Recommendations for Accessory Power

[kmroxo]

Hello, I plan to set up a fuse block in the engine bay of my GX470. I’m thinking I’ll have it set up via a relay so it is only energized when the key is on. This fuse block will provide power for a future winch and also supply a 12 volt line to my cargo area.

Back in the cargo area I will probably set up another fuse block as well for future capability. A 12 volt socket will be powered off this and will primarily be for charging my Flexopower which, in turn, powers my ARB fridge. So any time the engine is running the Flexopower is charging and any time the GX is off, the ARB still has a power supply.

Blue Sea is probably my choice for fuse blocks unless there is a better option I don't know about.

What gauge wire should I run from the engine bay to the cargo area? And what size fuse should I run for that line?

 

[Airmapper]

Wire the winch by itself, no fuse blocks (meaning a block with multiple fuses) unless you mean a single inline fuse rated somewhere around or above say 300A for safety, not a bad idea.

Maybe something like this: https://baymarinesupply.com/blue-sea-heavy-duty-anl-fuse-holder-1671.html

That's a big fuse for automotive use. I just put a high amp disconnect on it, and only turn it on when about to actually use the winch. You'll need heavy gauge wire, specifics on the winch amp draw and length of cable runs determine the size you will need. I like high strand welding cable, but that's just me.

With the high amps involved, setting up a key on hot relay for this is going to be some large expensive components that are probably going to be hard to cram under the hood. You don't need the winch armed and wires connected when you are driving around. If you are ever in an accident, you want the winch wiring dead. If one of the positive cables jams into a frame piece or some other ground it can quickly start a fire. Turn it on when you are using it and off afterwards. A big fuse will work, but a disconnect means you know it's off and it can't be welding stuff under your hood before it blows.

 

[kmroxo]

I did not mean a single in line fuse; I was thinking the winch could wire through the fuse block. Clearly that was incorrect! So thank you for the clarification.