Outdoor Adventure USA

Last weekend's camp out was a huge success except for one small thing, Roxy's iPad died and I forgot a charger. Made for one unhappy little girl on the ride home. I have a few of these USB chargers in the garage and would like to wire a couple of them up before heading to Big Bear this weekend. What's the best plan for wiring them? Thinking I'd hook them to an add-a-circuit but not sure what size fuse to use. Any ideas? Is there a better option?

I have several suggestions. The first is to simply buy a USB charger that plugs into your existing cigarette lighter and consider adding more 12 volt cigarette lighter connections.

I have a total of 7 in my FJC. It may seem like overkill but like you I have several kids and a wife who are constantly on their phones, ipods, laptops or the Kindle. Then I have my GPS, GO Pro Camera and Laptop. Belkin & Apple and lots of others make a good product.

To install your USB chargers you simply need to either tap into a 12 volt always on source at your fuse box or better yet install a fused distribution bus that runs directly from the battery. This can be used to source all of your 12 VDC needs including those new cigarette chargers I mentioned.

Several of us have installed the Blue Seas distribution panel behind the front passenger kick panel. The hot wire is run through my fire wall to a 100 amp fuse and then to the battery. Half of the box is set up as ignition on only and the other half is full time power.


I think Ollie did a good write up on his and there are several on the FJ Forum.

Good luck.

Thanks for the ideas. I had originally thought of using cigarette lighters but went with the USB for a specific reason. They are small enough to fit in the tray/handle space of the back door. That way the kids can plug-in their iPads themselves and there won't be wires stretched out all over the back seat. 3 girls and they all need their 'space'.

I have a Blue Sea box in the garage along with all the parts I need to install the second battery. I just haven't found the time to install it all yet. I need a full day so I can get it all done at once.

With two camping trips in two weeks, it's kind of forcing me to finally get some stuff done.

smslavin wrote:Thanks for the ideas. I had originally thought of using cigarette lighters but went with the USB for a specific reason. They are small enough to fit in the tray/handle space of the back door. That way the kids can plug-in their iPads themselves and there won't be wires stretched out all over the back seat. 3 girls and they all need their 'space'.

I have a Blue Sea box in the garage along with all the parts I need to install the second battery. I just haven't found the time to install it all yet. I need a full day so I can get it all done at once.

With two camping trips in two weeks, it's kind of forcing me to finally get some stuff done.

Gotcha, remind me please, do you have an FJ? I installed two cig. receptacles right at the back of the center console in my FJ. They are up high in the console, face the back seat and rear passengers and make it easy for the kids to plug into and may be a good location for your USB chargers. A lot less wiring and very easy access compared to the door install. It does seems like a lot if work to put them in the door panels as the wiring will have to exit the door some where and run forward under foot panel to your tap or distribution point. I also worry about there exposure to drinks, sunscreen, etc. Having said that don't let my simple mind stop your creativity, I look forward to seeing what you end up doing.

Take care.

Your discussion here is making me think of adding more 12V plugs in my FJ on top of the 7 I already have installed. Two behind the center console and two in each suicide door so I can charge radios while leaving them in the door pockets. You're killing me....

I've also thought of installing a couple on the roof, a couple under the hood, and a set in each bumper.

I've found these to be handy for auxiliary wiring -



This unit has the benefit of 2 USB power ports. The red and black connectors are Anderson Power Pole connectors. They are the defacto standard for ham gear.

There are many more configurations at - http://www.westmountainradio.com

Got 2 out of 4 wired up today. Put 2 in the center console area.



The other 2 are going to be in the handle area of the suicide doors. One on each side.

Wow, those are rad! Did you score them locally or from that website? Man... I just closed up a 12v project... THANKS A LOT, now I'm gonna have to rip the console out again. Guess the 3 plug unit will have to go in sooner than I thought.

Willie H wrote:Wow, those are rad! Did you score them locally or from that website? Man... I just closed up a 12v project... THANKS A LOT, now I'm gonna have to rip the console out again. Guess the 3 plug unit will have to go in sooner than I thought.

It never stops!!!

OLLIE wrote:It never stops!!!

That's what she said...