The 9 Best Switch Panels For Boats And Trucks
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. When it comes to customizing your truck or boat with powered add-ons, the best way to avoid making a mess of all that DC circuitry and come out with a clean finished product is by incorporating a switch panel to accommodate all your controls. Our rankings in this category include options in a range of sizes with varying electrical capacities and functionalities. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Teochew-LED Universal
2. Mictuning Slim Touch
3. CT-Carid 12-Volt 5 Gang
Editor's Notes
September 11, 2019:
Customizing your truck or boat with electronic add-ons – such as supplementary lighting, sirens, stereos, seat heaters and backup cameras – can be a ton of fun, but if you don’t carefully plan the installation process for all these toys, you can easily wind up with a bird’s nest of DC circuitry on your hands. The best way to avoid this outcome, is to plan on wiring all your aftermarket electronics back to a stylish switch panel of your choosing.
As is the case any time electricity is involved (even extra-low DC voltages of 12 or 24 volts), the potential for electrocution and electrical fires is present when installing these panels. If you’re anything less than supremely confident in your own talents as an installer, when it comes to vehicle circuitry, consider enlisting the assistance of a licensed electrician or mechanic (depending on your location, you may not legally have a choice).
A few things to consider while shopping this category:
How many loads are you looking to switch? Options like the Seaflo 3-Way control a single load, while others like the CT-Carid 8 Gang can accommodate as many as eight devices. Make sure that the panel you pick has enough room for your needs, and don’t be afraid to pick one with a couple extra spaces – in case you come up with any bright ideas in the future.
What kind of control do you need? While the options we ranked tend to be focused on toggle control, offerings that employ rocker switches can easily have their hardware switched out, allowing you to sub in a momentary rocker for your winch or three-position selector for your seat heaters.
How wet’s it going to get? If you’re looking to install this panel on a marine vehicle of any type, make sure that it comes equipped with an appropriate IP waterproof rating, ready to take on whatever moisture might come its way.
4. CT-Carid 8 Gang
5. Online LED Store 80-Amp Box
6. FXC Car/Marine
7. Waterwich KGMB504
8. Seaflo 3-Way
9. Bluefire 6 Gang
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.