My power plyg addition mod

[tony_4r]

My power plug addition mod

Well, I was not too happy that the 4th gen had only one plug and located in the middle console. The ashtray mod was not going to do it for me. So, since I wanted to add a new stereo that would play/control my iPod via USB I decided to use the pocket that comes with the stereo installation kit. This pocket is located just under the replacement stereo. Mine is a SONY with DIN size.
I bought the kit from Crutchfield for $12. The kit package identifies it as American International TOY-K975. The kit is very easy to install. You need to cut some tabs to fit the system but all is well explained in the instructions.

 

[tony_4r]

My idea was to add two power outlets in the pocket. For that I bought a dual power outlet from Amazon, the Bracketron UGC-102-BL Dual 12V Car Charger for $8.09. Probably any dual outlet may work. I was more interested on the guts. As you can see I separated the covers and used the internal outlet. I also used pieces of the black plastic case to cover the outlets inside the pocket.
After I opened and separated the covers I added longer cables to the + and - sides.

 

[tony_4r]

I chose to place the power outlets on the right side of the pocket. I inserted the bare power outlets measuring how far could I fit them. Then I cut two slots on the bottom of the pocket where the circular edges of the outlet will sit. I lifted this edge a little so it fits better into the slot.
I also drilled a small hole behind the outlets so I can fit the cables through.
Once I inserted the outlets and snapped them into the slot I built a cover around them inside the stereo pocket. I used epoxy and pieces of the original dual outlets. Painted with black spray paint. I used a gloss paint that I had sitting around, but a matte paint would look better. The finish of the cover is not the best, but does the trick.

 

[tony_4r]

Then, I disassembled the center console and connected cables to the factory power outlet cables. I used a "tap splice connector" (blue in picture) to connect to the factory cables via another twist wire connector (yellow) where I have three cables. One is the factory cable tap, one that goes to the power outlet that I am adding under the stereo, and a third one that goes to the console where I hardwired a power inverter.
I guided the cables that go to the outlets under the stereo behind the center console until I reached the stereo adapter. I made this connection with another pair of twist wire connectors (orange).

 

[tony_4r]

Finally, I took the factory stereo out, connected the cables to the new power outlets, and screwed the adapter with my stereo in. The picture shows my layout after all was installed.
I know I could have done a better job with the internal epoxy cover, but it is acceptable. The camera flash makes it look worse than how it looks when driving.
I am also using the stereo pocket to hold the iPod which is connected to the stereo via USB. My stereo has the USB port on the front. If you have one with the USB port in the back you could easily route the USB cable throgh the back of the stereo pocket.

 

[DC runner]

My only concern would be running 3 outlets off of a fuse and wire designed for 1.

What gauge wire did you run with?

How large is your inverter. This is an approximation, but for every 100 watts of inverter load will require around 10 amps.

Power inversion is horribly inefficient, which is why power inverters get REAL hot, REAL quick. That heat is lost or wasted power in the conversion process.

For a laptop, every now and then, inverters work fine.. If you are considering a large load always, you should stick to DC. For example many laptops sell a DC adapter. Since your latpop runs of DC, it simply eliminates the "power brick" which is essentially a AC to DC into battery.

It is dangerous to HIDE a power inverter, as they are known to overheat and can short. You want a lot of airflow (they all have fans) and in a place you can get to in a hurry.


Finally. You may consider running a new, single, dedicated line to the battery for the inverter if you are going to use it often.
Usually the power plug will have a 10/15 or 20 amp fuse. Take for example, a simple 200 watt load; looking at around 20 amps.

This is JUST from the inverter, never mind what else you have running on that circuit.


Just be on the watch. I highly recommend at least pulling the invertor off and giving it a dedicated line. Make sure you put an inline fuse on it.

 

[tony_4r]

DC, thanks for your comments. They are all well taken. I have thought about that. For my purposes, I will use the added power outlets to run a radar detector and once in a while a GPS. Those outlets are up there for convenience and not with the intention of using all at the same time.
I installed the inverter some time ago to power my iPod via the USB port, but now that I have the iPod connected to the stereo I won't use the inverter. In my case, the inverter will be off most of the time. Mine has a on/off switch. It will only be used in the rare occassion when a passenger needs a plug to charge their phone or another device. I see the inverter more useful as a USB power supply than a 115 volts. The inverter is a 150W one that if it is completely used will hug the whole 15 amp circuit. I am aware of this limitation. I also suggest that if someone wants to use the full power of the inverter they should connect it directly to the battery via its own circuit.
In regards to heat, yes, something to keep in mind too. For my application the location works perfect. Actually, you could heat your coffee inside the console.....

 

[tony_4r]

Make sure you put an inline fuse on it.

I will definitely do this. I can add the inline fuse and have it accessible from the console.

 

[emelianenkov]

Now change those gauges and hvac to match your new radio! :thumb3:

www.T4rgaugeswaps.com

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Nice mod, I used to run splitters in my 4runner, then I installed the dual outlet cig lighter package and couldn't be happier. Props to you for doing it yourself though

 

[emelianenkov]

I just hardwire the things I need. I have a double din so it won't fit haha