Drilling Out the ‘Trail Rated’ Badge for External 120V Inlet?

[BogBeaver]

Hey y’all,

I recently purchased my 2021 Gladiator and am in the process of making it my own. I’m looking at adding an external ‘shore power inlet’ plug on the outside of my Jeep for easier access (and more aesthetic than a plug hanging out through the grill) to the factory block heater and a trickle charger for this coming winter. This is my first vehicle and I’m trying to make it last, I figure easier starting when it’s -40*F this winter would be a good place to start.

One location I am considering is replacing the ‘Trail Rated’ badge with the plug. It would keep it discrete as someone at a glance may mistake it for the factory badge. The badge should peel off easy enough but I’d have to drill a 2” hole through the body panel. From what I can find, I need about 2-2.5 inches behind the hole for the plug to slot into and space to route the cable.

General Plug Design:

Is anyone familiar with how much space there is behind the front fender panel in this particular location? I’m concerned I’d be drilling into the firewall or other support under the A pillar. The best images I can find show there’s already a hole present and that the plug would be inline with the firewall/A pillar but don’t provide much to base on how much space is actually behind the panel.

Also, I can’t seem to find a sticky about posting rules so please let me know if I did something wrong with this post!

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[69charged]

The side trail rated badge is just a sticker. You can pull it off. There is an alignment hole though through the metal.

 

[BogBeaver]

Yah, I understand that. I’d have to drill a 2” hole through the exterior fender panel in the indention that is for the badge. What I meant with there already being a hole is in the next panel behind there (see the picture below). I’m just not sure if there’s enough space behind the exterior panel and the one behind there before reaching the main support for the A Pillar. I don’t mind drilling, but I don’t wanna drill into the main body structure

 

[69charged]

Ah yeah. It looks to me like there about 3/4” space. Unless the hole you have circled is right behind. Sorry I can’t be more help.

 

[BogBeaver]

No worries! From what I can tell comparing to the exterior panel, the hole should be directly behind (or close to) where the badge sits so that should buy me a little space. I suspect the hole is there in case FCA decides to swap the antenna to the driver’s side, then they would just need to swap the exterior panel. Did you happen to (or are still able to) shine a light in that alignment hole for the badge? Maybe that next hole isn’t actually there, just present in the figures from the repair manual? I’m hoping to not pull the badge off just to find out there isn’t a hole in that next panel.

For anyone who has replaced the antenna base (what the antenna screws into), do you recall how much space there is back into that cavity from the exterior fender panel?

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’m doing something similar but using a 4xe cowl panel instead. Already has the access port so just have to get whatever I want to run through it. No way am I giving up my badge.

 

[BogBeaver]

Part of the reason I was thinking of taking out the badge was because the black coating on mine has started peeling. Couldn’t think of what would make a cool replacement badge so I figured I’d make it an outlet.

The 4xe cowl is a good idea! Although I have a feeling I’d have a tough time finding one in Sarge Green. Black might work instead. That’ll definitely be a backup option!

 

[BogBeaver]

Seems like a few others have converted the cowl into an onboard air outlet

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...rposed-for-arb-on-board-air-connection.47862/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/4xe-cowl-air-retrofit.57633/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...t-install-with-4xe-air-conversion-cowl.73116/

 

[BogBeaver]

Looks like 813 has it all designed out already!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/noco-ac-port-plug-insert-for-4xe-cowl-panel.67003/

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Looks like 813 has it all designed out already!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/noco-ac-port-plug-insert-for-4xe-cowl-panel.67003/

Wasn’t aware of this either. I’m on 813 all the time but don’t recall seeing this one. Good find!!

 

[KevinM60]

I put mine here
1st pic is sizing it up before fabrication
2nd pic is after bending and painting.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I installed my Noco plug in the rear bumper, but I typically back into my parking spot at the house.

 

[Killroy Was Here]

This:
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...d-battery-charger-install.65098/#post-1068833

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Part of the reason I was thinking of taking out the badge was because the black coating on mine has started peeling. Couldn’t think of what would make a cool replacement badge so I figured I’d make it an outlet.

The 4xe cowl is a good idea! Although I have a feeling I’d have a tough time finding one in Sarge Green. Black might work instead. That’ll definitely be a backup option!

Generally they don't come painted, not even for the dealer.

Also, if you're still wanting to go through the fender, talk to body shop that has plenty of experience with Wranglers/Gladiators, show them these pics regarding where you are considering, and ask them based on their experience what the outcome would be. Measure thrice, cut once.

I installed my Noco plug in the rear bumper, but I typically back into my parking spot at the house.

THIS makes a lot more sense, especially if you live somewhere you can back in to the plug. (F*$# HOAs for this drama).

That way if you're in a rush and/or forget to unplug it, you're less likely to damage something when it unplugs itself. I wouldn't make it a habit but in an emergency you probably wouldn't damage anything, vs the side port options.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Generally they don't come painted, not even for the dealer.

Also, if you're still wanting to go through the fender, talk to body shop that has plenty of experience with Wranglers/Gladiators, show them these pics regarding where you are considering, and ask them based on their experience what the outcome would be. Measure thrice, cut once.



THIS makes a lot more sense, especially if you live somewhere you can back in to the plug. (F*$# HOAs for this drama).

That way if you're in a rush and/or forget to unplug it, you're less likely to damage something when it unplugs itself. I wouldn't make it a habit but in an emergency you probably wouldn't damage anything, vs the side port options.

That makes me wonder if a Kussmaul or similar auto-ejector like what is on emergency vehicles could be retrofitted to the bumper

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