Add a 12v outlet

[Red Rocket]

Good morning,

I've got a drone for work, and the only outlet in my 19 3500 is on top of the dash......the cord hanging there is driving me nuts.

I've found a 12v outlet panel that fits really nicely above the seat heater/usb stuff in the back seat portion of the center console. What's the best way to get power there for a 12v outlet? I have the upfitter buttons, but I'd have to pull a wire out under the hood to tap into those.

If anybody has an idea, I'll put together some photos of the process and parts list to benefit others....this could be really easy especially if we could just tap into some power nearby.

Thanks.

 

[wyosteve]

I don't have an answer but will be interested in what you end up with. I agree, the one 12v on my '19 just doesn't cut it.

 

[Hoefler]

The make an adaptor to make a usb port into a 12volt power socket.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/LYUMO-US...99722?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=15913

Amazon product ASIN B07N1LZ693

 

[Red Rocket]

Duplicate

 

[Red Rocket]

Thx for that but that will only do 8 watts.... very limited.

Here is the kit i bought, it happens to fit the little cubby above the usb ports.

Amazon product ASIN B07QR3C8N2

 

[Wiredawg]

Red Rocket,

IMHO, running a circuit from the aux relays in the engine bay is the best. The only power source I could find was the existing 12VDC plug in my console, but it's not programmable like the aux switches. One of my aux switches brings 12VDC into the cab that powers my CB and air compressor gauge lighting. Remember to install an in line fuse to your setup, unless you want 40 amps to your plugs.

Anyhoo, let us know if you use aux power switches or power something else.

Cheers. Ron

 

[Jim W]

Another option is to add a auxiliary fuse block - 3 circuit or 7-circuit, inside the engine bay that uses power from the battery and run a 12V circuit from the fuse block. This is what I have done for my needs on my third gen truck. My 3-circuit fuse block from Geno's garage has 2- key on and the other side is live all of the time. My three circuit has individual fuses and is protected by a 50 AMP circuit breaker. I installed this in 2011 and have been satisfied with the additional power block on my truck. This fuse block provides power for my air bags compressor and an auxiliary 12V outlet under the dash for my radar detector.

I passed the wiring thru the firewall were the clutch pedal rubber plug is in the firewall, since I have an automatic transmission.

Here is a link to Geno's site for the circuit fuse block. https://www.genosgarage.com/product/ppp-70203/Electrical-accessories

 

[Red Rocket]

Well.....i decided to use my upfitters power to power this.

I got 10 feet of white and black primary wire, and taped up everything except 2ft on the front end, and 12" on the outlet end.

I found a removable panel and fished the wire from the back of the console to under the dash..... very easily. No idea why this removable panel is even there, doesn't even seem to have a reason.

Soldered the connections under the hood, and checked that it was fused at 20 amperes on aux6..... done.

Photos attached..... turned out easier than expected. Would also be faulty easy to tap another outlet into the inside of the console.

 

[Wiredawg]

Well.....i decided to use my upfitters power to power this.

I got 10 feet of white and black primary wire, and taped up everything except 2ft on the front end, and 12" on the outlet end.

I found a removable panel and fished the wire from the back of the console to under the dash..... very easily. No idea why this removable panel is even there, doesn't even seem to have a reason.

Soldered the connections under the hood, and checked that it was fused at 20 amperes on aux6..... done.

Photos attached..... turned out easier than expected. Would also be faulty easy to tap another outlet into the inside of the console. View attachment 120998 View attachment 120999 View attachment 121000

And what's really nice is you program if the aux switch always has power, auto on power when ignition on, or manual switch on when ignition on. I LIKE the aux switches and am using ALL mine.

Glad it worked out.

Cheers, Ron