12v outlet install in bed?

I'm having my bed LineX'd this weekend. I wanted to add a 12v plug to my bed. Just need to know if there's a side of the truck that's preferred, and where plug should be placed so that it's easy to access with the wiring coming up from the frame.

I'd prefer closer to the tailgate, higher up on the wall of the bed, just under the OEM bed rail system? Pics would be appreciated.

Thanks. (yes, I did search for this)

 

I ran wires through the side of the bed by the bulkhead on the driver side. I have about 6 feet of wire in the bed that feeds into a project box that I mounted my outlet in so I can move it around where I want in the bed. I also put magnets on the outlet box that sticks to my molle panels.

 

This is the outlet I'll be installing. Gonna pre-drill holes, and use step bit to make the holes. I don't have a hole saw that small.

$10 QC 3.0 USB Outlet 12V Boat Marine Waterproof Cigarette Lighter Socket Splitter 12 Volt DC Power Charger Adapter DIY Kit with Blue LED Dual USB Ports for Rocker Switch Panel on Car RV Golf Cart ATV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RHY97ZZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

I used a similar one but mine has 3 ports, one of which is an on and off switch.

 

Don't buy something with USB ports. The tech is always changing for charger stuff. USB isn't good at being waterproof.

Get something with 12V sockets, and then use adapters you can keep weatherproof in your glove box, and swap for cheap when you buy a new phone and want it to charge nicely.

 

I’ve always found it easier to run wires along the passenger side frame rail. Also, I’m not big in the idea of running electrical wires near fuel lines (driver side). but that’s probably just me.

What you have is nice but have you thought of mounting it into a box and then mounting the box to the bed? Not saying it’s right, but that’s what I did. Save you from drill big holes in the bed and also protects your wiring a bit more than if you just had it on the backside of a bed panel.

 

The sockets in the bracket he’s buying are a universal size. Could swap them out later if he wants I’m sure

 

Thanks guys.

With regard to the USB, I have a shell on my truck and it's garaged. Water won't be an issue. And since for the foreseeable future, my teenage daughters will use USB to keep their phones charged, I'll run the USB. Hadn't thought about later swapping it out, but yes, this plug has that ability. But I appreciate that info as I'll have to consider a better solution later down the road.

I did not consider a box, but I did think about mounting a magnet to a plug that could be moved around. Then just stick it anywhere along the bed. However, I have a DIY drawer system going back in once LineX is done and just prefer it mounted in the bed wall. Box is interesting idea...could actually put it in my drawer. hmmm

Appreciate the tip on passenger side away from fuel line...probably a very very smart idea indeed. i will be using the pass side.

 

This is my setup.

 

What do you plan on using it for?

I keep one of these in my console, with a dual usb adapter plugged into it.



Plugs right into the trailer plug. Works great for power at the tailgate, or running a tire pump for the bikes.

 

Do you happen to have a build sheet for this? I would love to do something like this vs drilling holes in my bed.

 

I purchased this box:
LeMotech Junction Box IP65 Waterproof Project Box Dustproof ABS Plastic Electrical Boxes Universal Enclosure for Electronic Black 11.41x 8.26x 3.93 inch (290x210x100mm)

$27 LeMotech Project Box ABS Plastic IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Electrical Junction Box Outdoor Enclosure for Electronics Black 11.41" x 8.26" x 3.93" (290 x 210 x 100mm)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08394K2LZ

And used these panels:
Nilight 4 in 1 ON/OFF Charger Socket Panel Dual USB Socket Power Outlet & LED Voltmeter &Cigarette Lighter Socket& LED Lighted ON Off Rocker Toggle Switch for Truck Car Marine Boats RV,2 Yeas Warranty

$16 Nilight 4 in 1 Outlet Socket Panel 12V DC 4.8A Dual USB 12 Volt Cigarette Lighter LED Voltmeter ON Off Rocker Toggle Switch for Marine Boat Truck Car

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0834MTG3X

https://www.westmarine.com/west-mar...rical-panel-2-12v-power-outlets-11861556.html


Plus I added a shunt and power on/off for my inverter. You can go wild with your own design but that box fits well in the nook in our beds

 

Here’s how I put power in my bed. Top to bottom:

Volt meter to keep tabs on my auxiliary battery.
Switch that controls the meter and the dual USB outlet.
Dual USB outlet. I used the 5.1A ones.
12V socket.
Dual Anderson outlets.

Been using this for a few years now with zero issues!

 

That’s really slick; happen to have a write up on what you did there?

 

This is slick. Got a link?

 

Thank you! I sell fasteners to the camper shell place down the street from my work. I sell them to him for basically no profit so he hooks me up in return. When I bought the Bedrug from them, he installed it super cheap and I had him run me the power & ground to the bed. (No Charge)

No write-up, but with the exception of the 12V receptacle/USB port from Amazon

$15 Cigarette Lighter Socket 12 Volt USB Outlet: PD 20W C and QC3.0 Car Port Aluminum Metal 12V Plug, 150W Charger Panel with Power Switch LED Voltmeter for Marine Boat RV Golf Cart

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B823FZFJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
everything is from the electrical aisle at Home Depot.

Single Gang junction box (Kinda wishing I'd used a two gang, 'cuz it was a little tight and now I'm wanting to add strip lights in the bed, so another switch) I painted the box (badly, I was in a hurry) with some paint I had in the garage.



The brackets attaching the J-Box to the bedrail are just Home Depot conduit straps

that I flattened and re--bent in my vise to the shape I needed.

Drilled two holes in the bedrail for one end of the strap and two in the J-Box for the other end.

You can see the two little buttonhead sockets in the bedrail in this pic... since I work for a fastener distributor it's easy to find just the right size. I opted for Stainless w/Black Oxide finish.



I really like the setup @dittothat posted above, and the junction boxes he linked are much nicer, and available in lots of different sizes.

$27 LeMotech Project Box ABS Plastic IP65 Waterproof Dustproof Electrical Junction Box Outdoor Enclosure for Electronics Black 11.41" x 8.26" x 3.93" (290 x 210 x 100mm)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08394K2LZ?th=1

That being said... anything beyond very basic electrical is admittedly not my strong suit and (not counting the wiring and loom from battery to bed) I'm probably $25 all in with this.
My original plan was to flush mount the outlet(s) in the bed wall, but this is probably more weatherproof, and saved me from drilling holes in the bed.

 

POLLAK RV Trailer 7-Way Connector Plug - 12-706 Wiring Connector (1)

$10 POLLAK RV Trailer 7-Way Connector Plug - 12-706 Wiring Connector (1)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KR7EQJQ

I bought mine on eBay years ago, but it’s the same brand (pollack) and it has never let me down.

 

where did you find the box for this setup, tis is exactly what I'm trying to do!!

 

It's the Rago Fab mount. They sell it on Amazon too.

 

Planning to add 12v power to my bed as well. This is really helpful. Where did you guys grab the power?

Assuming you run all the way up to the fuse box? I'd love to have the outlets powered when the truck is off, so I'm going to use an on off switch at the box for one outlet, but wouldn't mind one on accessory power for my 12v fridge. I don't have an aux battery.

 

If you get a fridge buy a jackery battery too. That way its not running 24/7 on your truck battery. Then just charge the jackery when it gets low. Been doing that way for a year .