Tow Wiring and Extra Wires

[dgerstel]

This information is good for a 2007 and probably a 2006 Alpine.

I just installed a US Gear tow brake system. A blue 12 gage wire was factory installed from under the dash above and to the right of the accelerator pedal to the towing plug. I used this for the brake controller. 12 volt power was supplied to the towing plug, but was only powered by the VMS, not enough power. I installed a relay to supply high power to the tow plug.



I found the 2 spare wires installed by WRV here.



Switched Terminal strip below the VMS has Spare 1 and 2 plus Ignition, Accessory, Panel lights and ground. Photo below with lower dash panel installed, hides the terminal strip.



Rear Spare 1 and 2 wires can be seen in middle of photo. Loom has been opened to access the 12 volt battery tow plug wiring.



I had many single inline fuses connected to positive stud. I added the lower fuse panel to replace these. I didn't want to have to many items powered by the Vansco ignition circuit. I added a fuse panel powered by a relay.

[EngineerMike]

Dale- for an easy safety device, you can put a spare insulated female spade connector on each unused hot spade on the new fuse blocks.

I'm still looking for the right size plastic hose diameter to cut a short guard piece & slip over the Positive Stud nut inside & out (and in the battery compartment & inside rear frame as well). 1/2" pex works nicely over the stud itself, but that still leaves the hot bare nut, er, uh, if you know what I mean...

[dgerstel]

Mike,

I started to do that and realized that those spades had no power until I install the fuses. Good idea on the tubing to protect the large hot stud. I might try some vinyl tubing, I used some in the battery compartment to cover some studs to protect battery cables that were touching them.

[takepride]

eMike:

Blue Ray (?) makes nice fuse blocks with clear covers. I bought one at West Marine for my battery compartment (to replace OEM junk). Keeps it clean and less vulnerable. I'm thinking to replace the block near the inside sub-panels, too. After seeing Dale's block, I might add one up front to replace the three in-lines that are tied to the "switched" strip.

To cover the studs you can get heat-shrink covers (don't ask me where). I've seen them on heavy electronics, usually red.

[EngineerMike]

Note to self- "Hey self, never post anything after the 3rd martini."

Dale- your second photo shows the "lower dash panel" removed. How was that fastened?

[dgerstel]

Small hot studs on my new fuse panels are protected by a main fuse in the supply line to each panel. I install a fuse in every wire that I install, I want NO fires.

Takepride,

I got the fuse panels from AutoZone while getting the wire connectors for connecting to the extra (switch) terminals on the brake light switch. Due to the location, I wasn't worried about anything better. I have use some of the large HD heat-shrink tubing on some battery cables I made up, that would work, as you mentioned.

Mike,

Don't ever hold back, just due to a few martinis. Also, you usually mention the safety issues that I just assume that everyone should know or I have missed.

The panel in held in place with about 3 screws into the floor.

[mythplaced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgerstel This information is good for a 2007 and probably a 2006 Alpine. I found the 2 spare wires installed by WRV here.

Saw these photos....
Dropped to my knees....
Thanked GOD I bought an 03!

I never saw so much wiring!

[takepride]

Myth:

AMEN Brother!

[Old Rv'er]

And that is why I'm headed to RV Repair College; I want to know how those guys do their magic.

Yes, I agree, WRV fuse panels are junk, and sometimes have too many wires coming off one stud.

Never thought to cover the battery posts, hmmm, I have heard, but not done, take an old inner tube from a passenger tire, Cut out large Crosses +, put a hole in the center with an arch punch a little bigger than the battery stud, place the + over the stud and then reinstall the cable back on, and fold the long parts of the + back over the terminal and cable, it should just about completely cover it. A little electrical tape in a can to glue the pieces together. You could also flip it but that seems like a lot of work. They also make covers which can be purchased for the positive side of most cables. I know my jeep and Honda have them covering the Positive posts.

[mythplaced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Rv'er Never thought to cover the battery posts, hmmm, I have heard, but not done, take an old inner tube from a passenger tire, Cut out large Crosses +, put a hole in the center with an arch punch a little bigger than the battery stud, place the + over the stud and then reinstall the cable back on, and fold the long parts of the + back over the terminal and cable, it should just about completely cover it. A little electrical tape in a can to glue the pieces together. You could also flip it but that seems like a lot of work. They also make covers which can be purchased for the positive side of most cables. I know my jeep and Honda have them covering the Positive posts.

GREAT IDEA!

Make this a "Mod" STICKEY!

[Melorene]

Where is the 12v fuse located that goes to the plug at the hitch. also a note, how do you keep your battery compartments so clean..maybe i should just stay on the pavement..Mel

[wa8yxm]

Check out your auto parts store.. In the HELP section (That's a brand name) there are usually display cards of what they call Vacuum caps

These are rubber caps that fit over a vacuum port, come in assorted sizes. They make good screw covers if they are long enough.

NOTE. you can use 2 of 'em. a big one over the nut (Drill or cut a hole in the closed end to pass the bolt) and a smaller on on the threads.

[dgerstel]

Melorene,

The 12 volt battery power to the tow receptacle is supplied by the Vansco which acts as the fuse (circuit breaker.)
Battery compartment is kept clean by:
1. Hydrocaps on batteries.
2. Re-doing seal around compartment door as ness.
3. Wash down every so often with RO water.

Note green by right rear house battery, that is some vinyl hose slipped over top of battery retainer threaded stud. This protects the battery cable (red cable under the black ground cable) I moved behind it to clear Hydrocap.

[Rick Coleman]

Dale- Do you use any soap/cleaner to wash the compartment. I've always been reluctant to do that and spray it with water given the amount of wiring and electrical components in the compartment. Could you do it with the power off, and then use compressed air to dry it?