How do I create a good power source to turn on/off with the truck?

[KahneFan]

I have several things wired directly to my battery, which are powered at all times. However, I'm wanting to wire these so they turn on/off with the truck. I don't need them on while the truck is off and I don't want to worry about phantom power drains. SO, someone please spell out how I can make a power source which will turn on/off with the truck. And please help me either tie it directly to the battery, or to the fuse box. I'm wanting to tie a bunch of crap to this power, so I don't want to just jump on to a random wire and overload whatever I'm hacking into. I've heard people say "Eh, just use a relay".... but, I have no idea what they mean. I have abilities, I just don't have knowledge (yet). So, please help.

 

[BWL]

Look up relays. They are a switch triggered by 12v current. It'll have a 12v constant input a 12v output a ground and a 12v trigger. Run the power you're using now into and out of the relay and then just run a ground wire and a small power wire from any ignition switched circuit to make it work the trigger draws very little power usually around 200 milliamps on the high end

 

[ramrocker]

I use the cigarette lighter switched +12V from fuse F93 to switch a relay On when in Run/Acc.
Constant battery +12 into relay pin 30. A fuse tied to battery +12.

 

[KahneFan]

Look up relays. They are a switch triggered by 12v current. It'll have a 12v constant input a 12v output a ground and a 12v trigger. Run the power you're using now into and out of the relay and then just run a ground wire and a small power wire from any ignition switched circuit to make it work the trigger draws very little power usually around 200 milliamps on the high end

I just wired an amp that has a remote wire which tells the amp to turn on/off with the truck. So you're saying the relay would work the same? And, would you mind linking an example of a relay you're referring to?

 

[BWL]

I just wired an amp that has a remote wire which tells the amp to turn on/off with the truck. So you're saying the relay would work the same? And, would you mind linking an example of a relay you're referring to?

https://www.parts-express.com/pedoc...s-with-wiring-diagrams-installation-guide.pdf you would wire it like the remote amp power circuit or the fog lights

 

[JB1]

I use the cigarette lighter switched +12V from fuse F93 to switch a relay On when in Run/Acc.
Constant battery +12 into relay pin 30. A fuse tied to battery +12.
View attachment 150235

^^this

I did mine the same way basically

 

[Jimmy07]

I just wired an amp that has a remote wire which tells the amp to turn on/off with the truck. So you're saying the relay would work the same? And, would you mind linking an example of a relay you're referring to?

For your amps remote turn-on: run the remote wire from the head unit to #86 (on the relay), #85 gets grounded, run your fused constant 12v (straight from the battery if you want) to #87, then #30 goes to the amps (as many as you want) remote turn-on input. Don’t worry about 87a. With this method, there is no need to tap into any other accessory on your truck.

Edit: The above was assuming you were using an aftermarket head unit. If you’re using the factory radio, which doesn’t have a switched wire to use, then you’ll have to tap into a switched source for #86. The easiest would be one of your 12v cigarette sockets or USB ports (one that only has power when the truck is on).

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-EPAuto-...ID=51cGJTxoijL&ref=plSrch&tag=viglink21284-20

 

[KahneFan]

Found this set I'm gonna try...

 

[BWL]

Them being fused and having the harness attached will make it easier to wire. I'd still install an inline fuse large enough for everything you plan to run close to the battery on your main power wire unless the relays will be under the hood as well so if it rubs through somewhere you just pop the fuse.

 

[KahneFan]

Them being fused and having the harness attached will make it easier to wire. I'd still install an inline fuse large enough for everything you plan to run close to the battery on your main power wire unless the relays will be under the hood as well so if it rubs through somewhere you just pop the fuse.

I'll be mounting the relays under the hood.