Hardwiring additional power outlets

[hearno]

I'm more irritated by having to open the panel that allows access to the front seat power outlet and leave it open for use than I am by the fact there's only one so tonight I decided to remedy that issue. I also don't like the cell charger cord wrapping around the gearshift as I usually leave the phone in the passenger seat. I purchased a multi outlet/usb charger from walmart tonight. I plan on hardwiring it in. I know we have a 2nd harness under the center console to use if you install the smoker's kit which is what I plan to tap for power. I'm going to mount the new outlets inside the console via the double stick tape that came with the unit so it's out of the way. I've been doing a lot of google research as it's not a 4runner specific question but I can't find a definitive answer. Is it better to cut the plug with the fuse in it off the new unit and just hardwire to the vehicle's harness or modify it like this guy did: DVR-207GS Dashcam Hardwire DisassemblyYouTube skip to 2:00 - and then attach that to the existing harness? The second way leaves the fuse intact but it's more hassle and less of a clean install.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/148583-just-one-outlet.html Riverwolf's solution is basically what I want to accomplish but it doesn't show how the power to the new charger was secured.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The issue is how much amperage and wattage are you looking to draw through the circuit? You're going to have multiple branches on a circuit that wasn't designed for much load (I believe about 10amps total).

 

[hearno]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] Thank god you're up... At most I'd have two phones plugged in and charging simultaneously. I have no idea what that draw would be but I'm guessing the stock circuit could handle it since it's designed to accommodate the two outlets from the factory. My plan is to tap the second harness normally used for the smoker's kit. If I'm correct, it's the green/red wire harness with unused plug on the far right of the pic taped to the larger harness

 

[hearno]

Now that I think about it... I'll never use the factory socket so I guess I could keep things easy by disconnecting the main outlet and just using the red/black from that.

 

[hearno]

And it works. It turned out to be extremely easy. I kept the fuse in the adapter cord by attaching two wires to end end of the stock plug instead of cutting it off. One has to make contact with one of the silver springs on the plug that provide tension when that plug is inserted into a receptacle and the other has to make contact with the tip of the plug that makes contact with the internal fuse - see pic:



The wire touching the spring on the side is the ground, the wire touching the silver tip that touches the fuse is power. Using two schotchlocks, attach the power to the red wire and the ground to the white wire and it works perfectly.



I drilled a hole in the console near the bottom and ran the wires thru that for a cleaner install. All done.