In today's world, our trucks are equipped with numerous accessories such as spotlights, reverse lights, work lights, fridges, alarm systems, car stereos, and more. With all these additions, managing the extra wiring, relays, and fuses can become overwhelming,especially when trying to troubleshoot which component belongs to which circuit. Learn why good fuses are so important.
It is important to have organization on the road, and a useful tip is to label each added circuit within your vehicle's electrical system. You can do this simply with a marker from any department store. Labeling relays, fuses, and circuit breakers makes it easier to identify and fix issues quickly, saving you time and money.
However, discovering the location of a connection issue is only part of the solution. You might encounter a blown fuse, a failed circuit breaker, or a faulty relay due to vibration or moisture. To prepare for such eventualities, it's wise to carry a selection of electrical spares, including a few fuses, circuit breakers, and relays. There's no need to carry an excessive amount, just ensure you have compatible types and brands to the ones your vehicle uses to minimize the variety of spares needed. Get more top tips for overlanding trip planning.
Additionally, it's important to consider the health of your vehicle's batteries, especially with frequent discharging and recharging. Continually draining your batteries can significantly reduce their lifespan. For instance, regularly discharging an auxiliary battery to about 50% allows for approximately 500 recharge cycles. Draining it further reduces this number dramatically. Also, failing to fully recharge your batteries to 100% can adversely affect their performance and longevity.
In summary, to maintain your vehicle's fuses and electrical system effectively:
- Label all added circuits for easy identification.
- Carry a basic set of electrical spares.
- Ensure the use of compatible parts to simplify the need for spares.
- Monitor and maintain your batteries' charge levels to maximize their lifespan.
Article written by Mark Bruce, REDARC Electronics Technical Training and Development Manager – North America. Mark Bruce is a qualified Auto Electrician with over 35 years' experience in the trade and wholesale automotive electrical industry.
For more technical advice and understanding your battery needs, speak with Mark directly by contacting us.
