12V power plugs/jacks - options?

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CruiserTrash

CruiserTrash

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Looking for 12VDC jacks capable of at least 5A for a fridge setup. Here's what I'd like:

-panel mount
-locking
-prefer sealed on the back side
-smaller form factor is better, but not required
-ability to use 12 or 14awg wires

Is Anderson really the only option? Anything from Switchcraft or Amphenol that folks have used? Anything else? I daily my 60 and it has to be in family mode most of the time. I'd like to panel mount a DC jack on the rear cargo panel (I already have a 6awg power drop from my 2nd battery to a sub panel back there, along with a ground bus bar) so I can load the fridge, plug it in, and go on trips. Flush panel mount on the cargo panel would be ideal so it's out of harm's way. The fridge has a weird proprietary plug that I'd like to get rid of and in it's place I'll mount another of the same panel mount connector. I'll also make a cable to go between the power source and fridge.

So ... what are my options?
 
SB50 gives very good positive connection contacts are solid. I like the pod style for interior plastic panels because it minimizes front and rear protrusion since the disconnects run parallel with the panel.
IMG_8025.webp
 
well, a common alternative to the small Andersons are the XT60 etc system of connectors. Pretty similar idea and size except they are soldered instead of crimped.

(FWIW, I think an Anderson SB50 is too big for a fridge.)
 
peesalot said:
Freak people out and use a household 110 outlet with the flat metal flip cover.
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Hell yeah, I like that idea haha. Maybe use the under-glovebox accessory socket from a 60 to keep it super extra OEM. Looks like a household wall plug.

Lots of good ideas so far. I like the Blue Sea twist lock cigarette lighter plug thing, but the body of the jack seems long at 3". Everything else about it seems spot on.

I think I've seen the XT60 plugs on ... RC cars? The size is appealing because they're so small.

It would be hard to recess the Deutsch connectors to be flush for my application.

Anderson isn't looking so bad after all... I'll keep poking around. Thanks all!
 
nothing wrong with Anderson PPs. I use them all the time for solar and battery applications.
 
e9999 said:
nothing wrong with Anderson PPs. I use them all the time for solar and battery applications.
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For sure. Just seeing what the options are.
 
Shoredreamer said:
SB50 gives very good positive connection contacts are solid. I like the pod style for interior plastic panels because it minimizes front and rear protrusion since the disconnects run parallel with the panel.View attachment 4032523
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I have one of these on the left and right panel on the driver and passenger side footwell. Wiring goes through the firewall to the primary and second battery in the engine compartment. Love 'em.

EDIT:
A picture's worth a thousand words. This is what's on the driver's and passenger side. A Powerwerx housing an Anderson SB-50 and a traditional 12V "Cigarette lighter" receptacle. The leads for the cigarette lighter are crimped in with the Anderson connector.

I use these for running the fridge, charging the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x, stuff mounted to the A pillar, tire compressor, camp lights, and anything else requiring DC. Handy as heck.

20251118_164217s.webp
20251118_164207s.webp
 
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CruiserTrash said:
It would be hard to recess the Deutsch connectors to be flush for my application.

Anderson isn't looking so bad after all... I'll keep poking around. Thanks all!
Click to expand...

Is the flush mount a key requirement?

The way I look at it, most of the time it will have a a connector plugged into it, and therefore not be flush. Does it need to be flush when unplugged?

I think the deutsch connector is appealing because it is sturdier and more compact than power poles. I think it would hold up better to mechanical strain.
 
FrazzledHunter said:
I have one of these on the left and right panel on the driver and passenger side footwell. Wiring goes through the firewall to the primary and second battery in the engine compartment. Love 'em.

EDIT:
A picture's worth a thousand words. This is what's on the driver's and passenger side. A Powerwerx housing an Anderson SB-50 and a traditional 12V "Cigarette lighter" receptacle. The leads for the cigarette lighter are crimped in with the Anderson connector.

I use these for running the fridge, charging the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x, stuff mounted to the A pillar, tire compressor, camp lights, and anything else requiring DC. Handy as heck.

View attachment 4033207View attachment 4033208

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That’s a good spot for ready power. Nice!
 


Here you go. Fridge plug final boss :cool: haha
 
Shoredreamer said:


Here you go. Fridge plug final boss :cool: haha
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Damn, that's some serious business there! I'll check it out.

The flush mount is a requirement for me because it won't have anything plugged into it most of the time - I daily the 60 and the fridge wont live in there unless we're on a trip. When it's plugged in it doesn't need to be flush mounted, but if the jack itself (the recepticle in the cargo panel, in other words) sticks out, it'll get clipped by cargo going in and out. I use the truck for hardware store runs, kids sports practices, etc, etc, and something is gonna catch on a non-flush jack and rip it off. I'll get some photos later.
 
Shoredreamer said:
That’s a good spot for ready power. Nice!
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I use them all the time. Forgot to mention in case it isn't obvious that the driver's side is shown. The black plastic panel comes off really easily making bolting stuff on to it easy. The Cig lighter is fused at 15A behind the black panel. Again, same setup on the passenger side.
 
IMG_3449.webp


The four screw heads are bolts that hold a fuse box on the back side of the cargo panel. I have a USB outlet/voltmeter and a button that operates tailgate hatch lights, both more or less flush mounted.

I load a lot of tools, supplies, sports equipment, bikes, and other gear in the back all the time and really want to stick to flush mount so nothing gets ripped off. I’d use the fridge on camping trips, and all the cargo would be secured (notice the L-tracks), so I wouldn’t have any worries about something plugged into the 12V jack.
 
If I used the Mag stuff I would need two cable ends and two "jacks". Around $120. A lot of money but it's damn slick though.
 
How many fridges ya got?

But yeah, I hear you. The only others I know of that are flush are rj45 (not enough power), usb-c (could handle the load but connectors are tiny/fragile), barrel connectors (something didn't feel right about that) or cig lighter (ug).

There are probably some industrial DC connectors or aviation connectors that mght work?

Power pole may be the way to go.
 
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