Jester77
Junior Member
My 2011 Ram only had one USB connector in the cab (upper glove box). So I decided to switch out the 12V DC Outlet in the center console with one that was Quick Charge 3.0 and had a couple of USB ports. Obviously it is on switched power, just like the old outlet because I used the same wires. I added a 10A inline fuse as well just for safety.
The old outlet is a bit smaller than the new outlet that I installed. I had to take a Dremel with a rasp to gently make the hole larger so the new outlet would fit. While I was in there, I took the time to clean all the trim parts and re-lube the shifter components with silicone lubricating grease. All connections are soldered and I used marine-grade heat shrink to ensure no connections were exposed.
I think it turned out well. This worked so well, I'll be swapping out the 12V DC outlet in the back of the console (for back seat passengers) with the same Quick Charge 3.0 outlet. I like these new outlets because the housing is made from aluminum, there is an on-off switch at the outlet, and it gives you a LED DC readout. Here are some of the pics.
Had to Dremel this hole out to make the new outlet fit.
After the Dremel with a test fit.
Everything lined up, I applied some RTV on the nut and threads to keep it from moving.
New connectors with marine-grade heat shrink.
Making the connections to the existing truck wiring harness. The alligator clip was used just to hold the two wires together so I could solder the joint.
A solid, protected connection that is fail safe....double heat shrink.
And the finished product with all trim back in place.
I never could find a good tutorial on how to take all these pieces apart, at least not in one place so I had to wing it. I should have documented the removal of the console. If you have any questions on how do do this for a 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 Laramie, let me know. I'll do better documentation when I replace the connector in the rear of the console.
The old outlet is a bit smaller than the new outlet that I installed. I had to take a Dremel with a rasp to gently make the hole larger so the new outlet would fit. While I was in there, I took the time to clean all the trim parts and re-lube the shifter components with silicone lubricating grease. All connections are soldered and I used marine-grade heat shrink to ensure no connections were exposed.
I think it turned out well. This worked so well, I'll be swapping out the 12V DC outlet in the back of the console (for back seat passengers) with the same Quick Charge 3.0 outlet. I like these new outlets because the housing is made from aluminum, there is an on-off switch at the outlet, and it gives you a LED DC readout. Here are some of the pics.
Had to Dremel this hole out to make the new outlet fit.
After the Dremel with a test fit.
Everything lined up, I applied some RTV on the nut and threads to keep it from moving.
New connectors with marine-grade heat shrink.
Making the connections to the existing truck wiring harness. The alligator clip was used just to hold the two wires together so I could solder the joint.
A solid, protected connection that is fail safe....double heat shrink.
And the finished product with all trim back in place.
I never could find a good tutorial on how to take all these pieces apart, at least not in one place so I had to wing it. I should have documented the removal of the console. If you have any questions on how do do this for a 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 Laramie, let me know. I'll do better documentation when I replace the connector in the rear of the console.
