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Cheap but exciting mod #1 I'd vote for one of these or these.
GemCoo 12V USB Outlet, Quick Charge 3.0 Dual USB Cigarette Lighter Socket 36W Aluminum Marine USB Outlet Waterproof with LED Voltmeter for Boat, Motorcycle, Truck, Golf Cart, RV, etc. https://a.co/d/86TF0rQ
I use these. Have one of my 250 and my ranger. They fit in place of the stock power oulet/cigarette lighter outlets perfect. 2 3.0 amp usb ports and volt meter. I don't use the rubber flap on them. Nice ckean flush mount.
These reverse lights under the bumper have been very useful up here in the wet northwest. While LED reverse bulbs in the OEM locations helped some, these were a significant improvement, and only $20.
Nice post sir! I would like to know the details on the, I assume, engine heater plug for the front bumper. I hate the stock configuration and it is painful when cold outside.
I like the battery disconnects, and the bolt issue vs rivets is a valid point, I will research this for my own use as I have been looking (not yet researched) for this as part of modernizing some of my in-cab electrical system options. Thanks!
The heater hose mod is not a valid option for me as I want heat year round, and I am going to do the heater hose mod with the Ford double hose valve to completely shut-off the flow during max AC, etc. I have to dig up the mod if anyone wants it, but I have it in my pile somewhere.
Last edited by WeedWhackerDood; Jan 7, 2023 at 11:47 PM.
Reason: Clarification
Would be nice to have more pictures and details on your setup. Interested in the pictures back towards your heater box too. Interesting insulation mod..... details and pics please?
This is one of the mods I want to do as it is difficult to see when backing at night. I already have LED backup bulbs to replace the stock bulbs and it has helped but not to the extent I was hoping it would. I want to add the below bumper lights as well, but want them to be low profile like yours. Details would be appreciated for installation ideas on my truck sir!
I have to pass on credit for the USB/volt meter with an integrated on/off switch to AKCooper9. I am pretty sure that is who it was that showed me the option for the power port. I had mistakenly purchased a USB/volt meter without an on/off switch for that spot and wired in my own switch. The integrated switch is a much more simple and user friendly version.
As for bumper plug in ports, these things are great! I have two on either side of the bumper in a similar spot as Tomkat07 originally posted. The driver side is for the block heater and the passenger side is for the NOCO battery tender.
I'm not sure if I have anything to contribute further than what has been mentioned.
I tinted my windshield with nearly clear and 99% UV blocking tint to help the 23 year old AC stay cold while traveling cross country. The little creature comforts are what sets these things apart based on what the owner needs or uses on a regular basis. This is a great thread and hopefully it will help someone commit to an inexpensive and worthwhile mod instead of saying "maybe next week".
I’m a strange one who doesn’t understand the desire to put bright LEDs in the gauge cluster. I run mine very dim to keep visibility down the road good. I just don’t like things shining in my eyes. Lots of folks love this mod though.
Originally Posted by F350towing
I mounted my plug behind the grill on the drivers side to keep a clean stock look, but still easily accessible.
Mine however is a Noco for a battery maintainer.
I LOVE this idea! I’ve always had a hard time thinking of drilling out my stock bumper. This is a nice hidden way to add the mod. Thing is I rarely use the block heater so I’ll just keep this in mind.
I do not have an on board charger but recently purchased the small NOCO Genius1 which I rotate between stored items in the winter. I really like the charger and will share the link below. Now I’m wondering if I could do a similar mount behind the grill for the small 2 prong 12v adapter from the charger. Then no need to pop the hood and use the clamps. Most of the other things I charge already have the 12v quick connect but I’ve never added one to the truck yet. Hmmmm.
I’ve also been considering the phone charge port with battery display. I’ve hesitated because our 12v ports are always powered on which would require me to remember to turn off the meter when shutting down. Yeah, I’ve even thought about rewiring or adding a relay from a keyed circuit. I may just get the push in version which is easier for me to notice and remove when stopping. How do you fellas remember to turn yours off?
I’ve also been considering the phone charge port with battery display. I’ve hesitated because our 12v ports are always powered on which would require me to remember to turn off the meter when shutting down. Yeah, I’ve even thought about rewiring or adding a relay from a keyed circuit. I may just get the push in version which is easier for me to notice and remove when stopping. How do you fellas remember to turn yours off?
Mine stays on all the time. Don't think the voltage display uses much power at all. If you drive the truck atleast once a month it will be fine.
I know you said affordable and my tailgate camera was very affordable however it requires that you have a head unit with display. Also one of my best mods is my on board air, however this is not real affordable for many being around $450-$500 by the time it's complete but is has really paid off for me. It is possible to do it cheaper by going without a tank and maybe a cheaper compressor than Viair, or mounting it under the hood to save on heavy wire.
I want to add the below bumper lights as well, but want them to be low profile like yours. Details would be appreciated for installation ideas on my truck sir!
I've got my install thread on them somewhere, let me dig...
I’m a strange one who doesn’t understand the desire to put bright LEDs in the gauge cluster. I run mine very dim to keep visibility down the road good. I just don’t like things shining in my eyes.
I’ve also been considering the phone charge port with battery display.
How do you fellas remember to turn yours off?
Like you, I’m the same on the instrument lights LED bulbs. I don’t want something bright and shining in my face.
The charge port voltage meter is not offensive at night where I have it mounted but bright enough in the day to know you have left it on.
If your O.C.D. it will never get left on. If your A.D.D. it’s likely that something shiny to your left has caught your attention and it might get left on.
I measured draw over a week with nothing plugged into it. .09 volt, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it killing batteries in short order.
That was on a single 11 year old RV coach battery so I’m sure that healthy dual battery system would perform even better to the draw.
Nice post sir! I would like to know the details on the, I assume, engine heater plug for the front bumper. I hate the stock configuration and it is painful when cold outside.
I like the battery disconnects, and the bolt issue vs rivets is a valid point, I will research this for my own use as I have been looking (not yet researched) for this as part of modernizing some of my in-cab electrical system options. Thanks!
The heater hose mod is not a valid option for me as I want heat year round, and I am going to do the heater hose mod with the Ford double hose valve to completely shut-off the flow during max AC, etc. I have to dig up the mod if anyone wants it, but I have it in my pile somewhere.
Requires a 1 7/8" hole saw to cut the hole in the bumper, but I used a 2", as that's what was available. It's a bit counterintuitive to gnaw a hole in a perfectly good bumper...
If you're going to be doing electrical work that require any significant amounts of disconnecting <--> reconnecting your negative battery terminals, I recommend quick disconnects.
Would be nice to have more pictures and details on your setup. Interested in the pictures back towards your heater box too. Interesting insulation mod..... details and pics please?
That's it, what you're seeing there. There's nothing more installed toward the heater core.
