Added another 12V socket

[Kmvreter]

Finally got around to adding another desperately needed 12V socket up front before heading out on this year's road trips. Saw another thread on here that got me looking for a location without having to cut holes or trim any panels. Found a nice spot at the bottom of the driver's side lower trim panel. I didn't have to remove the panel to do this installation.

Tools I used are a 10mm socket, 10mm open wrench, wire crimper and a bench vise.

Purchased an auxiliary power outlet, a Mini Add-A-Circuit and a longer M6 bolt (not sure of the actual length; check where the bolt in later pictures comes through the back clip to get some more thread length) plus nut, washer and fender washer. Total cost is ~C$35 at Canadian Tire. I didn't use the items that are crossed out in the picture. The ground side of the circuit is made through the mounting plate and attaching trim bolt to a metal trim cross-member.

 

[Kmvreter]

Closeup of the power outlet with the bracket that needs to be straightened out.

 

[Kmvreter]

Disassembled outlet and flattened bracket (using a bench vise.)

 

[Kmvreter]

Closeup of reassembled outlet.

 

[Kmvreter]

Crimped the 2 red wires together. I used the Power Outlet fuse location for this circuit because I have it modded for constant 12V power. Original 15A (blue) fuse is in the primary slot on the Add-A-Circuit with a 10A (red) fuse in the secondary slot for the new socket.

 

[Kmvreter]

Remove the lower right bolt (red arrow) on the trim panel and replace it with the longer bolt (plus fender washer.) Attached the bracket to the back length of the bolt (forward in the vehicle) using a washer and nut. Feed the wire through behind the trim panel and attach it to the outlet.

 

[Kmvreter]

Side view of the completed installation.

 

[Kmvreter]

The big picture showing the location and outlet in use. This is an out of the way, yet handy to use, location.

 

[Kmvreter]

Bump for gflurry.

 

[CRDT4R]

Hey, i just got a gps and was thinking about doing this so I could charge my ipod as well. Well I noticed where you connected the wire to the cig lighter. Did you end up grounding that?

 

[Kmvreter]

... Well I noticed where you connected the wire to the cig lighter. Did you end up grounding that?

The red wire is the fused power. You don't need a ground wire as I explained in my first post even though the kit came with one. You could if you want but it would be redundant. "I didn't use the items that are crossed out in the picture. The ground side of the circuit is made through the mounting plate and attaching trim bolt to a metal trim cross-member."

 

[CRDT4R]

where did you find the casco power thing. I have been to every autoparts store and they have none with the bracket. I love your set up and would like to do it myself

 

[Kmvreter]

where did you find the casco power thing...

Canadian Tire is a large auto parts chain up here. This is a generic part. Also try some marine or farm supply stores.

 

[RickC]

where did you find the casco power thing. I have been to every autoparts store and they have none with the bracket. I love your set up and would like to do it myself

I found mine at O'reilly auto parts. But O'reilly didn't carry the add a circuit part. I got that at Auto Zone.

 

[CRDT4R]

yeah i eventually found it at Advanced. I got all the rest of the things at autozone

 

[offshorebear]

This mod was stupid easy! You don't even need extra wire. I didn't replace the bolt but I should. Next time I go to the hardware store. One crimp and a 10mm ratchet and 2 minutes and your done.

I bought the parts at the local NAPA, the plug was under the "Bell" brand but its the same thing. The add a circuit was way over priced; it was 20 something dollars. Oh well its done now and it was easy.

 

[CRDT4R]

damn autozone had the add a circuit for 5 bucks

 

[RickC]

yeah, I think I paid 4.99 at Autozone for the Add A Circuit, then I bought a 2 pack of those small fuses which I think was 2.99 or 3.99. Those small fuses are kinda high.

 

[offshorebear]

I looked at the receipt and thought wow. The first post says $35C so I didn't worry about it I thought it was normal.

 

[JayMc]

When I viewed this thread this afternoon at my office I could see the pictures, now I can't. Any thoughts as to why?