Backseat 12v Outlet Install

This weekend I tackled a little project that has been on the back burner for a while. I installed a 12v outlet on the ass end of the center console in the backseat. I already had +12v and ground wires connected to the battery and run into the cab for a CB that I removed, but it only took me about an hour (laying things out, figuring out how to remove the console, installing, and documenting the process). I would expect that if I had to go start to finish, it might take me 45 minutes to go from battery to rear seat outlet.

Without further adieu, the install.

Disconnect the battery.

Wires come into the cab through the grommet on the driver's side. That procedure is documented in many other places, plus I didn't have to do it, so I skipped that step. Zip tie the pair of wires to whatever shit you can find above the gas and brake pedals. I don't know what the hell to do if you have 3 pedals, I'll bet you can figure it out.

The first key thing to point out is that there is really nothing to hold the wires as they make this curve into the console. I pulled out this flap of carpet and then tucked the wires back behind it. Refold the flap afterwards.



Stuff the wires up into the console as your work your way past the drivers seat.



When you get to the back, it helps if you unbolt the console. So remove that felt pad from the inside of the console and you are going to find (2) 10mm bolts. Put every extension that you have in your tool kit together and then remove the two bolts.



From the back seat, pick up the console ever so slightly, and pull the back end off the console.



I tucked the wires back behind the wires to whatever the hell this brown thing is. Looks important, maybe it monitors the temp for the duct that below the console.



The flat face of the console is 6 inches wide, I chose to center it. There is very little reason why you couldn't add two of them. I'm sure you can figure it out. The outlet that I bought has an OD of 1-1/8, so i predrilled and then used a step bit to get to the diameter I needed. If you put it up too high, It may interfere with the backseat cup holders.



There is a little lip on the top of the console panel that you removed. Make sure to seat that before you shove the panel back into the console. Put the bolts back in, reconnect the battery and then you are done. If you want a little more adventure, make sure that you lose track of where you put that little felt pad that goes in the console. You can easily spend 15 minutes looking for it, but it's probably going to be between the passenger side door and the seat.

 

I need to do this. Should be even easier for me since mine already came with a USB plug there. It's powered by 12v coming in.

Here's a pic of when I tapped it to my sub for the auto-on feature to work.

 

Nicely done.

I did the same thing in the wife's car. It has a lighted ring tied into the parking light circuit. Makes plugging USB cords easy in the dark.
I stuck a dual USB adapter in it.

Fully charged phones and tablets sure make for quiet kids and peaceful road trips .