Where is a good point to tap into the interior electrical to add a power point? I know there is a power point on the dash in addition to the cigar lighter, but I want to put another one closer to the back seat (crew cab) for the passengers to use. I can run a new line back from the battery (fuse it properly, etc) but I'd rather tap into a point that is already inside the cab.

I have the manual on CD but it doesn't cover modifications/additions. Pretty good for the rest of the truck though.

Thanks,

Mediumfry

 

My opinion - would be to run a totally new power lead from the batery itself. I would use something around 8 gauge wire or something along those lines to make sure it could handle the load. Never hurts to use too thick of wire....

Just my 2cents.......

 

Don't stop at 12 volts! Here is a thread about running an inverter.
Just think about what you could power back there then!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID117/4558.html

Matt

2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40

 

An easy sorce to tap into is one for the trailer brake controler. There is a battery lead there that is switched with the ingnition I think. That is where I hooked into for my switches I added. All you have to do is plug the pig tail into the plug under the dash and there it it. No running new wires or splicing into existing wiring.

 

See above posts. I looked all thru my SD CC today and could find no
easy link-up connector for 12-V power in the back. I too use an inverter and
have run a line from the battery to under the front passenger seat.
No easier way to do it IMO. Carpet pulls up easily.....

-- Bob


2001 F250 SD CC Lariat, V-10, 4.30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned, BFG 295/75/16 AT's

 

where did the power outlet in the back go? what are you guys running inverters for?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Dec-02 AT 06:09 PM (EST)]>An easy sorce to tap into is one for the trailer brake controller...


Thanks for the reply. I'll look into it. Only concern is if I'm running something off the inverter and hit the brakes, I don't want to blow the fuse and lose the trailer brakes. I'll see how big of circuit that stuff is on.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Dec-02 AT 06:08 PM (EST)]>Don't stop at 12 volts! Here is a thread about running an inverter.
>Just think about what you could power back there then!


Heck, I only have a 300 Watt inverter. If I go direct from the battery I could just as well get a 2000W inverter and install a microwave in the bed along with the TV. All I'd need is a beer fridge and a lazyboy and I could sell the house.

I appreciate all the replies.

-Medfry

 

>where did the power outlet in the back go? what are you
>guys running inverters for?
Huh?

 

Sounds like running a new circuit back from the battery is the safest bet, though a little laborious. I'll probably do that.

Where is a good place to penetrate the firewall with a new circuit?

Do the power intverters come with remote on/off like stereo power amps do? If so, we can run constant power to the inverter (big wire) with a switched line (low power signal line, perhaps from the brake unit) to tell the inverter when to run and when not to.

I'll have to see what features the inverter has when it arrives.

-Medfry

 

I've got a simple 400 W inverter that looks like a mini-amp. It
sits under the passenger seat and has an on/off switch and 2 outlets
for power cords. I use it for laptop chargers and also to run a
portable plasma DVD player for the kids to watch on trips. I shut it off
when not in use. Doesn't get too hot either.

-- Bob

2001 F250 SD CC Lariat, V-10, 4.30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned, BFG 295/75/16 AT's

 

>Where is a good place to penetrate the firewall with a new
>circuit?

I used the upper-left firewall area up under your left knee while driving. Have to cut some grommets to get wires up thru.

>Do the power intverters come with remote on/off like stereo
>power amps do?

Mine does not. It has a on/off switch on the front. Maybe others are
more sophisticated. This one was cheap (<$200).

>I'll have to see what features the inverter has when it
>arrives.

Let us know what you hook up! Picures too, if you can!

-- Bob


2001 F250 SD CC Lariat, V-10, 4.30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned, BFG 295/75/16 AT's

 

>Where is a good place to penetrate the firewall with a new circuit?

Hello!
Over on the right side, just above where a passenger's right foot would be, there's a rubber hole plug in the sheet metal, right below the heater/ac box. Just poke a small hole in it, then force the wire through it. Holds the wire real nice if you don't make the hole too big. The advantage is that you are already on the side where the battery is. Then you can pull up the plastic door sill plate and there is a nice channel down there to run the wire in. Just to be extra safe, I put some of that corrugated plastic armor over it. Thats how I ran the power to my Ham radios behind the back seat.
mike

 

Maybe I'm dreaming but I'm pretty sure there are some wires pre'plumbed through the firewall on the drivers side. There should be a foot or so of wire taped off on the outside and the inside. Idea being is that most if not all of these trucks will have some sort of extra electrical line installed..............

Nope not dreaming just went out in the rain and checked. On the inside directly above the gas pedal. See matching wires under the hood somewhere around the brake booster area.

Also save the aggravation of lifting the carpet and run the wire under the plastic step plate on the drivers side. You can cut a small slit in the carpet under the seat or center console and feed the wire through using a coat hanger.

Find out what kind of load you will be giving it and use the lowest possible amperage fuse for maximum protection.

Good luck.