Fuse Bypass For Flat Towing

[jep5555]

Our Forester tows a 2001 Saturn SL2 manual shift with Falcon All Terrain towbar setup and installed braking system. This car weighs only around 2400 pounds so it tows nicely! Hook up is easy and takes less than 5 minutes usually.

Owners manual says to remove/replace the 30amp maxifuse ignition fuse from the fuse box under the hood each time and I'm looking to simplify that process with a fuse bypass switch. Found instructions for making your own where the smaller under-dash fuses are involved. But I'm leery of trying to rig something for this one. I can't find one specifically for this older vehicle at either RoadMaster or BlueOx. But this one looked like it would work fine on my car: https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wir.../RM-76515.html
However the good folks at eTrailer tell me it will not work on my Saturn. I've also asked them about this TowDaddy product and am waiting on a response. https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/TowDaddy/TD704.html 

In the meantime, do any of you have any experience with either of these or have a better solution? Thanks much!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Maxi-size fuse blades are probably the same size as typical male quick connects (aka spade terminals).  See if a male quick connect will slide into the slot where the Maxi goes. If so, crimp male wire ends to a couple pieces of 10 gauges wire and add a 30A inline fuse and a switch to the wires. That gives you a semi-permanent fuse+switch that you can leave plugged into that 30A fuse slot.
https://www.amazon.com/Disconnect-Terminal-Fully-Insulated-Connector-Automotive/dp/B071R7K7NG/

Blue Ox makes several fuse switch  harnesses and at least one of them is for high-amp circuits (30-50A), but I can't tell what the blade size is and it doesn't specifically say Maxi-fuses.http://www.blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BX88274-1.pdf
http://www.blueox.com/recreational-commercial-flat-towing/towing-accessories/fuse-bypass-switches/

 

[John From Detroit]

75 Dollars (the tow daddy option. the E-trailer 404'ed on me).

I would use a switch rated at least 2.x the switch and the proper fuse holder (in line) wire rated at least 50% bigger than the fuse (i believe in overkill) and as suggested a couple space lugs. Or even Ring Terminals.  Or take an old blown fuse and break it open and solder to the metal parts.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

10 gauge automotive primary wire is usually rated for 50A @ 12v, so ought to be plenty for a 30A circuit.