I've seen some fuse switches on the internet for some hefty prices so you don't have to pull the ignition/accessory fuse every time you hook up the toad, but decided I'd make one from stuff in the garage for free. Here's how I did it.Get one of these Fuse Taps from Autozone or other auto store. (I had one in the garage)In the front fuse slot, plug the fuse into one side of the tap with the other tab hanging off the side. Take a wire with a spade plug on the end and plug it into the lug of the fuse hanging off the side of the tap. (This fits nice and tight and makes a good connection}I then cut an old fuse in half to get one lug from it and inserted it into another spade plug with a wire on it and plugged it into the other slot in the tap. Then just run the two wires to any kind of on/off switch. Plug the tap in, route the switch and you're done. Mine looks kind of crude right now and I may use a more modern looking switch before install, but this is quick and easy and will save me from having to pull the plastic side off the console of my Malibu every time I pull it behind the MH.

I did basically the same thing, but I just took the existing fuse, cut it in half and soldered a wire on each leg with shrink tubing over soldered leg so it can't short out against the other leg. Connected one leg to a lighted rocker switch (with an in-line fuse of same amperage) and the other leg to the other side of the switch. Plug in both legs of the split fuse into the fuse box and you're off and running.Very simple and just the cost of the switch. Mounted it on the side of the console next to my leg. When lighted, the fuse is in the circuit. When I flip the rocker switch the light goes out and now the circuit is broken.Sure beats pulling that fuse from the panel that you have to get down on your knees and twist your body in a very awkward position.Your method sounds great...but a light indicating either on or off sure makes it more simple to use and without any guess work as to which way the switch as to be.RonOn edit, I corrected a couple of spelling errors...

That's another great way to do it. Didn't think about a fused switch. I'll probably use a lighted switch as well upon install.

Good idea. Related question. I need to do same thing and don't know why. I forgot to do several times and don't think anything happened?

Your idea is very ingenious, but I'm guessing that you haven't seen the numerous threads on this website about the simple answer to this problem. Run a charge line through your harness from your motorhome to your toad. After towing several different cars over the years I was recently made aware of this solution and now I swear by it. The motorhome alternator charges your car battery while you tow, the same way it charges the batteries in your motorhome while you drive. This eliminates the need to pull any fuses, or install any type of fuse cutoff switch. Simple and inexpensive, what could be better?Just sayin'Happy travels.....Bill

Bill... Pulling the fuse isn't only about keeping the battery charged. The fuse stops other things from happening too! On mine, the warning bell indicating the the keys are in the ignition will continue to chime along with turning off all the dash board/radio/gps lights if the fuse is not pulled. I think the odometer is also turned off with the fuse... there's probably other things that I'm just not aware of.So, just running a charge line (of which I "DO" have) won't eliminate all these other little items the fuse controls.Happy trails to you too!Ron

Tired of pulling that fuse? | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

RCtime
Explorer
Apr 07, 2013
Do you have to put in the radio codes each time you use the switch, to make the radio operational again?
RedG
Explorer
Apr 07, 2013
tropical36 wrote:
I guess you all have some other things going on, like maybe a braking system that requires battery power, otherwise you'd just use a battery disconnect and be done with it, correct? Even at that, you lose your radio presets and also any cell phone settings that you might have. Just glad we don't have any of it to contend with. We just put the tranny in park, the transfer case in neutral and we're good to go.

Even if I didn't have an electric brake unit, it's probably a bigger PIA to raise the hood and disconnect the battery than it is to remove the fuse. Now I just have a rocker switch to hit while I'm attaching the Patriot brake unit and all is good.
tropical36
Explorer
Apr 07, 2013
I guess you all have some other things going on, like maybe a braking system that requires battery power, otherwise you'd just use a battery disconnect and be done with it, correct? Even at that, you lose your radio presets and also any cell phone settings that you might have. Just glad we don't have any of it to contend with. We just put the tranny in park, the transfer case in neutral and we're good to go.
lanerd
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2013
Bill... Pulling the fuse isn't only about keeping the battery charged. The fuse stops other things from happening too! On mine, the warning bell indicating the the keys are in the ignition will continue to chime along with turning off all the dash board/radio/gps lights if the fuse is not pulled. I think the odometer is also turned off with the fuse... there's probably other things that I'm just not aware of.

So, just running a charge line (of which I "DO" have) won't eliminate all these other little items the fuse controls.

Happy trails to you too!

Ron
GrampaR123
Explorer
Apr 06, 2013
Your idea is very ingenious, but I'm guessing that you haven't seen the numerous threads on this website about the simple answer to this problem. Run a charge line through your harness from your motorhome to your toad. After towing several different cars over the years I was recently made aware of this solution and now I swear by it. The motorhome alternator charges your car battery while you tow, the same way it charges the batteries in your motorhome while you drive. This eliminates the need to pull any fuses, or install any type of fuse cutoff switch. Simple and inexpensive, what could be better?
Just sayin'
Happy travels.....
Bill
bob
Explorer
Apr 06, 2013
Good idea. Related question. I need to do same thing and don't know why. I forgot to do several times and don't think anything happened?
RedG
Explorer
Apr 06, 2013
That's another great way to do it. Didn't think about a fused switch.
I'll probably use a lighted switch as well upon install.
lanerd
Explorer II
Apr 06, 2013
I did basically the same thing, but I just took the existing fuse, cut it in half and soldered a wire on each leg with shrink tubing over soldered leg so it can't short out against the other leg. Connected one leg to a lighted rocker switch (with an in-line fuse of same amperage) and the other leg to the other side of the switch. Plug in both legs of the split fuse into the fuse box and you're off and running.

Very simple and just the cost of the switch. Mounted it on the side of the console next to my leg. When lighted, the fuse is in the circuit. When I flip the rocker switch the light goes out and now the circuit is broken.

Sure beats pulling that fuse from the panel that you have to get down on your knees and twist your body in a very awkward position.

Your method sounds great...but a light indicating either on or off sure makes it more simple to use and without any guess work as to which way the switch as to be.

Ron

On edit, I corrected a couple of spelling errors...

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Tired of pulling that fuse?

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