*waterproof* Dual external plug sockets mod

So i already have a huge R.V. battery and a 3000-6000 watt inverter and a solar panel set up. But i integrated the inverter and solar system into the truck so it is always part of the truck. Well i wanted to enhance that a bit more since the inverter must stay inside the truck. Well i decided to add 2 external plug sockets that were waterproof GFI rated and semi-hidden but useful at any moment. So i came up with liquid tough conduit and plastic plug boxes with waterproof spring loaded covers. We get some serious snow and salt on the roads here in utah so i had to make the system waterproof and corrosion proof.
I used.
2x 6' x 1/2" water tough liquid conduit pre-cut with a straight and a 90 degree curve elbow.
2x plastic socket boxes with 3 entry holes and 3/4" with 1/2" adapters and plugs.
2x bell outdoor weatherproof covers with spring hinge
1x conduit circle box with 5 holes.
2x GFI outlets with reset and test.
18' of 600 volt flexible heavy duty oil and solvent resistant electric wire.
1x heavy duty plug end male.
1x tube of silicone outdoor sealer\caulk.
4x threaded rivets.
1x 3/4" watertight junction coupler. Installed at back of cab after factory plug is removed. You can access it behind the driver side under the back seat under the hatch.
I removed my under bed exhaust heat shield and utilized one of the bolts to hold my junction box in place.

 

Your truck now has more exterior outlets than some places I've lived. Loving your truck! Can't wait to get started on my own electrical stuff too! Any specific tools like crimpers for big wires you recommend? I can solder no problem, but for the larger gauge stuff where terminal ends get used what tools and sources for wire do you recommend? Thank you!

 

You could probably just use standard household 14g romex wiring/twist connectors, but the wire used above is much more flexible and easy to work with when routing around the frame, etc...

Hard to tell from the pics, but the wire used above (stated 600 volt) is probably 10g or 12g?

All this stuff I'm pretty sure is available at home depot or your favorite local home improvement store.

 

My bad I meant for adding batteries and solar. Good looking out!

 

Nicely done, but did you ever think about addressing the frame rust issue? It would be a shame to lose all that features because of stupid rust.

 

If you look at the pics where he drilled the holes, you can see the rust is only superficial... So at least in that area, it's probably nothing to worry about, at least yet...

 

The holes on the picture are in solid metal custom brackets, not the frame tube. I bet the custom brackets actually are made of much better steel then the frame - rust is just surface type not the "flaky" one. The frame is different story. I would submerge my truck in fluid film if I see so much orange stuff on it. Maybe I am paranoid but with my current driving style (2k miles a year) I'm sure the rust will eat my truck before any mechanical happens so salt and winter are the biggest enemies of my truck.

 

All this stuff did come home depot and it's way overpriced but you can get it right now! Amazon is 2 days or one if you pay more. I also have romex wire left over from wiring my race trailer lighting. But i really wanted flexibility once the cable enters the cab so i can plug and un plug it if i want to at any point. I've really had fun modding this beast.

 

Yes that bracket is custom built to hold 300lbs and it also joins the rear frame into 1 piece and that makes it way more rigid and less flex in the chassis and with the sliders welded on its super strong! I actually did rust abatement in 2009 and only the last 2 yrs the rust has taken over a little bit more. I had it painted with an oil based paint and it lasted almost 10yrs. But i have connections at Toyota and i can get a frame anytime i want rather cheap. Also i run and part own an auto shop and i can have my mechanic do whatever i want. But i like the challenge of doing it myself.

 

I like tools and like learning how to use them so im a big fan of buying tools to use them later on projects! i don't really want a house right now but i buy things that can come apart and become smaller for storage. Like i have a tire dismount set up for my race bikes that is portable. I Use a hitch to connect it or a ground platform to attach it so its stable when i swap tires out.


I like to use aimspower.com also i usually do lots of research on what im doing and usually find the best quality parts i can find. and then i search ebay Amazon ali express. for the best price. I spent 2 hours just laying under the truck just sitting the sockets on in different spots until i found the perfect spots. like the passenger side because we sit on that side with the awning so it makes sense to have a socket on that side of the truck. The opposite side is covered by the tent annex, but i put a socket at the left rear so it can support anything needed in the annex and at the rear of the truck where i usually chainsaw wood before i quarter it. I almost did a front socket also but i never use the front area for anything.

 

I see that now. I didn't catch that was a bracket, not the actual frame.

 

The frames are designed to flex a little bit, if you make it too rigid, I would be worried about possible failure.

I've seen some Fords with radius shaped wear marks on the cab, which I think we'd all agree is "too much" flex, lol