Exterior 12v outlet

[Okki]

Looking to add an exterior 12v outlet. This would be used to run the awning lights, charge phones while at camp, etc.

Originally I was thinking of putting it in the shroud over the radiator, but that A) means I have to pop the hood, B) the cord for the awning lights doesn't reach that far.

So I'm thinking about the trim piece at the corner of the windshield (see picture). It can be easily replaced if I change my mind. The 12v outlet I have is a marine grade outlet, so it should be fine for rain and snow.

Anyone any experience with this location? Thoughts? Concerns?

Thanks for the input!
Okki

 

[Jono.ful]

Why go through all that hassle? You saw this, right?

 

[(none)]

should be fine, i've used them on motorcycles for years. Usually don't mount them vertically though, so as long as it isn't collecting moisture and it's properly fused in case something does go wrong, try it out.

 

[borfoo3]

should be fine, i've used them on motorcycles for years. Usually don't mount them vertically though, so as long as it isn't collecting moisture and it's properly fused in case something does go wrong, try it out.

^^^^^^^^^ what he said
I would either go vertical or somewhere with slight downward incline to avoid crap collecting into the socket itself

 

[Jono.ful]

Didn't someone just do this recently? I know I've seen photos within the last couple weeks. I'm on too many forums :typing:

 

[philsey]

Agree with [MENTION=146469](none)[/MENTION] I'd mount it horizontally vs vertically if at all possible.

Or, in the engine compartment, toward the firewall. I'd rather have it out of the weather, and secure ... opening the hood is no big deal. That way you don't have to drill a hole, you could fabricate a bracket.

 

[Jono.ful]

Found it, ask this guy

 

[flyrv9]

I'd mount it vertically too if I could; and using a gasket to prevent water from traveling down the threads. A gasket would also seal any small differences between surfaces. An outlet with a screw on cap would be better.

Also, I would install a switch so the outlet isn't always hot. Heat shrink around the contacts after the connection is made will help too. While shrinking push up to keep the heat shrink flush against the body of the outlet. It will shrink away and leave a gap if you don't.

Another option is an extension you temp install running the cord through a cracked window.

 

[Diver Deuce]

Why go through all that hassle? You saw this, right?

Don't steal my thunder man.

 

[jwkilgore]

Personally I'd mount it somewhere under the hood, then get something like this: https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RP-2...74827893&sr=8-3&keywords=12v+outlet+extension

Or even better, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/E-More-Cigar...78/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1474828386&sr=8-30

Park. Raise hood. Plug extension into your mounted outlet. Route extension outside of engine bay. Close hood on extension. *poof*, you have exterior power.

 

[raycie]

I did somethin like this for my truck...

Got a marine 12v socket with aligator clips, cut the clips and inserted a Deutsche connector. Have a connector hooked to the bluesea fuse block under the hood. Also have a hot line to the back of the 4R with another connector as well..
That way, I can hook up a camp/emergency repair light, 12v, or even my 1 gal water pump in the front r rear of the truck.

 

[STX4Runner]

I think [MENTION=47340]Titanpat57[/MENTION] has (or had) one.

 

[Okki]

you could fabricate a bracket.

You're just saying that because you know I'm a sucker for custom brackets! :bump2:

 

[Okki]

[MENTION=56922]NoOneBetter[/MENTION] any issues with your noco plug? Any lessons learned?

I'm okay with it being always hot, although IF I go to route of a bracket under the hood, then I might as well add a switch.

Security I considered, but how many people are checking vehicles for 12v outlets and charging their phones from it on the street?

That location is on a slight incline, so water should run off.

Yes, I know popping the hood isn't that big of a deal, but I hate the in-out-in-out of the vehicle when camping. Just means driving with more bugs in it the following day....

 

[Bumbo]

Why not consider using Anderson Powepoles?
https://powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpole-connectors-30amp-unassembled

Its literally one of my absolute favorite electrical accessories. Reliable high amperage connections... I use them for my Viair pump connected directly to my bumper pigtails on the model that needs to be alligator clipped to a battery. No way a 12v cig socket could handle that amp load.

Just add a small discrete pigtail anywhere you want. I have them all over the truck, in the cab, in the back, one in the glove box to charge my handheld ham radio...

Its a much nicer solution than those 12v plugs... plus it has the added benefit of being pretty versatile. You can pretty much turn any cable into any cable.

I even added them to set of DMM leads... Now I can connect directly to the car, alligator clips on one end, probe on the other... You can easily add an accessory inline like those meters, or even make your own custom cables and accessories.

I use then on everything so I can quickly connect / disconnect a connection, or connect it to a different power source. Also pretty awesome when used with those inline meters as it takes seconds to make any electrical connection for testing, monitoring, or whatever.

