robinja
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- James
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2020
- Threads
- 24
- Messages
- 250
- Reaction score
- 618
- Location
- Florida and North Carolina
- Vehicle(s)
- Gladiator Overland, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, TJ
- Occupation
- Project Manager
- Vehicle Showcase
- 1
- Thread starter
- #1
My Gladiator didn't come with bed power. After some internet searching, I couldn't find any aftermarket plug and play products, at all. And, hell no I'm not going to pay the Jeep price for an outlet. There's a big opportunity here for one of the forum's sponsors to deliver a solution - it will sell like mad. Contact me, I'll test it out for you. lol. So, I decided what the hell, I'll just make my own! The most difficult decision was deciding between a standard 120V outlet or cigarette lighter outlet. I have an Overland, so I could go either setup - tap into the on-board inverter or connect to the Aux Switch Bank. For me the cigarette outlet connected to the Aux Switch was the best choice. Best of all it only cost me $9.99 for a marine grade outlet on Amazon. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FVQ51CX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a two pack, so you have a spare.
Ok... so it's not quite $9.99. You are going have to buy some wire, but you can find that on Amazon for under $8. Here's a link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D74RGVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Choose the right gauge of wire for your application - amps and distance need to be considered. There are lots of online resources for 'choosing the correct wire size for a DC circuit'... that's a hint on what to google.
For this do it yourself, I used the bed plug as the base for mounting:
Step 1 - remove bed plug - if you have bed liner, trace the edge of the plug with a razor to break free - squeeze tabs and push out from behind
Step 2 - plug meet hole saw - 1 1/4 saw should be used - and how nice of Jeep to put a dimple smack in the middle of the plug to start the hole.
Step 3 - secure cigarette lighter outlet to the plug with nut and screws
Step 4 - run the wiring - how you do this and where you draw power is going to be up to you, but I'll be using the Aux Switch Bank so I can turn power on and off to the bed as needed. Consider an inline fuse - use what's appropriate for your application. Be sure to use the correct gauge of wire - consider draw, wire length, etc. - I won't list the possibilities here, because, well, opinions vary. Shrink boot and seal connections and secure wiring as needed. Consider using flexible auto conduit like this to protect your wiring:
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-86663...+flexible&qid=1585791181&s=automotive&sr=1-10
Here's some pics - you can do this!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FVQ51CX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a two pack, so you have a spare.
Ok... so it's not quite $9.99. You are going have to buy some wire, but you can find that on Amazon for under $8. Here's a link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D74RGVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Choose the right gauge of wire for your application - amps and distance need to be considered. There are lots of online resources for 'choosing the correct wire size for a DC circuit'... that's a hint on what to google.
For this do it yourself, I used the bed plug as the base for mounting:
Step 1 - remove bed plug - if you have bed liner, trace the edge of the plug with a razor to break free - squeeze tabs and push out from behind
Step 2 - plug meet hole saw - 1 1/4 saw should be used - and how nice of Jeep to put a dimple smack in the middle of the plug to start the hole.
Step 3 - secure cigarette lighter outlet to the plug with nut and screws
Step 4 - run the wiring - how you do this and where you draw power is going to be up to you, but I'll be using the Aux Switch Bank so I can turn power on and off to the bed as needed. Consider an inline fuse - use what's appropriate for your application. Be sure to use the correct gauge of wire - consider draw, wire length, etc. - I won't list the possibilities here, because, well, opinions vary. Shrink boot and seal connections and secure wiring as needed. Consider using flexible auto conduit like this to protect your wiring:
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-86663...+flexible&qid=1585791181&s=automotive&sr=1-10
Here's some pics - you can do this!
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