When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
First time starting a thread, long time reader. I installed USB chargers for the rear seat passengers in my truck and thought it might be of interest to some of you. Did it a couple of months ago and didn't think about posting because I've never done it before so I don't have Install pictures.
I made a template by cutting a piece of construction paper to the size of the top of the seat belt cover. Then I determined where I wanted the charger to go and cut a rectangular hole in the template that the switch would fit into.
Then I put masking tape over the seat belt cover, taped the template down and traced the hole on the tape. Remove the template to use on the other side.
I used a butterfly bit the diameter of the hole and drilled 2 holes and squared it out with a small saw to make my hole. I loosened the whole trim panal enough that I could pull it away from the seat belt and used a shop vac and air nozzle to clean out the debris
I ran the positive/negative wires from the driver's side under the carpet to passenger side. There I tied the negatives together and grounded them to the body with a screw under the door sill cover. I tied the positives together and ran the wire forward and spliced to the power wire for the cigarette lighter. Years ago I replaced that with a USB charger.
What made me think about posting is a family camping that I just came back from. They were not only convenient for the Grandkids during the drive, since they are always on my truck became a charging station for the family.
Huh. I've never ridden in the back seat, so wouldn't have thought of that location. Only concern I'd have with that location is if a loose wire could get wrapped up in the belt. Nice idea
Wesley Green: I was concerned about the wires also. I forgot to add that I used 2 strand jacketed wire and duct taped it to the inside of the trim piece. It is well clear and protected from the seat belt I think.
I've been toying with installing a jack in the back of my center console. Since that requires the removal of both front seats to get the center console out this might be an option. Thanks for posting!
I am interested in doing this to my truck being that my soon to be teenage son likes to use his iPad on trips. Do you have any links to the stuff you bought? I am thinking of installing on the back of the console.
Firefighter 1406-Thanks for asking. Made me catch a mistake. I purchased the rear seat chargers from eBay not Amazon as I stated in an earlier post. I did purchase the one for the dash for Amazon. I guess it's old age kicking in. Here is the link for the rear seat chargers, I don't have the one for the dash charger.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Charger-5-Volt-3-1-amp-Led-12v-Rocker-Switch-Cell-Phone-Camera-2-Port-UTV-RV/331614261641?hash=item4d35c01189:g:rOIAAOSwu4BVr8~ S
This was a phenomenal idea. I had not even thought to add chargers in the back. This coming Easter, I am towing a couple of Jeeps and their owners to Utah. Large men and their large toys, including, but not limited to, cameras, GoPros, and phones/tablets. This will make the coming trip even easier. Thank you for the idea and help. Best of luck.
I had not even thought to add chargers in the back.
It's been on my list forever to add power to the back for my kids. In the interim (going on 5 years now ) I have a 15 foot 12 volt port "extension" that goes from the powerport in the dash, under the mats and rear bench, then comes out of the crease between the bottom and back cusions of the rear bench. I have a 12V double USB plugged into it and it keeps both kids charged and happy.
) I have a 15 foot 12 volt port "extension" that goes from the powerport in the dash, under the mats and rear bench, then comes out of the crease between the bottom and back cusions of the rear bench. I have a 12V double USB plugged into it and it keeps both kids charged and happy.