 

[raycie]

Why not consider using Anderson Powepoles?
https://powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpole-connectors-30amp-unassembled

Its literally one of my absolute favorite electrical accessories. Reliable high amperage connections... I use them for my Viair pump connected directly to my bumper pigtails on the model that needs to be alligator clipped to a battery. No way a 12v cig socket could handle that amp load.

Just add a small discrete pigtail anywhere you want. I have them all over the truck, in the cab, in the back, one in the glove box to charge my handheld ham radio...

Its a much nicer solution than those 12v plugs... plus it has the added benefit of being pretty versatile. You can pretty much turn any cable into any cable.

I even added them to set of DMM leads... Now I can connect directly to the car, alligator clips on one end, probe on the other... You can easily add an accessory inline like those meters, or even make your own custom cables and accessories.

I use then on everything so I can quickly connect / disconnect a connection, or connect it to a different power source. Also pretty awesome when used with those inline meters as it takes seconds to make any electrical connection for testing, monitoring, or whatever.

Exactly the mindset of my concept but using the Deutsche connectors. As I am only running "light" electronics, and benefit of using these plugs vs what I am currently using??

 

[Engineer]

[MENTION=56922]NoOneBetter[/MENTION] any issues with your noco plug? Any lessons learned?

I'm okay with it being always hot, although IF I go to route of a bracket under the hood, then I might as well add a switch.

Security I considered, but how many people are checking vehicles for 12v outlets and charging their phones from it on the street?

That location is on a slight incline, so water should run off.

Yes, I know popping the hood isn't that big of a deal, but I hate the in-out-in-out of the vehicle when camping. Just means driving with more bugs in it the following day....

Amen on the hood, I have my compressor mounted in the engine bay and next on my to do list after CO trip is to run quick disconnects and line so I do not have to pop the hood everytime I want to use the compressor.

I used that exact connector for my rear 12v for the fridge, good product.

 

[Bumbo]

Exactly the mindset of my concept but using the Deutsche connectors. As I am only running "light" electronics, and benefit of using these plugs vs what I am currently using??

Deutsch connector is a solid option as well... its biggest benefit being that its weatherpacked. Pretty ideal for external lighting.

Another option, also pretty industry standard is Delphi weatherpack connectors. I like this as they are a little easier to work with. I use them for connections "under the hood" in places were I wouldn't really want to use an APP. Gives a very factory fit, feel, and finish.

Anderson Powerpoles are not weatherpack, but their design makes em fantastic, self cleaning, reliable, easy to work with, good electrical and mechanical performance. I just cram a little dielectric grease on the crimp and and call it good... Weather resistant caps are also available.

They are literally a standard in the ham radio world. High amperage connections are possible with their products. Its the same stuff used on APC units, winch cable disconnects. Their smallest size connector housing is good to 45 amps using 10 AWG wire.

You can use them for anything but lots of 12v guys love em... I am one of them.

You can also find commercial products with anderson powerpoles in their standard configuration, but you can make whatever you want... like these
https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution
West Mountain Radio - Home

 

[raycie]

Deutsch connector is a solid option as well... its biggest benefit being that its weatherpacked. Pretty ideal for external lighting.

Another option, also pretty industry standard is Delphi weatherpack connectors. I like this as they are a little easier to work with. I use them for connections "under the hood" in places were I wouldn't really want to use an APP. Gives a very factory fit, feel, and finish.

Anderson Powerpoles are not weatherpack, but their design makes em fantastic, self cleaning, reliable, easy to work with, good electrical and mechanical performance. I just cram a little dielectric grease on the crimp and and call it good... Weather resistant caps are also available.

They are literally a standard in the ham radio world. High amperage connections are possible with their products. Its the same stuff used on APC units, winch cable disconnects. Their smallest size connector housing is good to 45 amps using 10 AWG wire.

You can use them for anything but lots of 12v guys love em... I am one of them.

You can also find commercial products with anderson powerpoles in their standard configuration, but you can make whatever you want... like these
https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution
West Mountain Radio - Home

Good to know I was on the right track. The only things I have connections for is a 12v cig to recharge phones, etc, the pump for my camp shower setup, and a portable SRQ for camp or emergency/roadside light.

I do like that the Deutsche has some weather protection built in.

 

[Bumbo]

Good to know I was on the right track. The only things I have connections for is a 12v cig to recharge phones, etc, the pump for my camp shower setup, and a portable SRQ for camp or emergency/roadside light.

I do like that the Deutsche has some weather protection built in.

Which crimp tool do you use for the Deutsche pins? Or do you buy pigtails pre-crimped with leads and use stright butt connections?