12V Outlet Size Question

[Markuson]

This isn't rocket science, but I'm not finding what I'm after, so thought I'd ask...

Does anyone know where I can find a step-up, or maybe just a hella socket that is the standard Blue-Sea size socket? I'd like to simply swap this Hella socket in where my fridge-wired 12V socket currently is, but I can't seem to find one that's got the same dimensions.

Here's a side-by-side, though this is not the actual panel I'm using:

Hella socket (see the one I'm holding in photo) I have is much smaller, and I haven't found any Hella style sockets that match the standard holes. I'd like to avoid cutting another hole, so hoping I can just find a step up, or a new Hella socket...

 

[RET2]

Mark I know this sounds ludicrous but call any BMW motorcycle dealer. The ports on their bikes are Hella? Or you could try a well stocked hardware store to see if they have a nylon or plastic washer that would cover the larger hole?

 

[ForrestGrump]

I didn't get much time to look into it but you may want to look at a marine supply store. Looks like this type of question is common in the boating community

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

Mark, I use a step down that maxes out at 1 3/8”. It’s always provided me a very clean, accurate 12v hole.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, and ACE, will have them.

 

[Markuson]

Mark, I use a step down that maxes out at 1 3/8”. It’s always provided me a very clean, accurate 12v hole.

View attachment 1655924

OK. I’m trying to avoid cutting a new hole. Was hoping to use the existing spot. If I do end up carving a new one, I will use that...

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

OK. I’m trying to avoid cutting a new hole. Was hoping to use the existing spot. If I do end up carving a new one, I will use that...

Oh sorry brother, read your post totally wrong. I should get out of bed before replying to posts... ughhh, I’m still tired.

 

[Sandroad]

I ran a search in the usual marine and RV parts sites I frequent (actually all too frequently!) and didn’t find anything that would work without some customization. Large washers painted black may be your best bet, short of getting out the drill.

 

[619TOY]

This is what we have, 1 1/8”. Hard to tell from pic, but the flange is separate. Or maybe this one?

 

[Markuson]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Looks like no one really makes a standard (larger) size with the hella outlet.

I think I'll either use the rectangular unit and add screws...or go ahead and drill another hole, and turn the existing 12V into into a voltage meter for when I'm sleeping in back...so I can make sure of no battery surprises.

Thanks again.

 

[indycole]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Looks like no one really makes a standard (larger) size with the hella outlet.

I think I'll either use the rectangular unit and add screws...or go ahead and drill another hole, and turn the existing 12V into into a voltage meter for when I'm sleeping in back...so I can make sure of no battery surprises.

Thanks again.

You could swap the Hella for Anderson connectors as an option...

 

[hankinid]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Looks like no one really makes a standard (larger) size with the hella outlet.

I think I'll either use the rectangular unit and add screws...or go ahead and drill another hole, and turn the existing 12V into into a voltage meter for when I'm sleeping in back...so I can make sure of no battery surprises.

Thanks again.

Spend a few minutes on rallylights.com .

hth

Steve

 

[Markuson]

Spend a few minutes on rallylights.com .

hth

Steve

Thanks.
Tons of Hella brand items there for sure, but not seeing what I'm looking for.

I'll keep at it a bit.

 

[TonyP]

I'd just rewire it to a normal/common connector.

 

[Markuson]

I'd just rewire it to a normal/common connector.

You mean a standard 12V socket?

Equipt1 & National Luna's rationale against that is the connection points aren't as large, so it contributes to voltage drop... I dunno.
I don't know. Without a Redarc yet (anxious to check our yours next week), I'm trying to put as little strain on my batteries as I can with this fridge.

What I'll probably do--
Looking again at my current setup and the removable power/USB panel that replaced those funky back window cup holders, I think I'll just pull that...drill another hole and swap the heavy wires over...then either leave both outlets, or swap in the voltage meter. I already pre-routed heavy-gauge wire to that one outlet in anticipation of a fridge a couple years ago...so the PITA part is already done.

 

[Markuson]

Mark, I use a step down that maxes out at 1 3/8”. It’s always provided me a very clean, accurate 12v hole.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, and ACE, will have them.
View attachment 1655924

PS. Looks like I'm gonna go ahead and drill after all...and frankly, my broken brain hadn't thought of whipping out the step bit.
So thanks for accidentally throwing that in there!

 

[Roy Park]

FWIW, I took apart my hella plug on my National Luna and rewired to an Anderson plug. I find it easier to deal with.

 

[9780LC]

Maybe they have something for you here - Panel Mounts | Powerwerx

Scroll down through them all and see.

 

[Markuson]

A big shout-out and THANK YOU to Ralph ( @RET2 ) who helped me slog through a wiring solution for the fridge/freezer!!

Turned into a much bigger pain than expected since the pre-wiring for the fridge was not as expected.
Ended up running new fridge-specific wires from the 2nd battery just past it's heavy fuse...adding an in-line 15A fuse.
This dedicated line will allow the fridge to better gauge voltage so that it's safety voltage sensor shut-off feature will work as designed, and no strain on lesser wires, etc.

THANK YOU @RET2 !!!

PS. He has one of EVERYTHING in his massive "barn" (I'd call it a "hanger").

What a great guy, & a knowledgable, helpful dude. Much appreciated, sir!!

Mark

 

[Roy Park]

I ended up hard wiring my NL fridge in my Tundra since that fridge is a fixture full time. I just took apart the hella plug and found all the wires I needed. What fridge specific wires did you use?

 

[Markuson]

I ended up hard wiring my NL fridge in my Tundra since that fridge is a fixture full time. I just took apart the hella plug and found all the wires I needed. What fridge specific wires did you use?

That was a poor use of terms on my part. All I meant was...we quit fiddling with the hella socket swap-in & installed the direct gauge needed, both pos and neg, directly to the 2nd battery (via in-line fuse) vs. the often-used lesser wires, or perhaps an earth for negative many connections rely on. We also bypassed my rear blue sea via the in-line.

Pretty straight forward, but turned into a pain early on because we were trying to utilize an existing outlet’s spot. Finally decided to just go direct, and then just s matter of pulling wires through the firewall, etc.