switches...did you make them or order them from someone, i would like to add some custom switches to my ride.

 

Check out h t t p://www.otrattw.com/

They have many switches to choose from, labels, colors etc. and if they don't have something you're looking for, they can custom make it for you.

Cheers,

 

Finally finished part 1.

The relays and fuses are installed behind the glovebox.

I had originally opted for a fuse block behind the glove box but after thinking about it, I didn't want to drill into the body. It's the pan in front of the windshield.




I decided to go with inline fuses instead. Here they are wired up to the relay harness.




Since I already had some decent power coming from the right side of the glovebox to power stereo amps, I tapped into that for the relay input (switch not coil side).




Finally, some soldering for the control wires to the relay harness, some zip ties and wire loom, and it's all neatly (for me) in place.




Now to add the actual accessories, I simply need to hook up to the relay outputs (yellow wires)

Cheers!