ThunderBox

I love it when we find a product that solves an issue for us. In this case, this little device is a god send. So what is a ThunderBox? As stated best from their site:

The ThunderBox simplifies and safeguards the process of connecting aftermarket electronic accessories (such as extra running lights, heated grips, GPS, phone charger, extra gauges and any other powered devices) to your vehicle.

When the product arrived, it is amazing how simple it is. This has got to be the simplest product to install. Just look at what comes in the package.

Currently, we do not have a lot of accessories added to our bike (luckily most were standard). We have hard wired our GPS mounts and in my case, I have a lead for my heated jacket. That's it. We have thought about adding some front lights to make ourselves more visible but have not decided. But with this product, installation will be a breeze. With so few accessories, why is this product so important.

First, it automatically is keyed to the ignition. Yes, you do nothing except attach this device to your battery and it automatically will shut off with the bike. For all our accessories, ALL our wires were connected directly to the battery. You forget to remove the device, you could drain you battery. Not a big deal but now we have one less thing to worry about.

Second, it detects and protects your bike against short circuits and overloads. Again, all automatic. Another worry we had is that none of our leads had fuses. Now it is not that much of a concern since the ThunderBox protects us.

Third, no more messing with the battery post screw. If you ever have had to add a new wire to the battery, you will notice that it gets harder and harder to attach the screw back to the battery. In never fails, you need to lift the nut with a small screwdriver and with the battery location, just a royal pain. With the ThunderBox, you attach two wires and you will NEVER need to attach another wire again.

Fourth, easy to use quick connect terminal blocks. With our version (16 amp but you can get a 32 amp), we have two quick connect blocks (positive and negative). Each has 5 slots available. You just flick the lever up, insert the wire, and close it back down. That easy.

It took me about 5-10 minutes to install this device. I spent more time figuring out where to mount it than I did installing it and attaching my devices.

Here I connected the two wires from the ThunderBox to the battery.

Next I connected my two auxiliary devices to the quick connect terminals. FYI, I have to cut off the ends of the wires and strip off about 1/4" Also, i was able to significantly shorten my wires making it cleaner around the battery.

Lastly, I zipped tied and tucked the wires away.

When you start the bike (not just turn the key on), the ThunderBox will sense the bike is on and start up (there is a slight delay on starting). You can see the green LED light letting me know that everything is good.

I then saw my GPS start charging and was able to turn on my heated jacket. Everything was working as expected. I then turned the bike off and the jacket turned off and the GPS prompted me to turn off or sleep (again, there is a slight delay when shutting down). All is good.

If you have any accessories or are planning on adding any, you really need this box. It is simple and not that expensive. I would pay the price JUST so I do not have splice into an ignition wire so my devices turn on/off with the bike.