14 Tacoma Install of XTL5000 and XTVA Convertacom

[Tobydog]

Just asking for info, looking at having these 2 units installed in my Tacoma and done in a covert manner. One issue has come up in discussion as to the airbag modules located in many different locations and how to avoid them. Want to put both on off when ignition off, any suggestions as to which fuses to use for this?
Should not be a complicated issue but do not want to short out airbag modules and have a good fused hookup

 

[Mr_Boh]

Are you doing something like an “add a fuse”? Just pull out your owners manual and find a circuit that’s only live with ignition. Just make sure you test which side is live and which side is load (good time to add a multimeter to your tool box).

Airbag is typically highlighted or pointed out, often with yellow markings of some type.

Good video on it here:

 

[dwgelle]

Also be aware that these "Add a Circuit" Fusetaps can only handle 10 amp. load. I use them for like my dash cam.

 

[03msc]

I'd never suggest tapping a fuse box for a radio. Wire radios properly (battery) and then use a relay or something for the ignition switch on/off feature.

 

[mmckenna]

I agree, power everything directly off the battery. Don't mess with existing wiring for your primary power.

For ignition switched circuits, tapping in a low current draw isn't a big deal if it is done right, and you design accordingly. I do not trust fuse taps in any sort of application where critical equipment is involved. Unless you really look at the supporting wiring, adding more current consumption can create issues. Best to contact the manufacturer and see what they suggest.

Not sure about Toyota's, but on some GM and Ford trucks they either have circuits set aside for this stuff, especially on the 3/4 and 1 tons. On lighter duty trucks, you can sometimes find unused circuits. On a 2007 Chevy Colorado I have at work, I used the sun roof circuit. Since the truck did not have a sun roof, the power wire for that was taped off in the A pillar on the drivers side. I extended that wire to run the ignition sense lead on the two radios. All I had to do was add a 3 amp fuse in the underhood fuse box.
Not sure if the Toyota's have anything similar, but sometimes you need to start looking at wire diagrams and see what you can find.

 

[Tobydog]

Thanks folks, going to use Bluesea system fuse block and come,from battery with fused protection. Looked at using XTL for trunked system but due to great coverage of system will scale down to XTS. Plus did not want to cut holes in consoles Fusing issue will use power outlet at 5 amps for switched connection. Everything has to be out of sight to keep prying eyes from helping themselves.

 

[Drachen_Fire]

Cut holes? IIRC, Tacos are like everything else now, with a giant center console and no room for anything else. If you're going with an XTL, just get the O3 head for it.