2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Anyone have luck with fuse taps?

[JDKammin]

I installed a pyrometer and boost gauge on my A-pillar. Everything works fine, but need to get the lights hooked up. I bought some fuse taps to power the lights, but the fuse box will not allow the extra thickness of the fuse tap. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.



P. S. I do not want to use a scotch-lock.

 

[kenny61]

I was able to add the tap to mine. maybe this will work for you, I have never tried them...



Parts-Express.com: Littelfuse Add-A-Circuit Fuseholder for Mini Fuses | mini fuse holder mini knife fuse

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Though commonly available I don't favor fuse taps. Yes they're more secure with AGC blade fuses -less so with the mini blades. But in the vibrating environment of a vehicle over time I get concerned about what disconnects and what gets shorted as a result. BTW check some of the online electric suppliers (autolumination, etc) Along with the new fuses that lite LEDs to show a faul, I thought I saw ones with the TAP molded in - much more better!!

 

[CKelley1]

do yourself and truck a big favor. go to genosgarage.com and order ppp-70207 aux fuse block and you will never have to hunt for another circuit.

 

[FourBarR]

I have add a circuit in my truck since new . Used when i installed my Westach gauges. truck now has more than 500,000kms (300,000k + ) never had a problem with add a circuit. Only problem with gauges one bulb. And by the way original vp-44 and injectors.

 

[kenny61]

I thought I saw ones with the TAP molded in - much more better

I thought I had seen them too, but was unable to find any doing a google search

 

[SRath]

CKelley is right. You should just add an auxillary fuse panel. You will never regret having easy access to power. The dodge wiring is very marginal at best in it's load handling ability. It probably would have added $10 to the manufacturing cost of each pickup to go one size larger on all the wiring...



I would go out of my way to not add a single watt of additional load to it. It is notorious for burning up and even burning trucks to the ground without any additional load.



I highly recommend the use of relays, too, for higher loads. Do your wiring with future toys and accessories in mind. There is no downside.

 

[Dave M]

I used the ADD-A-Circuit by Little fuse when I done my gages about 5 years ago... no problem and it is fast. I used the dash fuse for the dash gages and my gages will dim with the dash dimmer switch at nite... . Nice!



Adding a fuse panel is a better idea but the the piggy back fuse in the fuse panel is much quicker and easier. You decide. In my experice with the adding fuse I'd say it works.



I have found the Add-a circuit fuse at Kragen's also.



Dave

 

[DieselDoghouse]

As DaveM notes Littlefuse and I found Bussmann - both around since I was a kid with a soldering iron - make fuses with hard-attached harnesses to add circuits.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I have an add a circuit tap like the previous posters talk about as well as a painless circuit boss with 7 new circuits. If i remember right the add a circuit is for the dimmer on my gague pillar. The advantage of going with the add a circuit in lieu of the metal fuse tap is that the add a circuit has two fuses. One for the factory load and one for the accessory that you are feeding. So, if you blow your accessory it won't hurt your factory fuse. I think the standard blade fuse taps are about as worthless as scotch locks.

 

[JDKammin]

I ordered in a couple of the add-a-fuse, like Kenny61 and others suggested. I used the factory illumination fuse socket to install the add-a-fuse. I installed a 5 amp fuse to run the two lights in my gauge pods. I am set to go for night driving. Thanks to all.

 

[DMcLeod]

modify the tap

JDK I know what you're talking about. You can file down the material on the fuse tap so it is much thinner, fits around the fuse better, and slides into position much easier. Just take your time, use a small fine file, and get it thin. Remember to put the accessory load on the load side of the fuse so that the original component as well as the added accessory component (gage lights) are protected by the fuse. I believe most circuits have plenty of capacity to add an additional gage light or two with no noticeable consequences. Although I also use the add-a-circuit for larger loads, the fuse tap is an easy and cost effective way to go for gage lights.

 

[Dave M]

It took me awhile to find a pic of the add-a-circuit piggy back fuse I used. It fits in place of existing fuse and has 2 fuse in it's place. The added fuse has a pigtail hanging out with a crimp ready to attach to your circuit. Here are 2:



Parts-Express.com: Littelfuse Add-A-Circuit Fuseholder for ATO/ATC Fuses | ir installation fuses fuseholder fuse holders fuse holder fuse ads



Its called Mini fuse ADD-A-Circuit by Littlefuse PN FHM200BP at Kragens (now OReillys) for $9. 99.



Mini Blade Add a Circuit Fuse Holder : Sporty's Tool Shop