Upgrade to Bed Mount AC outlet

Greetings, I just got a new 09 Access cab, but didn't have many choices for options. I would like to add is the ac power outlet in the bed. I can get the whole '05-08 assembly for about $200 bucks, or just the storage box cover with outlet for about $50. My may concern though is the power. I was wondering if anyone ever tried to upgrade the existing inverter to a higher wattage using the existing storage box cover, the factory cover with the outlet...

 

Keep us posted if you find anything as someothers myself included have the same question

 

Any particular reason you want the factory outlet there? There are cheaper options.

 

cheaper options??? can you share them with us...

 

I intend to install a power inverter with a higher output than 400Watts, though I would like to have the factory faceplate for nothing more than esthetics. I think that I mentioned before that the bed storage box w/ power outlet is available for the 07 for a little over $200 bucks though I do not know if it actually comes with the inverter itself. I just assumed that the inverter was located elsewhere. The trick would be to adapt the new inverter to the factory cover plate. That would be something. In my search I have also found that there is an after market, lockable storage box replacement where I could install a large inverter but without the factory cover. It's an additional cost so I am still looking into it.

 

The factory inverter is located under the console storage compartment.

 

I removed inverter console a few days ago to pound out a dent in the side of truck (don't ask!). Anyhow the tiny 400w inverter is mounted right next to the outlet. It is powered via some real tiny 12v wires. If I wanted to install an inverter, here is what I would do.

Pick up a 1000+ watt inverter and mount inside the cab of truck, say behind rear seats. Then pick up some extenstion cord wire from Home Depot and run it out to the rear of truck. Wire into just the outlet you are looking at getting (w/o the inverter, just the plug).

I had a similar setup in a old Ford F350 years ago. By having the inverter in the truck, I did not have to worry about the elements (rain) getting to it. Also, as long as it has breathing room, I did not have to worry about ventilation. With a high powered inverter, you have to use large 12v cables. Jumper cables with ends removed, works great. Remember, the shorte the 12v wires are, the better. Then you can just use a 120v ext. cord for the rest of the run.

Hope this is useful to someone....

 

Great info

 

The factory 400w inverter is not located at the outlet location in the bed, it is under the center console. Perhaps you are seeing a GFCI or something?

It would make sense that 120v wires would be small, since they don't need to carry as much current as the 12v wires to the inverter do.

 

Do you think that all Tacomas are pre wired for the inverter even tho they aren't installed?

 

i just put one of these in my work truck, and once i get things caught up and a camper top, i think im getting a pair of deep cycle batteries and one for myself. 2500w continuous, 5000w peak. and pretty decent price.

i havent looked too much into this, this inverter was issued to me for my work truck. i use it to charge a 12/24v jump box, and all kinds of dewalt batteries, radio batteries, and even run my 4 1/2 angle grinder on it.

https://www.cobra.com/sites/default/files/manuals/CPI2575.pdf