best way to add a USB port or 12v outlet?

[Gecko123]

We live in a high tech gadget world. With just one 12 Volt outlet and a A/C outlet in middle console, that is just not enough.

I was thinking about removing center console to access the 12 volt outlet's terminals, and then hook up a USB outlet device but where would I place it to make it look neat and profession.

Ideas, suggestions?

 

[TRDCal]

You could get one of theses...



I have seen people install USB ports in the switch blanks, the threads are around here somewhere.

 

[Mbiker_101]

Trd, where did you get that? Looks great.

 

[jimithing]

Trd, where did you get that? Looks great.

That's the standard piece on the 2009 4Runners. Only problem with that one is it also has the back window switch so it might be a bit confusing for anyone else that used your vehicle. The other alternative is what's called the smokers kit. That's what I have and it's great. It's real easy to install. Pics and instructions here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/52158-smokers-kit-extra-12v-outlet-installed.html

 

[MikeInNH]

Is this what you're looking for???

Auto 12v DC Cigarette Lighter Socket to Four USB Port Charger

 

[medicrn]

I would question getting the stock Toyota one. That port was meant for a cell phone or ipod. If Ur charging any iPad or an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 the 1 amp stock Toyota unit won't actually charge a working powered on device anymore than a laptop USB will, it will power Ur device but not add much or anything to the battery. Ive done road trips w iPhone 5 nav/GPS running on a 1 amp charger and still lost battery. For either phone and or iPad u need a 2.1 amp USB. I travel for a living and use an inverter/battery pack and 2 USB 2.1 amp chargers (iPad chargers) to charge my iPad 3 and iPhone 5. It's not as sexy but I can charge both devices and my MacBook Pro off a $109 black and decker inverter/portable charger that also has a compressor to fill tires and can jump start my 4runner and charge my devices for 10hrs without running the the truck. USB 2.0 cable extensions are less than $10 on amazon.

 

[TRDCal]

Trd, where did you get that? Looks great.

Sorry for the confusion, that's not my truck, it's just a picture I got off google. Like jimithing said, its from an 09 runner (notice the rear diff lock switch only available in that year

I would question getting the stock Toyota one. That port was meant for a cell phone or ipod. If Ur charging any iPad or an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 the 1 amp stock Toyota unit won't actually charge a working powered on device anymore than a laptop USB will, it will power Ur device but not add much or anything to the battery. Ive done road trips w iPhone 5 nav/GPS running on a 1 amp charger and still lost battery. For either phone and or iPad u need a 2.1 amp USB. I travel for a living and use an inverter/battery pack and 2 USB 2.1 amp chargers (iPad chargers) to charge my iPad 3 and iPhone 5. It's not as sexy but I can charge both devices and my MacBook Pro off a $109 black and decker inverter/portable charger that also has a compressor to fill tires and can jump start my 4runner and charge my devices for 10hrs without running the the truck. USB 2.0 cable extensions are less than $10 on amazon.

Holy christ, that's gotta be the record for most Apple products mentioned in one post

 

[dadigab]

there is preexisting 12V wiring for the smoker option even if you only have storage compartment. you could tap into that easily.

 

[Martinjmpr]

there is preexisting 12V wiring for the smoker option even if you only have storage compartment. you could tap into that easily.

What's funny is that the cig lighter is on a different circuit from the 12v power outlets. I found this out when I did the 12v constant-on mod. After it was all done, the 12v power outlets front and rear stayed on all the time, but the lighter outlet (which I use as a general power outlet since I don't smoke) still switches off with the ignition. Strange, huh?

My 4runner has the smoker's kit but without the ashtray. Fortunately, my cell phone fits perfectly into the ashtray slot so that's where I keep it.

 

[medicrn]

Sorry for the confusion, that's not my truck, it's just a picture I got off google. Like jimithing said, its from an 09 runner (notice the rear diff lock switch only available in that year



Holy christ, that's gotta be the record for most Apple products mentioned in one post

I'm more an apple nerd than a 4runner nerd!

 

[Gecko123]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

 

[JET4]

You could get one of theses...

View attachment 75972

I have seen people install USB ports in the switch blanks, the threads are around here somewhere.

Anyone have the part number for this

 

[ridefast]

This is a clean option, just make sure you use an adapter that puts out 1amp to charge your iPod

My USB port write-up - Tacoma World Forums

 

[AE1M]

I added one here, ordered this extra fuse cover but the color was wrong. After getting confidence, I eventually cut my original cover so they match now. It was easy to connect it to a fuse with one of thos add-a-circuit gizmos.

Bob

 

[AE1M]

I should add, tries was to power a cell phone on a suction cup mount to the windshield directly above, next to the drivers side left pillar, so it was close.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

We live in a high tech gadget world. With just one 12 Volt outlet and a A/C outlet in middle console, that is just not enough.

