RAM 2019 Big Horn Add 12V Charge Plug to Bed

[pdadams]

Please forgive me if this has already been addressed. My first post.

I have a (new to me/first truck I've owned) 2019 RAM Big Horn (Level 1 Equipment Group) and need to add a 12V outlet to the truck bed in order to plug in my Domestic cooler. The only 12V outlet I have is in the dash (none in rear seat). Can someone help point me to what power source to use, where in the fuse block to plug things into, and what is the best path for routing wiring to driver side truck bed near tailgate? I would appreciate Amazon links (or other vendors) to product needed. Most importantly, I want the newly added outlet NOT to be powered when ignition is off, so as not to drain battery if I forget to unplug/turn off cooler.

Thanks very much for your patience and response!

 

[Richard320]

First thing to check is if the cooler has the "3-stage dynamic battery protection system." It monitors the incoming voltage when running (battery under load) and if it dips too low, it will kill the power and spare your battery. If you have it, wiring is a heckuva lot easier because RAM was pretty miserly with "Ignition on" fuses in the underhood fuse block.

Second thing: do you ever plan to pull a trailer, especially when the refrigerator is in the bed? Because there is a nice fused hot wire and a good ground right there in the neighborhood inside the 7pin trailer connector. You can buy a Tee connector and run it up through a stake pocket into the bed and either use the end they provide or cut the wires and connect whatever connector you want to use. The cigarette lighter type plugs are not real solid. It could easily wiggle loose. I would suggest Anderson Power Poles.

If that connector is too pricey or you'll be pulling a travel trailer that needs the charging line, then you'll need to run wiring up into the fuse block and along the frame. Myself -- if I had to go this route I'd get some 10 ga zip cord and an inline fuse holder, a couple ring terminals, and again the powerpoles. The local car stereo shop that services those guys with the riceburners with the huge stereos will have all that stuff. This place also has everything https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors.

Let's get some answers before the discussion gets into finding a key-on signal to use.

 

[FM45]

Here---

https://5thgenrams.com/community/attachments/ram-12-volt-plus-pdf.56456/

Mine is constant 12v thru a circuit breaker -- but you get the idea of what can be done---

-=FM45=-

 

[pdadams]

First thing to check is if the cooler has the "3-stage dynamic battery protection system." It monitors the incoming voltage when running (battery under load) and if it dips too low, it will kill the power and spare your battery. If you have it, wiring is a heckuva lot easier because RAM was pretty miserly with "Ignition on" fuses in the underhood fuse block.

Second thing: do you ever plan to pull a trailer, especially when the refrigerator is in the bed? Because there is a nice fused hot wire and a good ground right there in the neighborhood inside the 7pin trailer connector. You can buy a Tee connector and run it up through a stake pocket into the bed and either use the end they provide or cut the wires and connect whatever connector you want to use. The cigarette lighter type plugs are not real solid. It could easily wiggle loose. I would suggest Anderson Power Poles.

If that connector is too pricey or you'll be pulling a travel trailer that needs the charging line, then you'll need to run wiring up into the fuse block and along the frame. Myself -- if I had to go this route I'd get some 10 ga zip cord and an inline fuse holder, a couple ring terminals, and again the powerpoles. The local car stereo shop that services those guys with the riceburners with the huge stereos will have all that stuff. This place also has everything https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors.

Let's get some answers before the discussion gets into finding a key-on signal to use.

Thanks very much for the detailed info here. I'll give this some thought while continuing to read others' contributions.

 

[pdadams]

Here---

https://5thgenrams.com/community/attachments/ram-12-volt-plus-pdf.56456/

Mine is constant 12v thru a circuit breaker -- but you get the idea of what can be done---

-=FM45=-

Thanks! Looks simple. Continuing to think on source for power so the 12v is switched via ignition.

 

[pdadams]

Thanks very much for the detailed info here. I'll give this some thought while continuing to read others' contributions.

Turns out I do have the 3-stage feature, so how does this make it easier for the wiring? My cooler is this: https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdo...coolers/electric-coolers/dometic-cf-35-140221

 

[Richard320]

Turns out I do have the 3-stage feature, so how does this make it easier for the wiring? My cooler is this: https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdo...coolers/electric-coolers/dometic-cf-35-140221

It's easier because you can connect to B+ and let the cooler worry about not discharging the battery. You don't need switched power or isolators or relays or anything.

 

[pdadams]

It's easier because you can connect to B+ and let the cooler worry about not discharging the battery. You don't need switched power or isolators or relays or anything.

Thanks very much! That's what I suspected but needed to make sure before I begin.