Power?

[Sweetee]

Greetings,

I certainly appreciate all the information and suggestions I picked up here already. I am in the 2nd month with my new 2012 Express RC. I've run a power wire from the power center for my radar detector and scanner and have changed out my dome and license lights for LEDs. I even saved a review mirror with map lights and added that too. My big project was to mount my Pyle back-up camera display monitor to a power plug. I have that plugged into the powered outlet plug just below the ignition switch. This way, I have a continuous color video feed from the back of my truck. Great for parking and hooking up the trailer. Since I use the other outlet on the dash for my Nuvi, I would like to have a hidden outlet under my driver's seat for my cellphone/Ipad charger. I know that the Can-bus system can be a challenge, but was hoping that one of those wires in the three plugs under the driver's seat would be a constant or switch 12 volt +. Do any of you have any suggestions?

 

[jlb]

I have almost the same setup (Pyle is awesome, got my kit for $29 lol)

I put mine on the dash between the pillar, and the HUD. Ran the wire down between the pillar and the dash (Just pop off the side panel, and a couple screws, and away you go). But I did run my own power into the cab. I am running a whole auxiliary fuse box under my dash. I feel like doing that always pays off by the time you add a few switches for Daylighters, back up/side cams, horns, air compressor, etc lol.

I would recommend adding another small box it is totally worth it in the long run.

Also, mounting the screen up by the pillar gives you way better visibility if you are bouncing from mirror to B/U cam. Just a thought.

Curious though, where did you mount the camera?

 

[Sweetee]

Yep, the Pyle products seem like good stuff. I originally had my Pyle monitor mounted in my '98 Chevrolet WT1500. When I traded it in on my new Ram, I took it out on a whim. I did not want to mess up the dash with holes, etc., but really missed having a video feed from the back. The Pyle package I had included a license plate bracket camera. I picked up a new 20' RCA cable set on Amazon for less than $3 and used one of the cables for the video feed and the other for 12V to the camera. Since I mounted the monitor on the plug, I can remove it quickly for security. I have it on constantly and don't mind looking down to verify clearance after checking the mirrors. I will probably just run another 12V feed from the distribution center rather than tapping into any of those wires under the seat. I just want to have one more 12V. outlet somewhat hidden so I don't have cords and wires dangling from the dash.

 

[quietpeen]

i would be easy enough to run a wire from the battery through the firewall to under the seat.

 

[jlb]

^^Then add a fuse box somewhere in the line, and add as many accessories as you want/as many "plugs" as you want wherever you want.

Also, there is a small plug beneath where the primary harness runs through the firewall of the truck. It is capped on the end, and kind of looks like a tiny ***** (no offense). If you cut off the end (ouch I know lol) it is hollow inside, and you can easily run wires through it then seal it off with silicone sealant/electrical tape/zip tie/etc. It is just big enough to run probably 4-5 wires through without making the hole any bigger, or finding another place to put them through.

 

[Sweetee]

Good suggestions! Thanks! After I reclaim the garage and can get my "baby" in this weekend, I'll tackle this project!