Circuit tapping method and location

Hey yall,
I just got finished setting up a Bluetti with a solar panel on my truck cap, it’s a cool setup and I’ve been pleased with it. I’d like to add an “ignition on” DC socket in my bed to charge the Bluetti when solar isn’t cutting it. My 3rd gen tundra didn’t come with any bed ports. I want it to be ignition on because I don’t want it to continue to drain my truck battery when the truck is off.

1. What is the most preferred way to tap a circuit these days? Fuse tap, T into a wire, aftermarket connector tap, etc?
2. On the 3rd gen tundra, what would be the ideal circuit and location to get DC ignition on power? My first though was the DC socket circuit that is in the dash but I didn’t know if anyone had a better idea since I’m going to have to run it back to the bed.

 

Install a dual battery controller, it charges when engine is on and cuts off when voltage drops below charging.

I have this one:

$63 Dual Battery Isolator Kit - 12 Volt 140 Amp Voltage Sensitive Relay - Complete VSR Double Battery Automatic Charger - Fits Trucks, ATV, SUV, UTV Boats and More - Safe, Water and Vibration Resistant

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07N15Z5GP

 

That does actually seem like a pretty good way to go. I assume it senses when the alternator is charging and that’s when it switches?

 

Yes.

I also have this switch:

$36 Blue Sea Systems 9003E e-Series Battery Switch, On/Off, Red

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MMC914 Switch => winch + dual battery isolator => long 6 AWG cable in wire loom atop frame to bed.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...5-gen-tundra-today.713/page-2868#post-3316158

 

Thanks, this is helpful. I’ve been looking into these now, since you pointed it out, and definitely think it’s a really clean way to add stuff without compromising the factory wiring.

 

I’m considering doing something similar in my 2019 because I have a couple of lithium batteries powering 12 V refrigerator that it seems the best way is to run a DC to DC charger. On my old 2008 forerunner I have a second battery using a painless brand battery, isolator That works pretty good. I run a dedicated 20 amp line to the rear of the forerunner so I have power, isolated, just for the refrigerator and while , on the road.