Cig lighter power outlet install w/photos

Dalehelman
Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
edited January 2016 in Modifications & Upgrades
Someone posted somewhere they were quoted $200 to install 2 outlets in their rear cabinets. The following pictures show the steps and parts needed. Cost a little more $5 per outlet plus some wire and a few wire connectors. I located my outlets inside the cabs to avoid dangling wires when in use. You will need a 7/8" hole saw or equivalent and drill. I purchased the outlets at O Reilly's auto for under $5 each. Remove speaker grill by rotating it counter clock wise. Remove speaker. Locate white and blue wires (color may very) that power reading light. Determine which one is power and which one is ground my case blue is power white ground. Drill mounting hole. Since the cab wall is quite thick it is necessary to cut about 1/4" off of the plug retaining ring (see photo). Insert outlet and secure from rear. Hook wire from center of outlet to power wire using 3M connector or solder and tape if preferred. Attach wire from retaining ring to ground wire the same way. Test and reinstall speaker and cover. 

Attached Image
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Comments

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Cool, good job.
  • Cyclonic
    Cyclonic Member Posts: 1,232
    Nicely done.

    States the T@Bpole has camped, so far ;)
    Nathan & Becky... 2013 Ford F150 FX4 TAB HLR... 2012 LG T@B T@Bpole.
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    Thanks for the how-to, Dale. Very helpful tip about cutting off the sleeve to accommodate the board thickness.

    In our 2014 'S', the space behind the speaker isn't kept separate from the cupboard space. So we have a bit more cupboard space, but the speakers, and the potential spot for that 12V cig receptacle, are not quite as protected as in your case.
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • KyBawpaw
    KyBawpaw Member Posts: 183
    edited January 2016
    As to this 12 volt receptacle, would it be a good idea to add an inline fuse to the hot wire on the installation? If so, how many amp would be advisable?  BTW, I got the "No permission, blah, blah" page too clicking that link. 
    "Not all those who wander are lost"- J. R. R. Tolkien 
    2014 T@B-S
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    The line is already fuse protected and most cig plugs are fused at the tip to protect the accessory being plugged in. The answer IMHO is no.
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  • markath
    markath Member Posts: 12
    Needed 12 Volt at the back of our 2015 S Max for CPCP power at night. Dale Helman and Mich. Mike to the aid. $14 for 2 marine 12v outlets from Amazon Prime and $5 for a box of snap tap wire connectors. Removed the speakers. Located the Blue(+) and White(ground) wires from the reading lights. Drilled 1 1/8" holes on each side of the cabinet over the beds.  Photo shows a 12v meter with 2 USB outlets as well.
     

    Easy 12v project.  Maybe 1 hour start to finish after assembling parts.
    Thanks Dale and Mike for your advice.








  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Nice work
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,421
    This is timely, for me. Thanks, as usual, @Dalehelman !

    What gauge wire is the reading light? 12#?

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