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12v outlet in bed

rkfoote

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May 6, 2019
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I used to have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma and wired up a 12v outlet in the bed (see write up here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/12v-bed-outlet-install-write-up.378833/ )
Well fast forward a few years and I found that a teenager, 7 yr old, and newborn don't fit so well in a Tacoma. Go figure.
I traded up to a 2019 Ram 1500, and even with all it's fancy features, there is still no 12v outlet in the bed. (And really, if you don't have a fridge in your bed then what's the point of having a truck?!?)

8 gauge wire from battery (75 amp breaker at battery) (main battery) to blue sea fuse panel ( https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-5025-Blade/dp/B000THQ0CQ ) tucked under the rear of the bed.
2x -12v cig-style outlets mounted in rear bed pillar (each fused @ 15amp)
1x - 4 pin cnlinko plug (https://www.amazon.com/CNLINKO-Industrial-Connector-Receptacles-Waterproof/dp/B06XFMQHWM ) mounted for Solar (2 pins battery fused @ 10 amp, 2 pins solar)
14 gauge 4 conductor wire run to roof rack (2 pins solar, 2 pins for .... i dunno, some lights later???) Connector between canopy and bed (https://www.amazon.com/CNLINKO-Industrial-Receptacles-Connection-Waterproof/dp/B07GRFQYF3 ) in case I ever need to remove the canopy.
Cable is not quite as clean as I would like, but couldn't bring myself to drill a hole through the top of the canopy.
100 watt panel with PWM controller (set @ 13.5v)

Not pictured - Added 2x 30amp relays (they are in the pillar behind the taillight. One is tied to the brake light (and runs up to the canopy 3rd brake light (fused @ 3amp)), the other is tied to the backup lights (planning to add some AUX backup lights to the bumper). Signals from the taillight trigger the relays which are fused off the blue sea panel.

Enjoy!

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JK47TheWeapon

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Jan 17, 2019
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Nice, very clean install.

I am planning something similar. AUX dual battery setup in the engine well, AGM deep cycles, running off a BlueSea ML-ACR charging relay w/ 1/0 gauge wiring between ACR and batteries.

Possibly a flexible solar panel on the tonneau cover to offline trickle charge.
 

AnthonyD1978

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Nov 5, 2018
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Nice! This is the kind of stuff I want to see more of on these trucks. I plan on doing a 200-watt solar setup on my canopy for my camping/overland setup. Just waiting for my move to be finalized so I can have a garage again.
 

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