Where to mount switch

Dirk, that panel you picked is a bit large, although it is high quality stuff like all BSS products. My suggestion is to mount the switches atop the dash like this:



Which costs about $25: http://www.quadratec.com/products/12500_201.htm

Then mount the fuses nearby using something like a Bussmann fuse block:



Which is less than $15 and comes in 6/8/10/16-circuit sizes, and can be found in most auto parts stores or online. Run one fat supply wire from your battery to the large stud, then a single small 12v fused supply wire for each circuit from the fuse block to each switch, then run the switched/fused 12v to the accessory, and ground the accessory nearby. You energize each circuit by plugging in a standard ATC fuse or circuit breaker. If you have any very large current accessories, use the switch to pull a relay and use a large sized inline fuse for the accessory.

I bought a very similar setup from boaters world a few years ago. It started as a 6 position panel just like that one. The main difference is it has circuit breakers instead of fuses.

I cut it down and mounted 4 of the switches in the change area of the upper console. Then I also mounted 3 other switches in the console.

It looks like this:


Underside


Installed


On the installed pic, you will notice i changed out the switches for smaller switches to control the lockers. I also added LEDs to know when the locker switches were on. I would say that after adding the LEDs, they are not worth the extra effort. The dash indicators work just fine to tell you when the switches are on. The wiring, FWIW.



Things I have noticed about the switches in this location. The upper 4th switch is a bit hard to get to, but you can get to it. I do not use these switches to get to anything I need quickly. I need to take my eyes off the road/trail to get to the upper switches. I can feel down there, but it is a stretch, I am taller as well.

I use the switches for my second battery relay, rock lights, work lights and the 4th switch is open. I also use the locker switches as well. I need to rewire the winch switch to work with the Warn winch. My old winch had the simple wiring that warn does not, have not had time to get it all set up and figure out the wires. I also have a wireless controller for it now, so it may never get done. The Key was used to lock out the winch, it controlled the ground to the winch so the key needed to be on for the winch to work.

I like the idea of switches overhead as well. I think in the Rockhard overhead center section would be a great place to put them. I have been thinking about how to use the wasted space on the panel over my head. Not sure if you have one of those MTDirk.

I also remote mounted relays to control higher amp items as well. I just built a panel and installed it behind the battery, when the battery was in a different place.



So, kinda a hijack, but hope this helps.


I like the idea of switches overhead as well. I think in the Rockhard overhead center section would be a great place to put them. I have been thinking about how to use the wasted space on the panel over my head. Not sure if you have one of those MTDirk.

When I need more switches, that is where mine might go.

For the console, I only cut the holes for the winch stuff and locker switches and LEDs. I did not see an impact to the strength of the console. If you only put them in the coin holder area, you are not changing any aspect of the initial design.

My switch panel was set up for 6 switches as well. As for cutting it, no issues there. I just found the center point between switch 4 and 5 and made the cut. I could of cut more off the bottom to make it centered on the console, but then it would not fit as well. You can see that in the pics. It could of been more centered in the hole, but IIRC it would not of fit as well. I should of painted it all black after I cut it, next time I tear it out.

When you do this, make sure to run all wires to a central distribution area. Even for the switches you do not have a use for yet. That way when you want to hook one up, you just get to the wire in an easy area. This is shown in the pic of the engine compartment above, the white starboard and relay center.

For reference, the switches in my Dodge. The wiring block is connected to all the switches, so I do not need to tear it all apart again. I only have 2 of these 3 switches wired, not sure what to do with the 3rd switch yet. Hmmm, I do need another project....