Best way to get power behind dash

I've seen a few ways of getting power behind the dash, from starting at the in-cab fuse-box, to stealing from the 12v, etc.

What's the best, cleanest, safest, easiest etc way to go about doing this? I just need to basically get another 12v setup behind the dash with a 12v-to-USB thing, or even USB directly.

I've even seen this, which looks like nearly exactly what I want, but it's out of stock (and doesn't make it clear where they are getting the power from): I've installed the DMM and love the mount, I just want to get rid of the ugly external power loop on the lower half now and clean that up by moving the power behind the dash. I have a wireless carplay adapter plugged into the USB, and magsafe into 12v, so I just hop in, throw my phone on the magsafe and go.

 

I used this:

$11 EDO Tech Hardwired Cable Car Charger Kit for 5V Female USB A Power Port for GPS SiriusXM Radio Dash Cam DVR

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3P6QQG?ie=UTF8

dramatically cleans up the wire mess but it's def not a final solution because the bigger phone require more power to be on and to be charging. I have iphone 11 and it barely charges from that unit. I have it plugged into the fusebox on the drivers side. sorry I dont have more info, it was a while ago and im too sick right now to go to the truck and take a look but i think that kind of usb unit is what youre looking for to get you started.

 

Thanks. I'm using magsafe so I'll need like 10-15 watts. You went from the fusebox though versus forking off the existing 12v? Was it easy to do?

 

Found this video for another one, they are using positaps on the 12v outlet, maybe thats the way to go?

https://youtu.be/Sd9kuy58Np4?t=325

 

to power it I soldered the end of that USB unit to an add-a-fuse adapter. forgot which specific fuse i plugged the add-a-fuse into, but theres power to it even when im only in accessory mode on the ignition..convenient when you want to charge without starting up the engine. I guess you can splice into the stock 12v power port that you are currently using, just might not be as easy to get it as the fusebox near the driver side footwell. my thoughts was you can easily revert to stock if you did the add-a-fuse way. theres a hundred ways to do this and there is other threads on what people did. I got this idea from another tacoma thread, too lazy to look right now but hopefully some other people can chime in their solutions, especially with some of those power hungry phones.

 

I would not splice or use aaf to any circuits.
Run a designate wire from the battery with a line fuse via the firewall grommet.It is pretty easy.
You can grab a ground behind the HU or run a ground wire to the ground points under a hood.
Unplug the battery before.

 

I'm surprised there's not something like a y-splitter that uses the same factory connectors for the 12v or something... Maybe I'm just googling the wrong terms? I could also just relocate the center-console outlets (or unplug them somewhere and put a new harness in their place that I only run to the middle dash)? Running something all the way from the battery seems excessive given all the fused power running to the dash already that I don't need.

 

I'd be willing the unplug/remove/sacrifice the built-in wireless charger as well, it's unable to charge my phone.

 

I popped the in-dash USB port out of its spot in the console, plugged in a USB extension cable and ran that behind the stereo, up through the holes in the DMM.

The flip cover on the USB port covers the hole from the missing plug and I have a cigarette adapter for anybody else that needs to charge from the passenger seat.

 

I have a wireless carplay adapter hooked into that USB, so I can't use it. It does seem like I might be able to steal the same connection used by the center console plugs though, which are extraordinarily useless. Still trying to figure out the plugs. Maybe I have to just go tear the interior apart and get a good look.

 

try the "
400W In Motion Harness with 30” extension by Redside Electric "
400W In Motion Harness with 30” extension by Redside Electric | Page 3 | Tacoma World

then use your 110v house adapter will charge you phone or whatever mush faster than 12v DC

 

Running the wire is less time consuming than a relocation.
The other thing I learned is that these usb, power addons are pos. I had one that I bought from a respectful online car audio retailer and it was popping fuses.
Also, lots of circuits inside of 3rd gen cabin are controlled by main body control unit. Even they are protected by fuses, I would still have a 2nd thought.

 

OP, I also put my phone near where you did (Hondo Garage mount that attaches to the round portion of the A/C vent). I also wanted to get rid of the charging cable hanging from the lighter port to the phone.

Here’s what I did: Got a USB charger from Amazon, spade connectors for power and ground with inline fuse on power side. Went with Add- a- Fuse for power into a Ignition On only fuse. Grounded it by the existing ground stud by the driver kick panel fuse box. FYI, fuse box cover won’t go back on. I tie- wrapped the charge port to a wire bundle coming from the steering wheel.

I popped off the head unit trim and ran the cable from the charge port in behind the panel and out the AC vent for now. Couldn’t bring myself to drill the trim.

Alan

 

If you don't ever plan on towing and use a brake controller there is a Pre-Wired plug on the drivers side that you could use for power.

 

Gotcha. Thought about going wireless as well but all of the Android options sound like the generate a lot of heat