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gregaiken's avatar
gregaiken
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014

Winnebego Itasca Passage 1995 fuse block question

A friend has lent us his RV to use in a week.
He showed us by lifting the gauge section of the dash where the 12 VDC fuse block section is located.

I would like, if possible, to add an extra 'circuit' that will somehow connect to the battery up near the drivers seat. the purpose is to provide low current power to a 12 VDC to 5 VDC converter to power a GoPro camera continuously (in lieu of using the GoPro's internal battery).

My question is... Is it possible to somehow draw current from this fuse block? If so, exactly what 'part' would be required to simply 'plug in' to the existing panel, and exactly where within the panel would the part need to plug into? any detailed 'how to' (with illustrations) would be greatly appreciated.

If this cant be done, perhaps there is a way I can rig up something to direct connect to the batteries at the front of the vehicle.

Yes, I do realize we could use the cigarette lighter / power connectors in front, but I'd rather leave this free for other use.
Class A
  • BobR's avatar
    BobR
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Tying in to the TV amplifier might be a good way to go. It might even have a cigarette lighter type plug-in as part of the amplifier.
  • Krusty's avatar
    Krusty
    Nomad II
    Aug 18, 2014
    How about an adapter that allows you to plug more than one device into the cig lighter
  • gregaiken's avatar
    gregaiken
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    research on internet provided the answer...

    a produce known as 'add-a-circuit' made by LittleFuse and Bussmann works in the following manner. you unplug an existing fuse from the GM fuseblock. you then insert the 'add-a-circuit'. on the topside of the 'add-a-circuit' is two female fuse connectors. you plug the fuse you removed into the 'lower' female fuse connector (this acts as the original fuse for the original circuit hardwired into the fuseblock). you then plug in the fuse you would need for the additional item you are adding into the 'top' female fuse connector (this is the fuse for the additional circuit that you are adding). there is a wire that extends from this assembly - you crimp your devices hot lead to the wire. this provides the +12 vdc to your new device. you must therefore ground your new device at the chassis, or any electrical ground attachment point that you can find.

    my problem now is that i dont know if the fuse size is the older (larger) ATO or the newer (smaller) ATM. will need to wait till i get home tonight to figure this out.

    hope this helps.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Aug 18, 2014
    Your "Borrowing" a friend's RV, and you have to ask about electrical because you don't have the knowledge

    Be a good friend, leave the fuse block and the dash electrical alone
    use the cig plug, for one item, make up your mine which item is the most important, go pro or other , leave the electrical alone
  • gregaiken's avatar
    gregaiken
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    actually, he is my actual friend, not a casual acquaintance.
    i do have his approval for this trivial modification.
    if he were 'here' instead of being in germany at the moment - we would be doing this mod together.
    thanks.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Aug 18, 2014
    yes you have his permission
    that does not mean you can do it without screwing things up
    nobody can tell you how to connect to the dash fuse block
    the wire harness and fuse have to be the right size
    there may or maynot be any extra empty connections
    we are not there with a meter , using #1 eyeball to view things and test them out

    best to go right to the batteries or leave well enough alone

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