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

Michel Jeanneau

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thank you, that was exactly what I needed..i have the same tonneau also
the mod works well without affecting the latch, just a little more effort....and I can latch/unlatch without swinging out the box....uh-huh-huh!...I said swing!
 

mtbikernate

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5C4E015D-1016-4CC4-9FEA-CD8435D4FB35.jpeg

I used the Wolfhaus plug and a cheap USB port ordered from the big river site, works great!
That's a nice idea, but personally, I wouldn't bother installing anything less than 3.0A USB ports these days. I had 2.1A ports in my camper that I had to replace, because my LG phone wouldn't charge right on them (it'd flicker all night, and make the little chirp it does when it wakes up).

After doing a river float with some friends yesterday, I really could have used a power point in the bed for an inflator, so I'm planning to get the Wolfhaus kit. If I need USB ports, I've got a 3.0A cigarette lighter/USB adapter I can throw on.
 

Figarou

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That's a nice idea, but personally, I wouldn't bother installing anything less than 3.0A USB ports these days. I had 2.1A ports in my camper that I had to replace, because my LG phone wouldn't charge right on them (it'd flicker all night, and make the little chirp it does when it wakes up).

After doing a river float with some friends yesterday, I really could have used a power point in the bed for an inflator, so I'm planning to get the Wolfhaus kit. If I need USB ports, I've got a 3.0A cigarette lighter/USB adapter I can throw on.

I went with the powerbox method. I can use the Wolfhaus 12volt connection so I can save the battery power in the powerbox.

It has ALL the USB connections, (QC3.0 USB and USB-C + PD) 12 volt socket, Anderson powerpole connectors, a heavy duty M6 binding post, (that accepts 1/4" ring terminals, banana plugs or bare wire) and an LED light with 15 different strobe functions for emergencies.

IMG_20200628_182930.jpg


IMG_20200628_183014.jpg
 

mtbikernate

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I went with the powerbox method. I can use the Wolfhaus 12volt connection so I can save the battery power in the powerbox.

It has ALL the USB connections, (QC3.0 USB and USB-C + PD) 12 volt socket, Anderson powerpole connectors, a heavy duty M6 binding post, (that accepts 1/4" ring terminals, banana plugs or bare wire) and an LED light with 15 different strobe functions for emergencies.

IMG_20200628_182930.jpg


IMG_20200628_183014.jpg
That thing is really cool. I've never seen anything quite like that before. Do you have a post somewhere describing the build? Does it have a battery inside?

If not, I might consider trying to do something similar in a thinner case that I could slide behind the backseat for storage.
 


Sparky

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I run something similar — I have a Jackery 500 that I use when flying my drones. Works perfect for a days flying recharging batteries.
 

Figarou

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That thing is really cool. I've never seen anything quite like that before. Do you have a post somewhere describing the build? Does it have a battery inside?

If not, I might consider trying to do something similar in a thinner case that I could slide behind the backseat for storage.
Yes, there's 2 batteries inside running parallel. The Powerbox is designed to run off of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. But they are VERY very expensive. ( one is nearly $700) So I did some modifications so it can use lead acid batteries. All I did was remove the large power adapter and placed the smaller Anderson powerpoles. All I want to do is charge up my phone and use the light for emergencies.

Head to this site. ----> https://powerwerx.com/ You'll be like a kid in a toy store!! :p

Here's a direct link to the powerbox.
https://powerwerx.com/megabox-portable-power-box-bioenno-batteries

If you want to build your own, There's a few on Amazon I recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DJUXES/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That one above has a lid to hide the panel mount USB ports. And it has a tray inside.




This one below is smaller. It comes in many colors.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BWTMC6J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
 

mtbikernate

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Yes, there's 2 batteries inside running parallel. The Powerbox is designed to run off of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. But they are VERY very expensive. ( one is nearly $700) So I did some modifications so it can use lead acid batteries. All I did was remove the large power adapter and placed the smaller Anderson powerpoles. All I want to do is charge up my phone and use the light for emergencies.

Head to this site. ----> https://powerwerx.com/ You'll be like a kid in a toy store!! :p

Here's a direct link to the powerbox.
https://powerwerx.com/megabox-portable-power-box-bioenno-batteries

If you want to build your own, There's a few on Amazon I recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DJUXES/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That one above has a lid to hide the panel mount USB ports. And it has a tray inside.




This one below is smaller. It comes in many colors.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BWTMC6J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Oh, cool, it's a pre-made thing. It looked total DIY. Yeah, this sort of thing is a little bit more advanced on the electronic side than I'm comfortable with. I'd definitely prefer if the whole thing could fit right behind the back seat of the SuperCrew. I may just keep my eyes peeled for a jump starter that has 12v and USB ports. There's enough of those on the market and I know a lot of them are really thin. I wonder if any of the ones with compressors would fit behind the seat.
 

Figarou

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Oh, cool, it's a pre-made thing. It looked total DIY. Yeah, this sort of thing is a little bit more advanced on the electronic side than I'm comfortable with. I'd definitely prefer if the whole thing could fit right behind the back seat of the SuperCrew. I may just keep my eyes peeled for a jump starter that has 12v and USB ports. There's enough of those on the market and I know a lot of them are really thin. I wonder if any of the ones with compressors would fit behind the seat.
There is plenty of DIY videos on Youtube. Problem is, some of those are very complex. And some don't even list the parts they used.


I don't have the time to build one. I found the one at Powerwerx and decided to buy it since it has everything I need. I could even run a small 110volt inverter from the 12 volt socket. That's why I have 2 batteries running parallel.
 

Figarou

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I run something similar — I have a Jackery 500 that I use when flying my drones. Works perfect for a days flying recharging batteries.

Those are cool. I had something similar from Black and Decker years ago. The bad thing is.........once the batteries no longer holds the charge, the whole thing is useless.

Not sure if the Jackery 500 is the same way.
 
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Dangerpete

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Could be it, I plan to hook a multimeter to it to see when it is hot and to check the polarity. As it is two wires I think one is hot, the other is either ground or wswitching using the frame for ground
 

wickedZ1

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Can anyone confirm what connector you need to make connection at the open point under driver side rear? I see a few people went diy on the entire setup pretty much.
 

gfitzge2

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Can anyone confirm what connector you need to make connection at the open point under driver side rear? I see a few people went diy on the entire setup pretty much.
Here are the parts if you want to get the factory option,

12 volt plug.jpg
 

WLFPIR8

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Can anyone confirm what connector you need to make connection at the open point under driver side rear? I see a few people went diy on the entire setup pretty much.
It's a ford OEM connector that I can only order in bulk from a single parts supplier. I do however sell just a pigtail that is the connector pre-crimped to a length of wire for DIY solutions. PM for info.
 

Caliope

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Those are cool. I had something similar from Black and Decker years ago. The bad thing is.........once the batteries no longer holds the charge, the whole thing is useless.

Not sure if the Jackery 500 is the same way.

I still have my B&D Storm Station. When the battery won't hold a charge anymore, I get a replacement from my local Interstate Battery location. It is the same battery used by emergency lighting fixtures. I would think that you can probably do the same thing with just about any thing that has a battery. Although some times it is cheaper and/or more practical to buy a new item.
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