How-To: Add USB Charger Outlet in Rear Doors

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SkylarMelo

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This sounds like a great idea for the end of the box, near the tailgate. A cigarette lighter for any purpose, USB, air pumps, other stuff! Hopefully that cover is a good sealer.
 

MFSNanaimo

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Rodenti

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Can this be done without removing the door panel?

I guess it depends on how much extra length is available in the window switch wiring. Is there enough length to pull it up through the hole to solder on the new wires?

The only other issue I foresee is screwing the plastic nut onto the usb plug from underneath. Is there a snap-in version available?

Edit: found a snap-in usb socket, but the rectangular hole adds some complexity:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B07Q48HC3W
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Q48HC3W
 
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tnctx02

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Can this be done without removing the door panel?

I guess it depends on how much extra length is available in the window switch wiring. Is there enough length to pull it up through the hole to solder on the new wires?

The only other issue I foresee is screwing the plastic nut onto the usb plug from underneath. Is there a snap-in version available?

Edit: found a snap-in usb socket, but the rectangular hole adds some complexity:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B07Q48HC3W
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Q48HC3W

Those look really cool!
I bet you do the hole with a dremel tool if there is enough wire to pull it up through the panel and remove it from the door.
 

jagu366

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Great idea and step by step video. I'll be busy this weekend.
 

Rodenti

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Does anyone know where we can source the window switch plug and socket?

I would like to make an adapter that you plug between the plug and switch that gives you the necessary 12V power without cutting and soldering the wires.
 

bruce219

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Does anyone know where we can source the window switch plug and socket?

I would like to make an adapter that you plug between the plug and switch that gives you the necessary 12V power without cutting and soldering the wires.
I just used wire taps,no soldering etc,Took about 30 seconds each side to tap and connect,Its very simple,Door panel is very simple to remove,Flat head screwdriver and pry the little head up and pull out the clasps.Use hole saw to drill panel or a step drill bit.
 

57buick

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I came up with same idea a couple years ago but Installed them in the recessed area of the door panel so they are kinda hidden but they glow red so easy to find in the dark. I also added on in the glovebox for my extra iphone which just holds all my music to always be plugged in and hidden away.

reardoor driver side.JPG

glovebox port.JPG
 

1stindoor

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I came up with same idea a couple years ago but Installed them in the recessed area of the door panel so they are kinda hidden but they glow red so easy to find in the dark. I also added on in the glovebox for my extra iphone which just holds all my music to always be plugged in and hidden away.

View attachment 187782

View attachment 187783
This is exactly what I was going to do this weekend. I just got the plugs last week. I was hoping to put that on the passenger side front door. Does anyone know if removing the front door panel presents any additional challenges or do you follow the same process? I have a 2018 Mega Cab 2500 if it makes any difference.
 

57buick

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This is exactly what I was going to do this weekend. I just got the plugs last week. I was hoping to put that on the passenger side front door. Does anyone know if removing the front door panel presents any additional challenges or do you follow the same process? I have a 2018 Mega Cab 2500 if it makes any difference.

Front doors pretty much the same as back doors. i just didnt need them in the doors up front. I created a ireless charger cradle for my phone in the front console. I took apart a wireless charger and epoxied the coil and electronics to the back of this cradle thats made for dodge rams to fit into the business card slot. Now I just drop my phone into the cradle when I get in.

cradle.JPG

coil electronics.JPG

coil glued1.JPG

coil glued2.JPG

finished.JPEG
 

tnctx02

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Very nice
 

Frank Smith

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what size wire did you use to connect the usb to the car wiring? Solid or twisted?
Thanks
 

bubbasneed

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I am doing this mod currently, because I think it is a great idea. One thing I have found is using the wires in the video your outlet will only have power as long as the windows are unlocked from the drivers master switch. As soon as I lock it the wire loses voltage which makes sense since it disables the rear window buttons, just an FYI for some one doing this mod. Thanks for the idea.
 

IRSmart

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I am doing this mod currently, because I think it is a great idea. One thing I have found is using the wires in the video your outlet will only have power as long as the windows are unlocked from the drivers master switch. As soon as I lock it the wire loses voltage which makes sense since it disables the rear window buttons, just an FYI for some one doing this mod. Thanks for the idea.
Is this speculation or did you confirm this? I am considering this for my kids, but I usually have the back windows locked out.
 

bubbasneed

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Is this speculation or did you confirm this? I am considering this for my kids, but I usually have the back windows locked out.

I confirmed it when I installed my outlets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

57buick

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I put a 6 position fuse box with ground lug built in under my front dash. I mounted it to the brace that was under there. I then ran a 8awg power and ground wire to it, the power wire is run to a relay so it will sitch power on and off with the key switch.

I have my HAM radio and all the USB ports run to it. Each USB port is capable of 3 amps

fusebox1.JPG

fusebox2.JPG
 
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