HOW TO: 400W Anytime Mod 3rd Gen

I just did this on my automatic and it worked fine, but the lights down next to the shifter don't work anymore. Did anyone else see this happen?

*Edit

Ah balls never mind, that's what happens when you forget to plug the plug back in....

 

My 2021 Tacoma OffRoad owner's manual has info about inverter protection circuit. I'm wondering if this ever kicks in for folks using 400w while driving, if charging a power station via the 120v outlet?
Manual:
■The protection circuit may be activated to cut the power supply if any of
the following conditions apply:
●The engine is started with the power outlet main switch on.
●Use of electrical appliances exceeding the maximum capacity is attempted.
A sound may be heard when the protection circuit is activated. This is nor-
mal and does not indicate a malfunction.
●Electrical appliances, which consume power exceeding 100 W, have been
used continuously for a long time period.
●The total power usage by all electrical features (headlights, air conditioning,
etc.) has exceeded the total vehicle maximum for an extended period of
time.
××××××××

I was planning on doing this mod, then just plugging my solar power station into AC bed outlet. This would give me 400w (minus ac inefficiency) to recharge my 1536 watt-hr LiFePO4 battery in the unit. This is better than the Redarc BCDC 25A dc to dc charger (375w), and no wiring to run.
My worry is that the power station can charge at 1400 w via AC charging, so might demand more than the 400w and, according to the owner manual, activate the protection circuit turning power off. Or worse, blow the fuse. If I have to figure out a way to limit power draw to 400w, the mod won't be very useful to me (If car doesn't auto limit there and just deliver 400w, no more, without popping protection circuit).

Any info from folks on how that 400w is limited, delivered, and protected by car would help, thx!

 

So I have my metal detectors plugged in the back to an extension cord so I can charge them while they are stored in the bed if the truck. I always forget to press the button in the cab, thus it never charges. Will this make the plug in the bed always powered on when the trucks in? If not does anyone know of a way to mod the switch to automatically come on when you turn the truck on? I really just need it powered while the trucks on without having to remember to press the button.

 

The mod does not change how the button works, you still need to remember to press the button every time you start the truck. It's frustrating, I agree. I've though about rewiring the button to be "always on" when truck is running but other things get in the way and I've yet to do it.

 

If you jump wires on 3 & 6, you get ON at ACC & IGN. You loose switch function.

 

Awesome, I will try this. I'm also going to explore a way to keep button functionality. To be able to have auto on with at ACC and IGN but be able to turn off with the factory button, that would be great. IMO it's how it should have been set up from the factory ‍♂️

I'm sure there's a reason Toyota didn't design it this way, not that it's a problem but I'm sure it's connected to always choosing the less liable route (no matter how small) when you're product engineering vs being the consumer. Boo

 

So, when button is out (off) it won't supply power regardless of engine status, but when button is in (on) it will power when truck is set to ACC or running? If you figure that out be sure to post the wiring! I'm sure it will involve a transistor (lol)...

 

You could test that particular function on your TACO. Let us know if leaving the switch ON doesn't require a "recycle" for the switch to work. If so then no need to jump the wire.

 

So I started by taking the actual switch apart. Let me start by saying I'm not electrician and usually figure things out by trial and error and the inevitable blowing of fuses, which is why although I have figured it out....I had to order a new plug. Once the new plug comes in I'll put it all together and post it. Here's the gist of the idea, if I'm correct, it will function with the factory switch after the bridges. You start by bridging the left top to the left rear (red line in my photo), the right top the right rear.(other red line) This creates the auto on with ACC/ENG. Then when you complete a circuit by connecting the right bridge to the center split connections, (yellow line) it turns it off. Complete the circuit again it comes back on. With the bridges in place and the button together, this will automatically occur. Again, waiting on the new switch from eBay special (used OEM).

 

Reread thread... anyone know where the fuse is if you pop it, overtaxing the inverter?

 

I believe that the inverter uses a circuit breaker that automatically resets after some time or it cools down.

 

mine didn’t charge my 1000w River Lithium battery well. It would spike up to 100-200w for a few seconds and then go to zero, and repeat. The plug ran the fridge fine, but would spike while charging the battery.

my plan is to run a 12v circuit and wire (with fuse) to the bed from the battery. The stock inverter is worthless and only good for Christmas lights!

 

That would be very wishful thinking...

 

Dang. Nice work!

 

@caribe makaira thanks!

 

Well darn, this truck bed 120vac power is useless to me!

I just walked in from testing the

$529 Pecron e1500LFP Solar Generator 1536Wh, 2200W LiFePO4 Battery Backup, Fast Charging Power Station for Home use, RV, and Outdoor Camping

Pecron e1500LFP power station using the AC 120v power in bed of my truck. NO GO!! I've been assuming I could just plug it in and charge, but NO. Pecron just clicks, doesn't accept any power. Keeps clicking every 5 sec or so as it resets and tries but denies the truck AC. Some guy posted same results here earlier, I thought I better go test it. The Tacoma inverter must be cheap, maybe not true sine wave, whatever, but it is too malformed apparently for Pecron to accept. I then plugged Pecron into wall, yep 1600w charging instantly.
So... now I'm gonna have to get a battery charger that is dumb and accepts 120v malformed wave, and converts it to 48v or something, and feed that into the Pecron solar input maybe. Or bite the bullet and buy a dcdc charger from my alternator, and run big cables. Such a huge waste though with 400w 120vac alread sitting there in truck bed...

 

This is for Cornrower. Was there any luck with that switch. I am looking at the same issue. Will do the 400w anytime mod but it doesn't help my poor memory for pushing the damn button every time I get in the truck

 

I wanted to add a switch to be able to turn on my reverse camera without adding a wiring harness does anybody know the two wires for the reverse sensor before and after so I can supply power to it and skip the sensor