12-volt Outlets
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 128
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12-volt Outlets
Just took delivery of a 2011 F-350 Lariat CC SB yesterday, after an eight-week wait from order time. So far, really impressed.
I'm slogging through several hundred pages of documentation and one thing that hasn't been answered is to do with the 12-volt power outlets. I have two on the dash, one in the storage under the front middle seat and one under the back port-side seat in the storage area.
I looks like none of them turn off when the engine is turned off and key removed from the ignition. And it looks like they may not turn off after a delay of a certain number of minutes.
So my question is, do they in fact stay live all the time? If that's the case how do people handle things like GPSs, cell phone chargers, etc.? I'm used to leaving all this stuff plugged in and having everything turn off with the vehicle.
I have already installed an inverter under the back seat and a 12-volt port multiplier for the kids, and I'd rather just leave it all plugged in all the time.
Any thoughts, insights or possible solutions would be appreciated.
I'm slogging through several hundred pages of documentation and one thing that hasn't been answered is to do with the 12-volt power outlets. I have two on the dash, one in the storage under the front middle seat and one under the back port-side seat in the storage area.
I looks like none of them turn off when the engine is turned off and key removed from the ignition. And it looks like they may not turn off after a delay of a certain number of minutes.
So my question is, do they in fact stay live all the time? If that's the case how do people handle things like GPSs, cell phone chargers, etc.? I'm used to leaving all this stuff plugged in and having everything turn off with the vehicle.
I have already installed an inverter under the back seat and a 12-volt port multiplier for the kids, and I'd rather just leave it all plugged in all the time.
Any thoughts, insights or possible solutions would be appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
I know the one in the dash below the 4x4 ESOF *** is always hot.
I leave my GPS plugged in and the GPS stays on most of the time (except for extended engine off periods) but that is the only device plugged in. I have used a few of the others at various times but unplugged whatever I had from those plugs prior to shutdown. I'm also not sure about the 110v, 150 watt NEMA 5-15R plug for those who have it.
During the summer, the heat from the sun takes care of my GPS power.
I leave it attached to the windsheld 95% of the time and the heat eventually causes the suction cup to loose its hold and the release button is pushed when it touches the dash and the GPS unit falls out of the holster and shuts off...haha.
I leave my GPS plugged in and the GPS stays on most of the time (except for extended engine off periods) but that is the only device plugged in. I have used a few of the others at various times but unplugged whatever I had from those plugs prior to shutdown. I'm also not sure about the 110v, 150 watt NEMA 5-15R plug for those who have it.
During the summer, the heat from the sun takes care of my GPS power.
I leave it attached to the windsheld 95% of the time and the heat eventually causes the suction cup to loose its hold and the release button is pushed when it touches the dash and the GPS unit falls out of the holster and shuts off...haha.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
I know the one in the dash below the 4x4 ESOF *** is always hot.
I leave my GPS plugged in and the GPS stays on most of the time (except for extended engine off periods) but that is the only device plugged in. I have used a few of the others at various times but unplugged whatever I had from those plugs prior to shutdown. I'm also not sure about the 110v, 150 watt NEMA 5-15R plug for those who have it.
During the summer, the heat from the sun takes care of my GPS power.
I leave it attached to the windsheld 95% of the time and the heat eventually causes the suction cup to loose its hold and the release button is pushed when it touches the dash and the GPS unit falls out of the holster and shuts off...haha.
I leave my GPS plugged in and the GPS stays on most of the time (except for extended engine off periods) but that is the only device plugged in. I have used a few of the others at various times but unplugged whatever I had from those plugs prior to shutdown. I'm also not sure about the 110v, 150 watt NEMA 5-15R plug for those who have it.
During the summer, the heat from the sun takes care of my GPS power.
I leave it attached to the windsheld 95% of the time and the heat eventually causes the suction cup to loose its hold and the release button is pushed when it touches the dash and the GPS unit falls out of the holster and shuts off...haha.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1
From: Corinth, TX
The 110v outlet is only on with ignition on. Which is fine for *most* people... but I wish I could run off pure battery sometimes. Also, I *thought* that one of the dash-mounted 12v outlets was wired to ignition on... but now I'm questioning that. I'll have to go test tonight.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I've left cell phone chargers and GPS devices plugged in frequently and never have had a problem. Remember that these trucks have two large batteries. There is a LOT of power there.
I wouldn't leave anything that draws more than a few watts plugged in, but most chargers won't drain enough to worry about unless the truck will be sitting for a week or longer.
I wouldn't leave anything that draws more than a few watts plugged in, but most chargers won't drain enough to worry about unless the truck will be sitting for a week or longer.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Agree with Tom, They are all hot all the time and I actually prefer it that way. When I am home I sometimes let my phone charge overnight or while I am working and stuff. It's nice to have power without using the key on or running the engine.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
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I played around a bit more tonight and they all stay hot with the key off. I plugged a phone charger in to each one without putting the key in the ignition and the pilot light lit up on the charger each time.
I'd like to leave an inverter and double-outlet 12V port plugged in under the back seat all the time, and my GPS plugged in all the time in the front but I have the single battery and heavy duty alternator so I don't know if it has the juice for all this stuff to be putting a drain on the battery.
I think as far as a Plan B goes, I'll run a line from one of the upfitter switches to the outlet under the back seat so at least I'll be able to control that one.
I'd like to leave an inverter and double-outlet 12V port plugged in under the back seat all the time, and my GPS plugged in all the time in the front but I have the single battery and heavy duty alternator so I don't know if it has the juice for all this stuff to be putting a drain on the battery.
I think as far as a Plan B goes, I'll run a line from one of the upfitter switches to the outlet under the back seat so at least I'll be able to control that one.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1
From: Corinth, TX
keep in mind that the upfitter switch might not be rated for the amperage your inverter needs to draw. I don't know what they *are* rated for... but I can say that the wiring isn't 4 or even 6 gauge like the inverters I have. Maybe your underseat inverter has a remote turn-on like an RV inverter. That would be ideal 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I ran an inverter (750W) in my '08 off of the #1 Upfitter switch. I never had any problems charging Makita/DeWalt batteries, computers and stuff. I don't think I would plug in a hair dryer but most electronics like portable DVD players and stuff don't draw that much wattage.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
ALL 6.7L PSD trucks have two batteries, it's not an option. If you have a diesel you have two batteries.
Junior User
Joined: May 2010
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Another option is to use the upfitter to control a relay, then you can run whatever size wire/relay is needed for your inverter. A little more wiring, but it would be the right way to run something that needs a lot of amps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
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From: Corinth, TX
That's kinda what I was thinking. Many RV inverters have one built-in (like most car audio amplifiers) but it would be easy enough to wire one in. Good idea!