One thing I really liked about ram HD was they offered a factory power outlet in the truck bed. Does anyone have a suggestion and/or DIY guide to adding a 12v or 115v outlet to the bed? I know a 12v would be easy to add with just a loose connection hanging in the bed, but I think I’d prefer something like a panel mounted to the bed or something? I do have the upfitter switch option. Thanks!

 

I have a 7-way plug with alligator clips on the 12v hot and ground poles, you could do something like that with a lighter plug type socket on it.
Just plug it in when you need it.

 

It's easy enough to do. You can run a fused + cable from the battery (not sure which battery on my 6.7L). The only issue is the cable gauge will be based on the length of the run to the bed. You'd probably want to make it switched using a relay and one of your Upfitter switches. I'm sure there are write-ups on how to do this online. There are many websites that have info on wire gauge based on the distance/run.

 

Upfitter switches are already fused and have a relay.

 

yup and easy to run large power feed aft, 8 or 10 gauge for up to 15 amps should suit it well

 

I will run in off an upfitter switch for sure. Anyone have a suggestion for a 12v outlet? I’d prefer one that mounts and is waterproof.
I found this one but it’s pretty basic. I’d love to find a mountable one so it isn’t lying on the floor of the bed.

http://CUZEC 14AWG 12ft / 3.66m Adap...ZJ38PXBQP48WCV

 

west marine has some that are water proof closed https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...08?recordNum=3

 

What are you wanting to use this for? Are you sure 15A/12V is enough? I can’t think of anything I’d want to do in the bed of the truck that uses that little power.

 

Why would it be limited to that amperage???
#5 and 6 upfitter switches have 40 amp circuits, IIRC.

 

I forgot about the Upfitter switches having relays.

As long as you run the right gauge wire for the voltage and distance and you use the right relay (or a separate one if necessary) you should be good to go.

 

A 110 in the bed would be very handy for tailgating.

 

I am in the middle of this exact project... 120 volt plug of any significant size to be of use (2000 watt or larger), will require a lot of work and expensive wire.

Some things to consider...
12v DC is far different than 120v AC.. there are conversion formulas to run which will effect wire size. Do it wrong and you'll fry your $65-95K truck.

A "DC" inverter will require very large wire (like at least #0 or bigger) right off the battery, NOT your 40 Amp fused, up-fitter wire. The wire on those is far too small for an inverter. The 12v to 120v inverter itself requires a good amount of room... it will not fit in your engine compartment. (look how big a 2000w inverter is on ebay... these things are not small... and 2000 watt is about the minimum you'd want in the first place. Otherwise the one or two 400watt plugs you have inside should be fine, right?

Then when you get into the weeds on this stuff, there is a lot of FAKE info out there and a lot of Chinese counterfeit wire, or cheap wire like Chinese CCC (copper clad copper). You will fry your truck if you're no careful in what you use and how and where you put fuses.

Good American Made wire with brass ends that would be run from the battery to a good quality inverter under your back seat will run you a least a few hundred dollars. Inline fuses, mounts, cladding... maybe $100. A high quality (why would you put anything else in your $65-95K truck???) is about $800-$1200.

I did this project (with solar) for my RV and it was not cheap. And, in my opinion the Ford commercial everyone is referring to is so impractical and stupid, its absurd. Yeah, lets run our truck down so now both our house and truck are useless. Buy a decent generator, put some Ethanol-free fuel (like Tru-Fuel or Blue Fuel) in it and now you can let it sit for years till you need it... cost... less than $1000.

Anyway, I may still do this project since I did it in my RV. However, for now I'm using the Bluetti for 120V and it's working great. It runs my Skillsaw and charges from 12v cigarette or 120v household outlet or even solar. Lots of practical uses for a Bluetti.
BLUETTI AC200P 2000WH/2000W PORTABLE POWER STATION - New - Original Seal | eBay

As for 12 volt to charge my Bluetti in the bed of my truck...
I'm running something similar to this with USA made wire from the 40AMP switched wire end to the back of my truck near the left rear tail light. I will post pics as soon as its done... materials just got here.

Water-Resistant Accessory Panel - 15A Circuit Breaker, 12V Socket, 2x 2.1A Dual USB Chargers - Blue Sea Systems

8/2 AWG Duplex Round DC Marine Wire - Tinned Copper Boat Cable - 30 Feet - Wh... | eBay

My advice... DO NOT use Chinese 12v made junk. "Blue Sea" brand is expensive, but worth it.

My 2 cents...
Rock on...

 

You can wire up anything you want but that plug he mentioned was 14 AWG