How to: AC outlet in cab + 400 Watt Anytime Mod 2nd gen

Based on his post here, @CLVol1255 may be able to advise regarding the kit and/or where to source the plug.

 

The plug is from a Ford or Lincoln product, I think the part number is in a post earlier in the thread. It's nice in the fact that it's covered when not in use, kind of a waste IMO for an interior installation unless you got a kid that might stick something into the socket when powered on, considering what the mod takes, buying a harness seems like a waste of $. With a typical socket it's just 3 wires, with the ford outlet you need connectors and a crimper to make the connection at the rear of the outlet, overkill IMO. I chose a dual outlet with 2 USB ports mounted on the back of the console and added a 3 wire connector so the console with the mounted outlet can be removed out of the truck easily. I think I got $20 in everything. I use it mostly to keep a power bank charged that's hooked to my fridge. Running the fridge directly off the socket means it's not powered when the truck is off and anytime I forget to push the button which is about 25% of the time, with the power bank it works great, the truck easily charges the bank while the bank is powering the fridge.

$16 MOCW Electrical Power Outlet Socket Dash Console BC3Z-19N236-A DC/AC 110V /150W for Ford 2011-2016 F250 F350 F450 Superduty, 2011-2014 F150 Expedition Lincoln Navigator Mark, 2011-2015 Explorer

https://www.amazon.com/MOCW-BC3Z-19N236-Assembly-Lincoln-Console/dp/B09FSNR7TZ?smid=A3T5KU9MQ2GAZ2

 

Hey is there already a ac plug there or did you tap into the button and inverter? Nice little option to have. My wet saw couldn’t run tho

 

Looking at installing the 400W anytime mod to charge my Jackery while I drive. Are there any downsides/risks? If not, why would Toyota design it this way?

 

ETA:
Whoops! My bad! as correctly pointed out below it isn't 400w at 12v.... It's 400w at 120v. A basic conversion formula is 1 amp of draw on a 12v DC inverter equals 10 watts of 120v AC. So it's more like 40 amp draw on the alt. I think that's also assuming your inverter is 95% efficient.

400w at 12v is right at 34 amps. Since the alternator is topping out at 130A I guess someone at Toyota was worried about driving around with the headlights on, air conditioning and radio blasting and other such draws on the alternator with an additional potential 34 amps.

This mod has been done a lot and I haven't heard of it causing problems but that doesn't mean it's not happening. I'm sure somebody had an early demise of their alternator from doing this but doesn't realize it.

Anyway, I did the mod.

ETA:
Here is a link to a thread about what draws how many amps under what conditions.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-amp-draw-and-alternator-loads-tested.821385/

ETA:
More fun! the inverter in the Taco is a (I believe) modified sine wave inverter. "sensitive electronics" sometimes don't do well on that type. they need a pure sine wave inverter. So whether it's safe to plug in your computer is beyond my pay grade.

 

That's how I use the 400W anytime mod, my only issue is remembering to turn on the inverter after stopping somewhere. I think the reason it's output limited in drive is there's situations where pulling an extra 34A wouldn't be a good idea. We'd see it sometimes in stop and go traffic in a show storm, defroster is on high, wipers going, headlights running and almost constant brake lights while the motor is idling and the alternators output is minimal.

 

I'm not sure what the power requirements of the Jackery are, but I have the 400w Goal Zero power bank. I've yet to get around to doing the anytime mod on my truck. But I haven't found it to be necessary for charging my GZ, as it only pulls 55w while charging on 110v. I'm not saying you shouldn't do the anytime mod, but you probably don't have to for this purpose.

 

It's NOT 400w at 12v DC. It's 400w at 120v AC. So much less amps available...

 

I have a Jackery 1000 and it pulls somewhere around 150W and trips when in 100W mode.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone. Where did everyone get theirs and do they recommend it? I see CaliRaised offers one. Probably willing to spend a little more $$ on something as plug and play as possible.

 

I don't think I bought a harness, I think I did the DIY instructions here in this thread.