So I got the RRC back and now it is time to start adding the accessories.  I want to do it right this time and am asking for some reccomendations and ideas to do it cleanly. 

I am thinking 3 points of power distribution straight off the battery; engine bay, dash, and rear load area.   Any ideas on Power distribution units?  Ideas on where to buy them and good web sites?  I would also like to find a book on vehicle or marine electronics if anyone has a recommendation.  My goal is to have it clean and easy to troubleshoot.  I'd love to be able to selectively shut things down at the distribution panel.  Also interested in inexpensive but good connectors like the JL Audio.

In the past, I have used Anderson Power Poles.  Equipment conected will include; auxillery lighting, 2 amateur/comercial radios, computer, future fridge, LED cabin lighting, electric water pump, air compressor, GPS, emergency lights.

Thanks in advance!

Todd

I used EFX Connectors on my dual battery setup. They worked well. They come in a variety of options 3 hole, 4 hole, etc.

I'm just glad someone is doing a build-up again so we can all talk some fun tech again.  OBDII diagnosis is real, but buildup stuff is way more fun.  Speaking of which, post some pictures ofthe new rig in the project thread or in your blog. 

I added a Marinco SeaLink marine grade 12v receptacle to my cargo area.  So far, it's been used to run the fridge, my 12v fluorescent shop light, a buddy's spot light, and for charging up radios and cell phone. Plugs fit tight and the connection is universal so I don't have to mess around with adapters.  It's black and blends in nicely.  Around $12 bucks at a good marine supply store.

Davis,

Craig's engine bay is cleaner than the inside of your truck. Craig is one sick dude!

I like those little 12v plugs. Might have to get one for the cargo area. I have been running the fridge off the 12v supply on the back of the console, and it gotten unplugged at inoportune times, like in the desert in August.

Kevan, just to be clear, the receptacle I used is totally compatible with standard 12V plugs so presumably all "cigarette lighter" style plugs should work. Thus far, all have worked just fine. If I ever find one that isn't, though, I'd happily swap it out for a Sealink plug - they are very good quality. Incidentally, the plug in the picture is oe for the ARB fridge so it's nice to see they are using solid parts. Oh, and truth be told, I'm not sure my kitchen is as clean as Craig's engine bay - that's a bit of a worry.

Todd,

The Anderson products are great for semi-permanent installations such as the radios but I think it is also nice to have the 12 volt outlets like Davis used for more convenient switching of devices. West Marine is a good source for most 12 volt electrical parts including fuse blocks and terminal buss parts and such.

For long use items like a refrigerator, I suggest an auxiliary battery with proper isolation so as not to end up with cold beer/dead battery syndrome.

Britt

As Scott or Jeff.  That picture was taken a while ago; even before I put the 4.6l in.  It was also taken 2 days after I put in the new batteries, wiring, and battery tray.  I wiped my engine bay down about a week ago for the first time ever and it still doesn't look that clean.

Craig

As long as we are looking at engine bays....  Here is the new diesel installed.

Ahem....   GO DUCKS!

Put too much oil in a diesel and you can have a very scary experience. one of the guys that got a 2.8TGV didn't know it had 6 quarts of break in oil (it's very light on the dipstick) and put 6 more quarts in. Fired it up and it ran and turned the key off....but the engine didn't stop. See, diesels can actually 'burn' oil and having too much in blew past the seals around the pistons (forgive my ignorance about actual part names) and was letting all that oil into the piston. Well, the engine was happy as pie and kept sucking more in, revving higher and higher until OPSSS!! no more oil to keep parts lubed.....seized a brand new $9000 engine.

don't do that

as for power stuff, I got some stuff from an audio place. I liked the hex bolts used to clamp down various sized wires and how they are seperated (you could get units with two 0 gauge sockets, or one 0 and 4 4 gauge or some 8 gauge, etc...).
The big problem is they SUCK for clamping on jump start cables. Consider that when buying new terminals.
Otherwise, I'm happy with the distribution blocks I bought. I think they are at home or with the 110 or in Seattle. I'm sure their around some place. Stinger!! that's the name of the stuff. let me see if I can find some pictures.

Here's a picture of one of the blocks.  they also have blade style blocks if you like those.

http://www.ryda.com.au/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SFPD2

and if you want to go Andy-pimp, get this!!

I've often considered wiring up one of those Warn Jumpstart cables that go to a socket in the grill. You pull out the cables, plug them in to the socket in the grill, hook them up to the other car, and are good to go.

http://www.offroadrecovery.com/category/jumpercables/

Edit:  Just looked at the price.  I think I can make something like that for about 1/10th the price.

C

I wonder if we could get cheaper if we did it in bulk.  I'll look into it and start another thread if I find something.  I don't want to hijack Todd's thread.