I was thinking about removing center console to access the 12 volt outlet's terminals, and then hook up a USB outlet device but where would I place it to make it look neat and profession.

Ideas, suggestions?

I have three 12 volt sockets in the center console. One inside the console compartment and two from the Toyota Ash Tray Kit PN 74110-35010-B0. One of them has a flush mount USB socket (you can buy a 2 outlet USB socket if you need). I removed the ash tray and mounted my ham radio mic there. The 12 volt socket in the console compartment is wired to the aux battery and is always powered.

If you don't need the 12 volt cigarette lighter socket, you can replace it with a USB socket like this one. Waterproof USB Type A Jack with 10" Wire Leads - WPUSBAF
It'll give you the clean look you're looking for and you won't have to butcher the console.

In the cargo compartment I added two additional 12 volt outlets which are also powered off the aux battery. Full time power and runs the fridge, ham radio and aux lighting.

 

[R.A.]

You could get one of theses...

View attachment 75972

I have seen people install USB ports in the switch blanks, the threads are around here somewhere.

The part number for the 2009 console power outlets (above attachment - or pic below) is 55449-35020, and is complete. You will have to make your own pigtail for the rear window switch to the dash switch (unless you want to replace the entire harness!).

This part is not cheap. MSRP is $341, but I found it at Camelback Toyota for $250+free shipping.

 

[Gecko123]

I have three 12 volt sockets in the center console. One inside the console compartment and two from the Toyota Ash Tray Kit PN 74110-35010-B0. One of them has a flush mount USB socket (you can buy a 2 outlet USB socket if you need). I removed the ash tray and mounted my ham radio mic there. The 12 volt socket in the console compartment is wired to the aux battery and is always powered.

If you don't need the 12 volt cigarette lighter socket, you can replace it with a USB socket like this one. Waterproof USB Type A Jack with 10" Wire Leads - WPUSBAF
It'll give you the clean look you're looking for and you won't have to butcher the console.

In the cargo compartment I added two additional 12 volt outlets which are also powered off the aux battery. Full time power and runs the fridge, ham radio and aux lighting.

Nice job. Thanks

 

[Bografan]

ReDeaux / Thread Bump

Thread bump from 2012, but I've been looking around at different ways to add some USB charging ports to my 4Runner (2007 SR5 V6 4WD). This and other threads have helped me figure out the possibilities. For that, thank you all!

So back to my lack of charging options: I'd particularly like to add them to inside the armrest in order to charge devices while keeping them out-of-sight, out-of-mind. I've been issued an iPad through work, and have the usual assortment of technology around most times: Cell phone, GPS, etc.
Up front, I have only one 12v port in the ashtray, and my AUX port is in the armrest. I've got a spare phone that I can use for a `music server' so in order to keep it charged, (as well as charging the wife's phone when she's with me) another port or two for charging inside that armrest wouldn't hurt. But the closest power available is through the 12v cig outlet that's less than 2 feet away, so I was considering tapping into that line to power the USB ports I'm installing. OR, should I run another line from the box with an add-a-circuit pigtail? The possibility of using both USB charging ports AND the cig plug at the same time are slim but possible so I'm considering just doing another circuit. Maybe I'm answering my own questions here but would like someone's advice to back up my thinking.

Here's the dual USB port I plan on using:
12/24v Dual USB Charger Socket - 2 USB Ports w/Watertight Cap

 

[gshadow325]

Thread bump from 2012, but I've been looking around at different ways to add some USB charging ports to my 4Runner (2007 SR5 V6 4WD). This and other threads have helped me figure out the possibilities. For that, thank you all!

So back to my lack of charging options: I'd particularly like to add them to inside the armrest in order to charge devices while keeping them out-of-sight, out-of-mind. I've been issued an iPad through work, and have the usual assortment of technology around most times: Cell phone, GPS, etc.
Up front, I have only one 12v port in the ashtray, and my AUX port is in the armrest. I've got a spare phone that I can use for a `music server' so in order to keep it charged, (as well as charging the wife's phone when she's with me) another port or two for charging inside that armrest wouldn't hurt. But the closest power available is through the 12v cig outlet that's less than 2 feet away, so I was considering tapping into that line to power the USB ports I'm installing. OR, should I run another line from the box with an add-a-circuit pigtail? The possibility of using both USB charging ports AND the cig plug at the same time are slim but possible so I'm considering just doing another circuit. Maybe I'm answering my own questions here but would like someone's advice to back up my thinking.

Here's the dual USB port I plan on using:
12/24v Dual USB Charger Socket - 2 USB Ports w/Watertight Cap

here is my contribution to the t4r world....just add more sockets and you can dual use it instead of just usb charging ports
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/140810-diy-12volt-socket-outlet-your-door-panels.html