Dash tray removal?

[flounderxl]

My somewhat elegant solution to the dash tray power conundrum:
(still some room left on the tray for a wallet, etc)

Any chance you can share the parts list, especially the mount and the USB outlet? Where did you connect to power? Thanks in advance, I'm a noob

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[taildraggerpilot]

Any chance you can share the parts list, especially the mount and the USB outlet? Where did you connect to power? Thanks in advance, I'm a noob

Dash tray insert rack (with modified hardware and more secure mount designed and implemented by myself):

https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-dash-mount-2019-ford-ranger

Dual USB outlet (I blacked out the annoying blue LED “power indicator):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091CZ25TR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I powered the USB ports with a fuse tap (5A) off of fuse 35 (spare, and switched despite what some fuse charts say). Fuse 37 seems to be a good option as well.

 

[flounderxl]

Dash tray insert rack (with modified hardware and more secure mount designed and implemented by myself):

https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-dash-mount-2019-ford-ranger

Dual USB outlet (I blacked out the annoying blue LED “power indicator):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091CZ25TR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I powered the USB ports with a fuse tap (5A) off of fuse 35 (spare, and unswitched despite what some fuse charts say). Fuse 37 seems to be a good options as well.

THANK YOU!

 

[taildraggerpilot]

THANK YOU!

And these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZV4LY54?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHQK4JY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

And, I recommend heat shrink butt splices and tubing to create a nice, clean install. Hopefully you’re comfortable with a portable butane soldering iron / torch to put it all together.

 

[taildraggerpilot]

A little follow up:

Wiring shot (notice that I drilled two holes in the substructure of the dash to accommodate the rear hardware of the dash tray. There’s not a lot of clearance there.)

And a shot of the tray rack with various Ram mount hardware (in this case a phone mount and a GoPro adapter).

The whole USB in the tray idea came from the need to remove the battery from the GoPro equation during long trail time-lapse videos.

 

[BettaRanga]

The blue clips are not popping out for me… argh!

 

[BettaRanga]

The blue clips are not popping out for me… argh!

Got it by breaking one off. Yay!

Looks like the blue clip will stay on but the black piece under it is cracked. Blue clip went back on nicely enough that I don’t want to take it off again for picture.

 

[taildraggerpilot]

You should repair the black plastic ears of the tray before replacing the blue clips.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

You should repair the black plastic ears of the tray before replacing the blue clips.

That tray, with clips is cheap. Easy to get a new one too, if you want to go that route.

 

[TJC]

I received my short Garmin cord today. It works perfect and is practically invisible when installed.
Love the new dash tray mod!!

Does the short Gamin cord have the built in antenna for real time traffic updates? I already mount my Garmin in the same place, but use the lighter cable with the antenna built into it. If it doesn't do you think there is room enough to mount a lighter power socket in the same space?

BTW, Good Work!

I used the same idea with my 2005 Ranger. I replaced the real cigarette lighter with a similir USB port that I snaked over to the Android Double DIN Chinese made touch screen head unit. Has all the functions needed and had worked great for years now. Even came with GPS nav and rear camera. All for $115. I liked it so well I put an identlcal unit in my 2003 Maxima. When I sell the Max, that unit is coming out and going into my 1993 Miata LE. A PERFECT FIT for the little roadster.

T

 

[taildraggerpilot]

That tray, with clips is cheap. Easy to get a new one too, if you want to go that route.

Yes, they are around $15 including the blue clips. I bought one myself. Gluing the black ears is even cheaper.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Yes the tray doesn't cost much, but generally the shipping is the same as the product. I got a replacement from the Ford dealer on this website cause I got a 50% off shipping code.

 

[Floyd]

Does the short Gamin cord have the built in antenna for real time traffic updates? I already mount my Garmin in the same place, but use the lighter cable with the antenna built into it. If it doesn't do you think there is room enough to mount a lighter power socket in the same space?

BTW, Good Work!

I used the same idea with my 2005 Ranger. I replaced the real cigarette lighter with a similir USB port that I snaked over to the Android Double DIN Chinese made touch screen head unit. Has all the functions needed and had worked great for years now. Even came with GPS nav and rear camera. All for $115. I liked it so well I put an identlcal unit in my 2003 Maxima. When I sell the Max, that unit is coming out and going into my 1993 Miata LE. A PERFECT FIT for the little roadster.

T

I use an aftermarket cord most of the time because it fits out of sight nicely, I do have the original cord to use if needed.
I do think it would be practcal to install a powerpoint plug in the same location, but I have not tried it.

On my 2001 Ranger I tolerated the stock cord hanging in the way for years, even though I had wired in a hands free phone mic and speaker.

 

[Danager]

Well this thread cost me $20. I found that USB outlet available with a USB-C on Amazon.ca.

 

[TJC]

On my 2001 Ranger I tolerated the stock cord hanging in the way for years, even though I had wired in a hands free phone mic and speaker.

That is exactly why I asked the question. I don't want to give up the traffic and accident updates.

I had already made a plate for my garmin to attach to in the same tray, but the power cord still dangles down to the power port. And I am not sure that they make a USB cable with the antenna feature and was hoping that you had the answer.

I have used those Dual USB ports in both my previous car and trucks for music content for my stereos, but not to power my garmin. The USB ports that I used tended to be about the same length as the lighter power ports so it may fit in the same location that you used..

BTW, When I first purchased my garmin years ago it did not have voice command ability, but was added in a SW update. I actually have grown to like it.

- T

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