Aftermarket seat heat install and question

[GringoRingo]

This weekend I tackled my first ever install of aftermarket seat heaters. I was very skeptical due to the low price on Amazon, but went for it due to the large number of positive reviews. I ran a big fat power wire to a 6 circuit fuse block mounted on the firewall, then ran one 15 amp circuit into the truck to run both seats of heaters. I’m really happy how they turned out, as they get almost uncomfortably hot after about 10 mins on high. While running wires along the trans tunnel, I discovered the ductwork for the rear seat vents was completely disconnected which explains the pitiful air flow back there - working much better now!

This brings me to my question - I tapped into one of the unused harnesses behind the center radio console for the switched power trigger wire - guessing this one is for the aux buttons which my truck does not have. It works perfectly, however it is not active with the remote start. They won’t kick on until I get in and turn the key. I’d love to be able to warm up the truck and have the seat heaters on as well. Does anyone know where I might find a source for 12v that’s active during remote start and “run”, preferably near the center stack?

 

[GringoRingo]

Here’s what I bought in case anyone is interested in tackling this one. The upholstery part was the most frustrating for me. I did it with the seats in the truck and struggled with getting the metal hog rings back to where they are holding the seat covers in place. I fought them for hours then realized I could have done it faster and better with nylon zip ties, ha ha.

 

[Spud2388]

I would just use the remote start and then see if you can find a wire. I don’t know if one off the top of my head but there has to be something that comes on. Only difference between oem and aftermarket is you will have to make sure they are turned on before you exit the truck.

And good job on the fuse block. I have two mounted behind/below the radio for anything I might want to add down the road. One is powered straight from the battery and the other is pigtailed off but through a relay that only comes on when “acc” or “run” is hit. Keeps everything really clean.

 

[brianw0048]

did you trim any of the seat cushion or did you just stick the heating pad between the cushion and seat cover?

 

[Truck Fun]

I like the locations for the switches.

 

[Bparker2003]

Looks good man! I did this in an old car and they ran great for years.
Where is the rear seat ductwork? My rear vents barely put anything out and this was on my todo list to track down.