Best practice to add multiple aftermarket accessories

Batman&Robin · Jan 29, 2017

I have a 2012 ram 1500, and I am adding light bars and driving lights to it. As I add more items, the wiring under the hood is starting to look crazy. Is there better way than wiring everything straight to the battery directly? I am using relays of course.

OnSale · Jan 29, 2017

Batman&Robin said:
I have a 2012 ram 1500, and I am adding light bars and driving lights to it. As I add more items, the wiring under the hood is starting to look crazy. Is there better way than wiring everything straight to the battery directly? I am using relays of course.

Yes. A fuse block/distribution block.

Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GV78UP2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They sell them in all different sizes, just make sure you get one with a cover.

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sbarron · Jan 29, 2017

I used this:

Build thread:
http://www.ramforum.com/f41/led_light_bar_pods_install_behind_grill_bumper-63186/

Batman&Robin · Jan 29, 2017

sbarron said:
I used this:

Build thread:
http://www.ramforum.com/f41/led_light_bar_pods_install_behind_grill_bumper-63186/

Is that fused to only come on when the truck in on, accessory mode, or always on and you just turn the switches off? I love that implementation!

sbarron · Jan 29, 2017

Batman&Robin said:
Is that fused to only ocme on when the truck in on, accessory mode, or always on and you just turn the switches off? I love that implementation!

It's direct from the battery with either 6 or 8AWG wire, (in my advanced age I can't recall which)... and distributed to the relays from that point. The relays are either triggered by switches, OEM circuits, or both.

Stuffed in a waterproof box to keep it dry.

Batman&Robin · Jan 29, 2017

Ok dumb question. So each item that is attached to the block, spills to the individual relays? And some of the relays are powered by switching oem relays in the oem fuse panel?

sbarron · Jan 29, 2017

Not at the OEM fuse panel. If I wanted the relay to be triggered by an OEM circuit, say the fogs or high beams, I made pigtails where I could intercept that circuit. I could have used a simple tap, but didn't want to break into the sheathing of the truck wire loom especially on the exterior. I did tap inside the cab.

For example, one of the pigtails. This one is for the high beam triggered relays:

And a sample tap into the dash light circuit (for dimmable switches) behind the headlight switch.

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Hagen1500 · Mar 10, 2017

dimmable wire is orange with white stripe, correct?

adrianp89 · Mar 10, 2017

Hagen1500 said:
dimmable wire is orange with white stripe, correct?

That is standard for after market. It may be this color - but I would always check with a meter first.

Best practice to add multiple aftermarket accessories

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