Confusion about fuses, types

[paty]

I got to thinking I should have some back up fuses on hand in case (please no!) one blows. I checked the fuse/converter box, wrote down the fuse amps. Read the little sticker in the box and it read: Use Littlefuse type 257 fuse in locations 10 and 11. OK the fuses have been marked as to what they are for. (have nothing in 11.) Also said "for RV 11 loads"

I thought this would be a simple task of seeing what fuses are in the box and ordering them.
In looking online I see mini and max fuses for Littlefuse. The picture for the minis is terrible as the fuses are in the package.
Question is do I 'HAVE TO' replace with Littlefuses or is this a marketing ploy?

Anyone know of a good online store where I can purchase fuses? (I'm in a very rural area thus, I shop online a lot.)

Sorry to be so clueless, but as I've said in other posts I've just recently had to take over maintenance of the 5er and learning as I go.

[Billieg]

Just go to any auto store and buy a a pack of mixed fuses for the maxi (square ends) and mini (pointed ends) and you should be fine. I bought the maxi pack and a fuse blew on another panel that had the mini fuses so been there done that. Any make of fuse will work just make sure there is a good mixture of different amp fuses in each box.

[Half Dimes]

When you pick up your spare fuses, try to get a pack that includes a fuse remover, a simple little piece of plastic that makes life much easier when removing a stubborn fuse in a confined space.

[paty]

Thanks so much for the input. I was agonizing over which fuses and to know one can purchase them in an Auto store, makes it far simpler. Also the fuse remover, as I did pull one out to look at it, and had a little trouble getting it back in.

[Sofakleez]

You should also pick up a cheap multi-meter.....it's a really quick way to check fuses without having to remove them. Just set it to the "continuity" test mode and touch both little metal pieces on the top end of the fuse with the meter probes at the same time (don't remove fuse) and it should beep if the fuse is good. No beep, pull the fuse and replace. Good luck!

[jawildman]

Walmart has them as well.

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jawildman Walmart has them as well.

Mine (store)only had a few and none of them were what I needed (7.5, 15, 40) so finally ordered some on ebay.

[wa8yxm]

There are 3 sizes of fuses (physical) in common use today all 3 are blade fuses, MY name for them is MINI, Standard and Gigantic.

I have an assortment of the first two in stock.. have yet to blow a Gigantic.

In addition there are a few Glass cylinder type fuses (Cartradge) scattered about, NONE are on "Mission critical" stuff save for the ones in my TS-2000, again I have spares. Plus I can get one of the blades to fit if it must.

One "Trick" you might try is to have a "inline fuse holder" or two on hand (Normal size blade fuses) one with just tabs on it end of the wires (The flat blade that pushes into the clip) and the other with a pair of clip on ends.

That way you can replace just about anythign with a one of the standard blades and one of the holders till you get to a parts store.