Range Rover P38 12v Accessory plug and Blue Sea fusebox install

[spikemd]

I finally decided to do a proper installation and rewire of the rear accessory socket and add a few others. I did an easy re-wire a few years ago to get full time power to the 12v accessory plug in the rear of my P38. Unfortunately, the factory wiring is just not robust enough to run the ARB fridge all the time. It would occasionally cut out power to the fridge due to voltage drop. The factory put the ignition switched 12v accessory plug in the rear of P38s from 2000 on, I believe. Mine is a 2000 Range Rover SE 4.6.

I ran 10g wire (I know it is the wrong color) from the battery through the firewall, under the carpet near the doors and into the rear. I then installed a Blue Sea 6 port fusebox for my electrical hookups and made a common ground to the chassis inside the panel. I was trying to figure out the best place to put the fusebox to make it accessible yet hidden. The gas release panel is a secure fit into the rear panel and looks to be up the job. I then installed dual West Marine 12v accessory plugs above the panel. They are a tight fit and I had to bend the tabs at the back of the plugs to clear the chassis, but they do fit. I rewired the factory accessory plug to the fusebox.

I then mounted my 120v inverter when I want to use it, I can plug it in. I didn't want to hardwire the inverter yet, but can in the future. I may also upgrade to a Hella style socket for the ARB fridge for a more secure plug which will be easy to install with the fusebox ready.

 

[spikemd]

UPDATE: Anderson Plugs

UPDATE:

I have been frustrated the last couple of trips with the cigarette plugs coming loose for the ARB fridge and charger for the Goal Zero Extreme350. I looked into a few other solutions and settled on the Anderson PowerPole connectors which are ubiquitous in the HAM circles and RC world. They make a good, solid connection but are still easily disconnected.

I ordered all my connectors from PowerWerx as they were difficult to source locally. I bought a 2 set chassis mount and decided to mount it in the same panel as my Blue Sea fusebox. Right now, it looks a bit lopsided, but I will wire up another 2 set mount to even it out.

The Anderson plugs are pretty easy to work with but I found they require soldering to make complete connection unless you have their special crimping tool. Standard crimpers distort the connectors too much making it difficult to secure the connector in the plastic housing.

Another advantage of the Anderson plugs is that my Goal Zero Exreme350 has output connectors of the same type. I cut my ARB 12v cord and spliced in a set of connectors. Now I can have a secure connection in the rover, but still have the cigarette plug available in case I use it in our other cars. I also spliced in a set of connectors for the Goal Zero 12v charger so I can charge the Extreme while driving.

Overall, I think this will be a better set-up and wish I would have done this in the first place rather than wiring in more 12v accessory plugs. Live and learn... I will be testing it this weekend in Hollister at the NCLR Annual Event.

 

[2000P38]

Cool setup!

I just did something similar as well.

 

[kpredator]

blue sea makes some great products,use them on my boats

 

[spikemd]

I am very happy with my set-up especially changing to Anderson PowerPole plugs. The connection doesn't come out on washboards anymore. I have purchased the same BlueSea fusebox and will be running 10g wire to the rear of my LR3 when I get some time. I also plan on wiring in some USB connectors since all our electronics are going that route. Having Kindles running is key to keeping 3 young ones occupied on long stretches of road.

 

[spikemd]

DO NOT DRAIN YETI 400/EXTREME 350 FROM ANDERSON PLUGS

UPDATE::::
DO NOT DRAIN GOAL ZERO YETI 400 OR EXTREME 350 DIRECTLY FROM ANDERSON PLUGS! :Wow1::Wow1:


There is no battery protection when you discharge the Yeti/Extreme directly from the Anderson plugs on the side. They are for chaining only and can discharge the battery and harm the batter. I learned this the hard way when my Extreme 350 wouldn't power my ARB overnight. Looking into the issue, I think I killed the battery fully discharging it a couple of times from the plugs.

That being said, I got 3 years of good use out of it and countless cold beers in 100 degree weather. Also, I changed the battery in less than 30 minutes with a small bump in capacity (35ah vs 33ah). (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8Q0VTQ

I will be making a new 6mm output connector to Anderson plug to utilize the battery protection of the GZ Extreme/Yeti.