High Current 12v "Rails?"

[AzRamLover]

Can't seem to find any posts on this. Could I please get some help from the exterior electrical wiring gurus here?

Problem:

• 
  I want to run several high-draw devices from the back of the truck.
  Examples: a DC refrigerator, a pure sine wave inverter, power tools, construction site LED flood lights.

Solution:

• 
  Run fused, 0-gauge, wire loomed, welding cables (one positive, one negative) from the battery down the top of the driver's side frame rail.

• Wire any accessories into the +12V "rail" and ground "rail," using smaller, properly loomed and fused wires.

• The fuses on the smaller wires would be much more reasonable; e.g. 5-amp, 10-amp, 30-amp, etc.

Questions:

0) Is this a dumb idea? Don't know much about this so feel free to school me here. Also if there is a better/faster/cheaper/easier solution, I'm all ears.

1) Given the light duty alternator's rating of 180amps, what is the maximum safe current draw? By "safe" I mean no fire hazards or dramatically shortened alternator life.

2) Given the max safe current draw in (1) above (let's assume 100 amps for now), is a 100-amp fuse on the +12V cable OK?

3) Given the huge thickness discrepancy between the +12V rail (0-gauge welding cable) and smaller wiring (e.g., 12-, 14-, and 16-gauge), what is the right way to "tap into" the rail using the smaller wire?

The usual automotive environmental conditions of high temperature variance, vibration, moisture, etc. concern me.

Thanks y'all!

 

[Rzrman328]

I'd buy a small generator and strap that sum _itch down before I did all that stuff you're talking about.

 

[Matfam]

Howdy, I'm new here but play with electricity a bit....
0. Dumb.... Probably not, the generator is probably a better idea, given your described usage.

1. Max you'll likely get out of a stock alternator is 50-80 amps
2. Fuse size will depend on what you want to protect. A 100 amp fuse is acceptable for 1/0 wire.
3. You will need to run the heavy wire to a distribution panel of some type, through additional fuses to the smaller wire. Remember to fuse everything. Google 310.16 NEC for guidelines as to wire capability.


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[AzRamLover]

Legit - thank you!