12v source in the bed of an early Taco?

[Winky]

Has anyone installed a 12v connection in the bed of there early Tacoma? I have seen it in the newer Tacomas from the factory and would like something like that for running a fridge. Curious to know if any has any ideas.

Cheers,
Josh

 

[JamesBC]

Did it in my 06 which did not have the factory install. Just bought an aux cig lighter type plug, ran wire from the main fuse box and installed it in the bed-side compartment. Works great.

 

[Winky]

Any pictures? I am curious to see the wire run. Is the Aux cig. lighter water proof?

Thanks
Josh

 

[JamesBC]

Don't have photos, but I ran the wire zip tied along the upper part of the frame. Lots of zip ties, no dangles. The adaptor is what I would call water resistant - it has a sealed cap, and I have it enclosed in the utility box at the back of the bed. I have seen others use different kinds to flush mount adaptors in the inner bed wall. Those are pretty slick too.
Here is an example: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productprint/3899/621/

 

[Martinjmpr]

Any pictures? I am curious to see the wire run. Is the Aux cig. lighter water proof?

Thanks
Josh

I have seen external-mount 12v outlets with waterproof covers at auto parts stores. Most of them come with fairly long, heavy gauge wire to connect directly to the battery or wiring harness.

 

[ntsqd]

Not a Taco, but I did this in my '84 pick-up. I used a marine power point (as they're PC called now) and set it into the bed below the taillight on the inside. Removed the light assembly for access and ran the wire up to it along the tail light's wiring.
I have older GM truck isolated studs at the front and near the rear of the bed for tapping into. They are fed by a 10ga. wire on a 30 amp fuse in the engine bay.

 

[viatierra]

I just installed this:

There are actually 2 outlets... one on each side. I got the outlets at West Marine so they are designed to handle the weather. The box I picked up at Radio Shack.

 

[jim65wagon]

Again, not a Tacoma but something like this? I also removed the taillight for access but ran the power wire to a auxiliary switch in the dash. Power is only there when I want it and the light is in the same circuit. 10 gauge wire came with the outlet was long enough to reach the firewall, I had to splice in enough length to reach the dash, battery and add a fuse.