Fusing remote dual batteries
 

I think it is time to fuse my rear deck mounted dual batteries. The thought of all that HEAVY cable travelling along the frame to the engine bay, unprotected (except by irrigation hose - just not fused), makes me a tad nervous.

Anyone done this? What make and sizing of fuse blocks did you use? I am thinking a pair of 250-300A fuses similar to these:
http://order.waytekwire.com/productd...E%20250%20AMP/

mounted in these:
http://order.waytekwire.com/productd...DER%20W/COVER/

What think ye?

Those should work fine. Those are pretty much the same ones GM uses on their current full-sized truck line. Although I think 250 amps is on the high side unless you're running a hi-amp alternator set up. The most protection I'd ever put on a system that saw consistent, high-power use of the electrical system was about 140 amps with a dual yellow-top battery set-up and a battery isolator. This was a big audio system in an NFL player's 2007 Escalade. I wouldn't use a fuse that's rated much higher than the max rated output of the alternator. Fuses and fusible links are there to protect electrical components as much as protecting the entire vehicle.

Otherwise, now I know where to get those fuses and the fuse-holder when I upgrade the electrical in my rig :D

Good luck!
Ron

My biggest concern regarding size is, low enough to prevent a disaster should a cable contact the frame (long cable runs from the rear of the truck...), but big enough to not blow when I am using my winch.

I do have a Premier Powerwelder alternator, but it does not put out 250A. More like 160.

Hey Bill,

Just make sure the fuses are no more than 12 inches from the battery. That way, you won't have a 16 foot tracer burn from the rear of the truck. If you really want to make sure you're covered, put another fuse as close to the alternator on the B+ wire as possible. I usually fuse the crap out of everything I do even though my wiring is clean and secure... you just never know.

Good luck!
Ron

Agreed. I can't seem to remember what Premier did to fuse the B+ off the alternator (they provide a new harness, the Toy harness I just taped off). I am thinking... nothing. Yikes. I ordered an additional fuseholder and a 175A fuse to cover that!

I need to do this to my dual setup. Did you end up doing this?

I assume you need to add one at each end of the cable also.

I have the parts sitting in a bag... :bang: :nono: :con: :D

You would need to fuse the hot side near the battery, not both ends.