Using an in-line fuse off battery

[D.A.D.]

I am running a very simple, 12V wiring system that runs strictly off my "sealed" Optima battery. I use the e-current to run lights and fan only. I have installed a small, 4-circuit fuse box and the battery is charged while being towed. Never have used or needed campground (shore) power. I have cut and installed the 10ga. wires from the front hitch to the battery. Remember that story, "measure twice, cut once"? Well I goofed, didn't follow the rule and now, my negative ground wire is about 6" too short to reach the battery terminal. What I need to know is, can I install an in-line fuse and expect it to to do the job on the negative end? Thank you for your time and response(s).
(Not that I can expect an over-charge off the car battery or anything - but just want the job to look neat and purposeful)

[jss06]

Unfortunately, a fuse on the negative wire will not protect against a short circuit to ground somewhere else. You really need a fuse on the positive side as well. The fuse on the negative side will help protect against another circuit going to ground through that line.

The 40 amp feed I put in for my ham equipment in my Jeep has fuses on both the positive and negative side.

[Dale M.]

Just splice out wire and move on..... I will not tell anybody if you don't...

Dale

[Richard A.]

Unfortunately, a fuse on the negative wire will not protect against a short circuit to ground somewhere else. You really need a fuse on the positive side as well.

Pretty sure he wanted the fuse to *extend* the length of the wire, not to "protect" the circuit.