Anyone put a 12v outlet in the bed of the truck?

The install is easy. 'm thinking about putting it in the post "pocket" (whatever they're called) just under the bed rails to protect from the elements.

Any suggestions, ideas or lessons learned?

 

Get a marine grade outlet SS or Plastic Make sure it has a rubber plug or cover for when not in use.

SEAFIT Stainless-Steel 12V Receptacle at West Marine

Mount it under the rail to give it some protection.

Solder all your joints for best results but crimp fittings will also work.

Put dielectric grease on all wire joints then cover them with wire shrink tubing.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=10612
ANCOR MARINE Ancor at West Marine

Put dielectric grease inside socket.
Make sure to use appropriate gauge wire for amps you want and also for length of run.
Fuse the + positive side wire as close to the power source as possible with an inline fuse holder smear dielectric grease on fuse before inserting. ( I like the rubber with water proof cap kind that take blade fuses myself)

Even if you don't live near a place that sells marine supplies you can get a lot of this stuff at auto store or radio shack.

This is how I set up 12v outlets in the back of my boat in a saltwater and always very wet environment (boat stored outside and it rains 200+ days a year here) no problems going on 3 years.

 

Ive seen all kinds of plugs in the bed. I've seen 12v, 110v, and if youre set up for a 5th wheel, theres a 7-Pin in there. its all possible, just get a weatherproof, "spring loaded door" outlet.

 

I've never seen a 12v socket with a spring loaded flap I looked when I put the ones in my boat do you have a link to a place that sells them?

 

I've only seen the spring loaded 7pin and 110v ones. I just assumed someone was smart enough to do it to a 12v also

 

Depends what you need it for. If you have 7-pin trailer plug, the easiest way is to buy a 7 way plug and wire cigarette lighter socket to charging prongs. This way you plug it in when needed and it will automatically go off with engine off. Having 30 amp service gives you some serious power for small items as well. If you need one when you camp, I would just attach fused wire to battery bolt and run it along the frame.

 

I bought one at autozone a few years back, I sold the truck that I installed it in so I don't have a picture but I will see if they still carry them.