Dual USB Port – Installed in place of the Cigarette Lighter – 3rd Gen

[TRD 4RNR]

I replaced the cigarette lighter with this Dual USB Port.

It required that the hole be enlarged just a tiny bit. I used a dremel tool to accomplish that. I slipped a tiny screwdriver into the electrical plug and saved the factory clips and they slid right onto the new posts (cover in a little electrical tape - just to be safe).

There’s a metal part that protects the dash from a hot lighter – I didn’t put it back because I didn't want to enlarge that hole. I figured if I ever want to return it to stock – I can put the metal guard back in place.

The USB Ports come with a black plastic cap that I didn’t use – but if you do a lot of wheeling I’d suggest it as it will help keep the dust out. I also didn't use the backing plate that it comes with.

Blue Sea Dual USB Charger Socket w/Watertight Cap
Amazon.com: Blue Sea Dual USB Charger Socket - 2 USB Ports w/Watertight Cap: Sports & Outdoors

Thanks to [MENTION=22661]Asmara[/MENTION] for the idea

FRONT

BACK

EXTRA PARTS

 

[AZTOY]

So what is the purpose of this? Just for charging?

 

[IanB]

So what is the purpose of this? Just for charging?

Yup, lots of things have USB cables with power source adapters, which you could leave at home if you had USB's for charging. Great for roadtrips, you can charge 2 phones at the same time, and still have the GPS plugged into the lighter/powerpoint.

 

[RussToy]

Wow...great idea! I never thought about doing this...but now that I see it in your T4R...it's like..."wow, why didn't I think of that?"!

Yea, I can charge my i-Phone and i-Pad at the same time...and still have two 12V adapters accessible for my wife's heating blanket (please...don't ask) and my son's DVD player. Heck, everyone's happy on the next road trip!

Thanks TRD 4RNR for sharing this with us.

 

[Stick Figure]

much cleaner than the adapters I've been using.

 

[AZTOY]

I just plug a two usb port piece into my cigarette lighter, no mods needed.

 

[mattgold]

That is great!

What did you tap for power?

 

[IanB]

Thanks IanB for sharing this with us.

Not my install, just commenting on TRD 4RNR's.

 

[RussToy]

Not my install, just commenting on TRD 4RNR's.

Thanks for catching my mistake...it was late! I fixed it...

Thanks again TRD 4RNR for sharing!

 

[Stick Figure]

I just plug a two usb port piece into my cigarette lighter, no mods needed.

That's what we have been doing as well, but the last one smoked itself and they irritate me the way they don't sit flush with the dash. So if this lasts longer and looks better for that price, i'm in.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

pretty cool mod it looks super clean and OEM! I used this low profile plug that almost looks flush.

 

[Nashvegas34]

The $30 car charger racket has finally been broken!!! It's about time, what a scam that was.

Nice install, OP.

 

[TXRick]

Thats a great mod. Id like to do it but I've got the older version with only one power outlet. Is there a way to switch out just the compartment so i have 3?

 

[AZTOY]

Thats a great mod. Id like to do it but I've got the older version with only one power outlet. Is there a way to switch out just the compartment so i have 3?

This is what I did. Hot wired with an on/off toggle switch and an inline fuse near the battery. I bought the power outlets from walmart. There is a debate on my set up, but it has been over 2 years, used daily and works perfect, no issues. Pics are attached in link.

Installed two power outlets - YotaTech Forums

 

[mattgold]

Thats a great mod. Id like to do it but I've got the older version with only one power outlet. Is there a way to switch out just the compartment so i have 3?

Yessir - check this post:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/114346-how-99-center-dash-conversion-wiring.html


It's pretty simple and the write up is straight forward. As long as you are comfortable putting wires into a butt connector and crimping them, you shouldn't have any trouble.

:thumb:

 

[Stick Figure]

pretty cool mod it looks super clean and OEM! I used this low profile plug that almost looks flush.

Thats not bad, between the g/f and I we've had a few of these can compared length on all of the ones that Fry's had on the shelf, and they all stick out quite a bit. I'm also using the lower right power port since the plastic cover broke off about a month after I replaced the other cover that was broken when I bought the truck.

 

[TRD 4RNR]

Thanks for the feedback all.

That is great! What did you tap for power?

I used the power that used to go to the cig lighter - was even able to use the same connectors.

I just plug a two usb port piece into my cigarette lighter, no mods needed.

I thought about going that route - but the failure rate and negative feedback on those parts seems pretty bad.

 

[TheDurk]

pretty cool mod it looks super clean and OEM! I used this low profile plug that almost looks flush.

I have the same one. I think I got it at Wal-Mart. Looks good and no problems in probably two years. Powers my mp3 and cell phone just fine.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

I just did this mod. And the dual USB charger has a battery gauge.

I did NOT have to wire a switch to turn it off and on. When I turn the car off it no longer has power to it.

I did NOT have to widen the hole that the cigarette lighter was in. It was a tight fit getting it in, but this allowed me to secure the outlet so it does not budge once I put the locking nut behind it.

Here is the link to what I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FVQTWBK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1