USB Charge dead with key off

It really chaps my rear that I cannot charge my devices unless the key is on. Does anyone know of an easy fix to keep my USB ports energized?

 

Could rewire them to a circuit that's always hot

Use a Voltmeter to test which is hot with ignition off

 

I was hoping for a hidden switch, but I can do that too

 

There's a relay in the engine bay box that you can remove and replace with a jumper wire. I've seen a writeup on it on here, should come up with a search and some digging.

 

I've decided to go this route. First install a new USB that will fast charge.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WBZ7BD8?ie=UTF8

Then wire it directly to the fuse box with a fuse tap.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I0MWPXU?ie=UTF8

I'll do this next weekend after the parts arrive.

 

I ran a hot direct to the cigarette lighter in the storage compartment in the console then flipped the factory connector around for the ground. I can change back to factory in like 2 minutes if needed. Give use a review on that please.

 

I got the part early and here is the result.

I first ran a hot wire from the battery through the firewall under the dash down the console into the console storage. (drilled 1/4) hold in console storage to run the wires into the storage area. For a negative wire I stole it from the cigarette lighter which will never be used. I cut the positive off the cigarette lighter and taped it up so it doesn't touch anything.

I used two parts.

1. Six port fuse bus (not this exact one but one like it I found local)
2. USB Fast Charger

Excuse the dust mess I made during this work

I like this option because it gives me 5 more ports if I want to do anything else.

All said and done looks like this.





The part fits perfect (if you order the right size). Note that there are two sizes and the 1.3 is the correct size.


I have only one complaint and that is the USB charger light stays on all the time. Not just when something is plugged in. If this poses a problem then I'll install a little switch somewhere to turn this on and off.

Hope this helps someone down the road. At the end of the day I now have fast charging without the key turned on. Some will ask why not wireless charging. That is because my phone rides in front of me on a mag mount. I don't want to pull it down to lay in the tray to charge.

 

You could probably take it apart and cut the power inside that goes to the LED ring.

 

True but I think I found my answer. There is a blank port beside this charger and this would look perfect

 

Also note if you install these low amp switches you must use a Relay or a Fused Relay. Since I installed a fuse bus I didn't need the fused relay but here are the relays I ordered

 

The results are in.

New switch from eBay
Relay has not come in so I just picked one up local for now.
Quick Charge USB charger










Here is what I have:
1. Fuse Bus wired directly to my battery and installed in the console storage.
2. USB charger which can be turned on and off by the current Passenger Eject button with truck on or off.
3. Top portion of button lights up with button is pressed (on).
4. Bottom portion of button lights up with dash lights.

Now have have fast USB charging either driving or sitting parked and truck not running! Exactly what I wanted.

I'm happy with the results.