Mod for the kids (and my sanity)

[marcfj60]

In this age of portable DVD players and iPods, there doesn't seem to be enough power ports in my truck, and it's got quite a few. I got tired of the kids' cords cluttering up the console and competing with my devices for power.

There is the cig lighter hole on one 15A fused circuit. Then, there is another 15A fused circuit with 3 power ports scattered throughout the truck. One is right next to the cig lighter with another is buried in the bottom of the center console. The last one is on the side panel near the rear hatch.

So I bought a dual USB socket as well as a standard 12V accessory socket from Sierra Expeditions. They are BlueSea components. I removed the back of the center console and popped out the filler panel that fills the hole where the rear heat controls would be for some years. Then I cut two holes in the filler panel and installed the two sockets. Lastly, I built a harness that taps into the power port that's buried in the center console because it was conveniently close to the location of the new sockets.

 

[marcfj60]

More photos of mod.

 

[marcfj60]

And the finished product:

 

[pappy]

I like, especially the USB sockets. Gotta get me one.

 

[marcfj60]

USB Socket

This is the part I bought: USB Socket

or: Blue Sea

The rectangular flange is optional during installation, just depending on how you want to install it. I just made the hole match the back of the socket and used the nut to secure it.

It does draw power even when there is nothing plugged into it, about 15 mA. There's a cute little green LED that lights when power is applied to it.

I have a 2 port USB adapter that can plug into a 12V socket but that still doesn't eliminate the cord issue I was having. I imagine in your older 4Runner you are lucky to have one 12V socket.

 

[slimbuddha]

Very nice, I am planning on doing the same before next years vacation's, roadtrips etc.

 

[pappy]

I have a 2 port USB adapter that can plug into a 12V socket but that still doesn't eliminate the cord issue I was having. I imagine in your older 4Runner you are lucky to have one 12V socket.

I installed two additional sockets many years ago. I also have a USB adapter, but realistically it only gets used for the MP3 on long trips. The GPS and phone charge off the sockets.

 

[evanz80]

Nice job Marc!

 

[alia176]

Nice job Marc. Are you using the 2 amp USB sockets or 1 amp? Seems like the pads these days like to have the higher amperage units.

A suggestion I have is to wrap electrical tape (or heat shrink) around all exposed spade terms. Just in case one of them comes out (they expand due to heat) and doesn't cause a short. On the same token, use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the female spades a little more so they really hang on tight.

 

[marcfj60]

Nice job Marc. Are you using the 2 amp USB sockets or 1 amp? Seems like the pads these days like to have the higher amperage units.

A suggestion I have is to wrap electrical tape (or heat shrink) around all exposed spade terms. Just in case one of them comes out (they expand due to heat) and doesn't cause a short. On the same token, use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the female spades a little more so they really hang on tight.

Yeah, I was thinking about that. I'm going to try to find some shrink tube for them. All the female connectors have a very snug fit so I'm not worried about them backing of. The socket can supply up to 2.1 Amps. It does not specify if that can all go out one USB port or if it's really 1.05A X 2, max.

 

[SteveLCetc]

Good job Marc. It seems the USB ports are more and more convenient these days - one little cable with two plugs on either end can be used for power or info. instead of carrying around a 12v charger, a 120 volt charger, plus a USB to USB micro (thankfully those are finally standardized, although they apparently don't all charge with the same voltage (?).

 

[slimbuddha]

Hey Marc, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.. so I finally did this too. However, I went with all USB. Also, I added some black MOLLE 14x22 panels behind the front seats, with ammo/dump pouches so that I can have places for the kids to store their things when we are traveling

http://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/MOLLE-Seat-Back-Panel-p/21msb14.htm

 

[marcfj60]

All three of the plugs see pretty heavy use. I'm extremely happy I did it. Now I just hand the bag with the DVD players in it to one of the kids and they take care of attaching it to the seats and plugging it in. No more complaining about who is hogging the factory 12V ports for charging electronics either. There's still plenty of bickering (They're 11 and 12 after all) but at least the power supply/electronics element is taken care of.

Post some photos of your actual installation, with the MOLLE panels and dump pouches.