How do I tap off a fuse in the fuse box

[Traveler]

I have installed a backup camera and now I want to power the monitor off of the back up light fuse (fuse 38) so that the monitor will come on only when in reverse. I have tapped off the wires going to the the lights in the tail lamp to power the camera itself so it only turns on when in reverse. I don't know how to get to the wires from the fuse to power the monitor? Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[GReed]

You can get a fuse tap at NAPA or other auto parts stores that hook on one leg of the fuse and attach your wire to the other end of the tap. A better way is to get a Add a Fuse, I think that's what they are called, they replace the fuse and have slots for two fuses. One slot for the original circuit and one fuse slot for the new circuit with a wire pigtail for attachment of the accessory.

 

[mwilson]

Fuse taps do not do it for me, they loosen up plus they are hard on the terminals in the fuse panel itself. I have never been happy trying to use one.



The Cooper/Bussman Add A Fuse shown below is a far better concept IMHO.



Part Number is BP/HHH.



Mike.

 

[Traveler]

Thanks

Thanks for the great answers. The add a fuse looks like it will for me. Thanks again





Ron

 

[rbattelle]

I have tapped off the wires going to the the lights in the tail lamp to power the camera itself so it only turns on when in reverse.

Does this work? I would've figured it would screw up the taillights. Or do you mean you're just triggering a relay off the taillight wires?



-Ryan

 

[Traveler]

No, I just tapped into the wire directly. The camera draws current in the mill-amps range so it doesn't bother the back-up lights at all.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Traveler; Be careful as you might trip the TIPM (total Integrated Power Module) shut down feature and that would not be a good thing. It lets you do this about 3 times and then BAM! It will stop your truck in the middle of nowhere. I am no expert but I know the TIPM is outrageously expensive in the $800 range for a refurb. From what I have been advised, the TIPM does NOT like any type of "tap in" into existing wiring. It is always better to come right off the battery when powering accessories. Your signature statement says it all... . "fix it till its broke!". . good one. I defer to the 'experts' living in TDR to elaborate further. Gentlemen?

 

[MLee]

Isn't the wiring bass ackwards on the 3rd gen? My back up says the same thing as the one you are doing, Considering wiring it hot and just use a switch when I want it, from the fuse block or battery. Fuse block it would be keyed.