12v install in bed only when truck is on?

So I got the Tacoma without the plug in the back , but i want to install one that is only hot when the truck is on or in accessory mode.

Is there existing wiring that i can use to install one? If not what simple wiring can i do, everything i find is an always hot install but i don't want it always hot.

Yes ive thought of putting a switch in and running it straight from battery but i dont want to have to think about it and forget, id rather it only be active when im running the truck so to speak.

Cheers!

 

Run an add a fuse from the engine compartment. Find a circuit that’s only hot with ignition on. If your doing this you need a multimeter. If you can use a multimeter or research how to, then you should not be doing electrical on your truck.

 

If you have the tow package, the charge wire in the 7 way connector is hot when the ignition is on. Don't know about the accessory position.

Obviously you don't want to leave the ignition on while you're playing D&D in the bed.

 

Ha such a simple idea, I like this and im not sure why i didn't think of it. I had it stuck in my mind that there must be wiring already there to prepare for the TRD with plug. I even saw one post about a guy looking to find a harness for the trailer wiring. I did think of running right from battery but missed the logic you threw in.

I got a lot on my mind as i prep for the camping season and all i want to do for my truck i didnt see the obvious.

Either way the ask is still there on if there is existing wiring i can use too!

Thanks!

 

I don’t think the non TRD trucks would be pre-wired (could be wrong) because you don’t have the invertor for the plug. The TRD trucks have a power invertor under the center console, and that controls the bed outlet. So I doubt you’d have any wiring going to the bed without the invertor. There’s a bunch of ways to accomplish this but the simplest is an add a fuse. Another way is to run a wire to the battery and have a relay or solenoid that only trigger with the ignition on. Much more complicated and really not necessary.

 

I do have a tow package and rarely tow..... wish there was a plug on harness to go from the tow connector to a 12v cig plug. Harness is good because if i do need to tow i can just unplug it temporarily.

EDIT: Something like this but longer would be cool... dont want exposed 12v plug under the bumper so id want to at least pull it a couple feet into the bed.

$22 Draw-Tite Tow Ready 118019 Wiring Adapter, 7-Way to Cigarette Lighter Plug

https://www.amazon.com/Tow-Ready-118019-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B007CYB1N2

 

I got a pretty slick product from Matt from Offgrid Engineering. It came with quality pre-cut wiring that you just have to route to your battery or fuse block. I used a dremel to cut a rectangle out of the bed and mounted it above the storage compartment. Looks clean - I don't have a pic of it installed though. It has a switch to turn the outlets on/off.

 

$13 Blue Sea Systems 1011 Dash Socket, 12V, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001...12v+socket&dpPl=1&dpID=41XODc1E+LL&ref=plSrch

Just run your own wiring to the trailer plug.

 

Take one please. (and post it)

I'm assuming this getup is water proof?

 

Ya, ive thought about that. Can splice in to the power from the trailer, add a fuse for safety and make a hole for a cig plug in the bed somewhere. I would love for there to be a similar harness to the one i posted with an extension. Plug and play is less intrusive.

 

Some digging and this solution looks easy and removable if required. Id run the extension from under the bumper(i broke the mount so its literally tucked up in the bumper with tie wraps nice and safe) to the small storage unit on the side of the bed then plug in the cig adapter. That way its protected from the rain and i can easily unplug to run a trailer if need be. Also no need to cut wires and splice.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Curt/C56080.html

$22 Draw-Tite Tow Ready 118019 Wiring Adapter, 7-Way to Cigarette Lighter Plug

https://www.amazon.com/Tow-Ready-118019-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B007CYB1N2

Does this concept make sense?

Edit: With some shopping around I can get this simple setup for 31$ on Amazon.com