Acc. power to top of dash

[Dtuck2252]

I have a 2020 jeep gladiator. planning on mounting some acc. on top of the dash, ham radio, camera, etc.
does anyone have any idea of how to get power to the top of the dash? i don't want to fun cable in front of the dash or have them just hanging there.

Any help would be appreciated.

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[Deadpool392]

How are you mounting the items up there? I have the bulletpoint mounting rubigrid system, so I just used a step bit and drilled a hole underneath it to run wires up. I also have an aftermarket radio (Insane Audio JL4001, but I am 99% sure they went under so I wouldn’t recommend buying one now) which has 4 USB outputs: 1 for CarPlay, 1 for fast charging, and 2 regular. The directions for the 2 regular have their access in the glovebox, but I just tucked them behind the radio once I had everything connected.

This gave me my power to a GoPro and for my MagSafe charger (Also bulletpoint) and with the Rubigrid in place you don’t see the hole.

 

[cranbiz]

I ran a speaker wire and a power wire to the top of my dash. I just came up the passengers side, out the speaker grille and across to the center with the wire hiding in the channel where the windshield folds down.

This is less than perfect if you plan on running with the windshield down but if you run normally, it's fine and doesn't require drilling any holes.

I used the lighter tap cable to get switched power to the speaker.

 

[Dtuck2252]

Thanks this helps a bunch. I will also be using the bulletpoint system. How did you know where it would be safe to drill? dash panel removal info if you don;t mind

thanks

How are you mounting the items up there? I have the bulletpoint mounting rubigrid system, so I just used a step bit and drilled a hole underneath it to run wires up. I also have an aftermarket radio (Insane Audio JL4001, but I am 99% sure they went under so I wouldn’t recommend buying one now) which has 4 USB outputs: 1 for CarPlay, 1 for fast charging, and 2 regular. The directions for the 2 regular have their access in the glovebox, but I just tucked them behind the radio once I had everything connected.

This gave me my power to a GoPro and for my MagSafe charger (Also bulletpoint) and with the Rubigrid in place you don’t see the hole.

How did you know where you could drill the whole, so that you did not hit anything under the dash.

 

[HooliganActual]

How did you know where you could drill the whole, so that you did not hit anything under the dash.

If you pull the trim off around the radio and/or then pull the radio, you'll be able to see where to route things. I routed power for my Garmin Tread to the come out of the top of the dash and routed iPhone cables to the front of the dash this way.

 

[Deadpool392]

Thanks this helps a bunch. I will also be using the bulletpoint system. How did you know where it would be safe to drill? dash panel removal info if you don;t mind

thanks

How did you know where you could drill the whole, so that you did not hit anything under the dash.

I just pulled the radio out, laid a rag in and drilled out with a step bit till it was big enough for my cables. The rag caught all the plastic bits that fell in, made for easy clean up.

It is easy to take the radios out with simple tools, philips screwdriver and a set of plastic trim tools (got mine at harbor freight) is all you need. Pop off the HVAC controls and start/stop button, careful as you pull it away as they are connected still, plenty of slack for hat you’ll need. Pop the plastic trim piece off around the radio and you should see the screws holding it in place, take those out and the radio should easily come out. You shouldn’t need to disconnect everything, but that is dependent on what/how you are going to get power/USB up to the top. Mine was easy since I have 4 USB out connections on my radio, someone else can probably help with more info about adding additional USB outs to the stock setup. Hope this helps.

 

[Dtuck2252]

If you pull the trim off around the radio and/or then pull the radio, you'll be able to see where to route things. I routed power for my Garmin Tread to the come out of the top of the dash and routed iPhone cables to the front of the dash this way.

Thanks I will get on youtube and see hoe to remove these panels. Again Thanks

 

[OHJeeper]

I also used the 12V power adapter "tap" so I didn't have to cut/splice any factory wires (formerly known as the cigarette lighter plug for all of us old folks).

I pulled up the rubber insert at the top/middle of the dash cubby, dropped a hole through the top of the dash and mounted a 2-port USB plug there.

If I ever want to close it up, all I have to do is buy a new rubber insert. Which I'm sure is only like $300 from MOPAR.

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