My truck came from the factory with a cigarette lighter. I guess in 1984 they never envisioned the things we would do with that little socket three decades later.
A few years ago I installed two more 12 volt power points from a Tacoma truck. They have served me fine. But things continue to evolve and even they were not enough. So today I re-did my dash.
Objective one: Move the two switches for the rear window from the arm rest to above the radio. When I installed the second transfer case the spot where they lived went away. Two weeks ago I went to the u-pull and harvested a chunk of wire harness. Yesterday I modified that harness to be an extension cord for the switches. The switches now sit above the radio in two existing holes.
Objective two: Install a third 12v outlet, along with a 2xUSB socket. I had originally intended to install just the third 12v socket and had acquired a socket from a boneyard Tacoma awhile back. Then a buddy posted up about the Blue Sea panel mount 2xUSB socket, and I couldn't resist. So, what the heck, I installed both bits with the two sockets I already had. So now I have three 12v sockets and the 2xUSB socket. It's more than I currently need, but hey, I had the parts.
The only thing I might do is switch those sockets. Not off the ignition, but off a dedicated switch on the panel. I noticed the USB has a green LED, and I'm wondering if the sockets are powered all the time. I know it's not much, but I think I will save the battery.
Pics:
1- the panel test fitted in the pocket that sits below the radio.
2- the panel installed
3- the rear window switches sitting on the floor next to the third shifter.
4- the switches on the new extension cord.
A few years ago I installed two more 12 volt power points from a Tacoma truck. They have served me fine. But things continue to evolve and even they were not enough. So today I re-did my dash.
Objective one: Move the two switches for the rear window from the arm rest to above the radio. When I installed the second transfer case the spot where they lived went away. Two weeks ago I went to the u-pull and harvested a chunk of wire harness. Yesterday I modified that harness to be an extension cord for the switches. The switches now sit above the radio in two existing holes.
Objective two: Install a third 12v outlet, along with a 2xUSB socket. I had originally intended to install just the third 12v socket and had acquired a socket from a boneyard Tacoma awhile back. Then a buddy posted up about the Blue Sea panel mount 2xUSB socket, and I couldn't resist. So, what the heck, I installed both bits with the two sockets I already had. So now I have three 12v sockets and the 2xUSB socket. It's more than I currently need, but hey, I had the parts.
The only thing I might do is switch those sockets. Not off the ignition, but off a dedicated switch on the panel. I noticed the USB has a green LED, and I'm wondering if the sockets are powered all the time. I know it's not much, but I think I will save the battery.
Pics:
1- the panel test fitted in the pocket that sits below the radio.
2- the panel installed
3- the rear window switches sitting on the floor next to the third shifter.
4- the switches on the new extension cord.
Last edited:
