DIY: Adding the 12V Power Outlet Option in the Bed

[Pioneer74]

Parts were about $65. The alternative being to find/order a truck with the “Bed Utility Package” 86Q which comes with a plastic drop in bedliner.
This gets you a 20 amp- 12 Volt outlet. Similar to those in the dash. You could probably run a small 12-120v inverter off of it.

Does that cap have some kind of gasket on it? Maybe the only reason Ford only offers it with the drop in liner is because you have to pull a plug in the liner to access it and that makes it weatherproof.

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[Akshon]

Does that cap have some kind of gasket on it? Maybe the only reason Ford only offers it with the drop in liner is because you have to pull a plug in the liner to access it and that makes it weatherproof.

Yep. It has a gasket. Same gasket as the 7 pin trailer connector.

 

[Snorebaby]

Ok for the install you will need a 2-1/8” hole saw, 5/16” drill bit, flat and round file, Rust preventative paint of your choice.

Drill a 2-1/8” hole in the side bed wall near the left rear cleat. (See photos below) Use caution when drilling or you will end up with dings protruding from your outer fender. You can position a block of wood or stuff a bunch of rags up into the cavity from below to orevent damage.

Insert the power port body into the opening and mark the location of the 4 screw holes. Drill 4- 5/16” holes. Debur all holes using a round file.

Using a flat file, in the large opening, create 4 flat areas adjacent to the 5/16” holes. Insert the 4 captive nuts into the body with the threads inboard the fender. Paint all exposed metal with rust preventative paint.
Install the sub-harness onto the socket and feed the wire down the inner fender well. Install 4 retaining screws.

Under the truck, remove the dummy plug from the body harness and insert the power port sub-harness. There is one large hole on the sheet metal pillar opposite the tail light cavity for the “christmas tree style” zip tie retainer that is included on the sub-harness.
I ended up adding a few extra zip ties to secure the wiring.
Thats about it. Time-about 30 minutes.
Pics below...

I know this is off topic,,,,but where did you get your plugs for the threaded holes on the tail gate pillar? (very last pic)

 

[DrRoger]

For those with the trailer tow package, is the 12 volt at the 7-pin connector always available? That would make it easy for occasional use in the bed area.

 

[Claudess]

For those with the trailer tow package, is the 12 volt at the 7-pin connector always available? That would make it easy for occasional use in the bed area.

The 12V trailer is used to charge the trailer brake battery in the trailer. If it was always on, it could drain the truck battery. So pretty sure only on when ignition is on.

 

[Rinn69]

I know this is off topic,,,,but where did you get your plugs for the threaded holes on the tail gate pillar? (very last pic)

I used some (painted) to cover the holes on my Vic XC's bags from the racks that the previous owner installed. You can get them at any auto parts store. They have fins on the shaft that goes in the hole to secure it...not sure the exact name....they're used to secure the inner fender well to the body, if that helps. At least that's what they look like to me.

 

[DrRoger]

The 12V trailer is used to charge the trailer brake battery in the trailer. If it was always on, it could drain the truck battery. So pretty sure only on when ignition is on.

Actually, it is used for more than trailer brake battery (many do not have a battery, only if trailer break away is installed). On my trailer it is also used to power the interior lights (no battery for that in my trailer). Will have to check 12-volt availability when my Ranger arrives.

 

[Stevie Gee]

Parts were about $65. The alternative being to find/order a truck with the “Bed Utility Package” 86Q which comes with a plastic drop in bedliner.
This gets you a 20 amp- 12 Volt outlet. Similar to those in the dash. You could probably run a small 12-120v inverter off of it.

Looks great..Question...are you saying the wiring is already there within the fender to connect the new harness to; plug & play?

 

[Claudess]

Actually, it is used for more than trailer brake battery (many do not have a battery, only if trailer break away is installed). On my trailer it is also used to power the interior lights (no battery for that in my trailer). Will have to check 12-volt availability when my Ranger arrives.

So the 12v is only on when the Ranger engine is running. It is off otherwise. Even if the ignition is on, it goes off when the engine is not running.

 

[MT19RANGER]

So the 12v is only on when the Ranger engine is running. It is off otherwise. Even if the ignition is on, it goes off when the engine is not running.

No, it's on when the accessory mode is on and also after you turn off the motor I've found it stays on for 2 hours then it's off. I've mentioned this in the thread on bed led lights.

 

[MT19RANGER]

Looks great..Question...are you saying the wiring is already there within the fender to connect the new harness to; plug & play?

Yes, the wires are there.

 

[HoosierT]

Just did this over the weekend. Scary cutting into a new truck but it went smoothly!

 

[MSG W]

Just wondering what u are going to use the outlet for?

 

[HoosierT]

Just wondering what u are going to use the outlet for?

If you’re asking me, this outlet will be used to power my ARB fridge and yeti lithium battery for overlanding trips.

 

[MSG W]

If you’re asking me, this outlet will be used to power my ARB fridge and yeti lithium battery for overlanding trips.

How many watts does it take?

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