Power in the bed

[jfrussell]

I'm very ignorant when it comes to mods so please, if this has been posted before as I don't even really know how to search for it point me in the right direction.

So I have heard/read that Nissan Titans and Toyota Tacos have a power outlet in the bed. I have kind of toyed with the idea of adding a second battery somewhere on my truck (05' Nismo CC). I was thinking somewhere under the bed, maybe next to the spare? This is mostly for camping/4x4ing so I don't run down the battery and simply as a backup so I can give myself a jump is the main battery dies. Has anyone done this mod? I expect this isn't easy to do and would any input would be greatly appeciated. Is this a very expensive prospect? I'd like to do it for under $300 or so but like I said I have no idea what it should cost or involve.

[eisman]

I like the power outlet in the bed, and I wish that our trucks came with one. I think an easier route for you would be to just get a better battery, and run a power inverter. You could have it on a long enough cable that you could run it anywhere that you want. My $0.02.

[mustard23]

Originally Posted by eisman

I like the power outlet in the bed, and I wish that our trucks came with one. I think an easier route for you would be to just get a better battery, and run a power inverter. You could have it on a long enough cable that you could run it anywhere that you want. My $0.02.

that what I did is I got power inverter just get a good one not a cheap one and you can clip in on the battery or plug it in a lighter.. then you got power.. what I plan on doing is when I get a winch and on-board air is putting a spare battery in the tool box in the bed along with the air compressor and at that time I will move my inverter back there. Personally I don’t want to put anything under the truck for clearance reasons.

[eisman]

Originally Posted by mustard23

that what I did is I got power inverter just get a good one not a cheap one and you can clip in on the battery or plug it in a lighter.. then you got power.. what I plan on doing is when I get a winch and on-board air is putting a spare battery in the tool box in the bed along with the air compressor and at that time I will move my inverter back there. Personally I don’t want to put anything under the truck for clearance reasons.

Sounds like a good setup, but don't forget a vent for the battery.

[mustard23]

yeah I just don't know if 2 batteries will fit under the hood.. it's kinda cramped.

[kaleid]

I definately wish this were at least an option on the Frontier

[mustard23]

yeah it was one of the few things I liked about the tacos

[Nismo4me]

I was gonna do the same thing....even bought the inverter and made a custom cable to hook it up to the battery in the truck when needed.
Meanwhile ,I was looking for a place to put a spare battery and looking for options for a sealed deep cycle battery.

Well,Then it came to me while talking to a mechanic friend of mine about his jumpbox...its sealed,portable and easily rechargeable!!!
You could get a good jumpbox to power your inverter,but I found a better way........

I now have a Craftsman Diehard Jumpbox in my truck that has (2) 12v DC cig lighter outlets,(2) 110v AC 3 prong outlets,air compressor, light,and of course jumper cables.
You can charge it at home or in your truck,and it has a power level meter to show remaining charge.
It is great for camping or an emergency power outage.Medium duty,anyway.

I use it regularly to charge 18V DeWalt drill batteries(2 at a time) while I am on jobsites without power.
So far it works perfectly and I have been really testing it as much as possible.I have even hooked my 1200w inverter(2 outlets) to it and used it and the remaining 2 outlets on the box at the same time!!!2 batteries charging, a radio and light on.Over an hour,no probs,still had 50% charge left.
I have ran a electric drill and a large fan also just for kicks.
The main thing is to get a high quality one,not a cheap one if you are gonna use it alot for long periods of time.
Totally portable power anywhere!!!Takes up less space than my old jumpercables,too.
If you don't get one with the compressor ,or inverter built in,just get a good regular jumpbox to clip on to an inverter.

I wish I thought of this years ago,lol
Jay

[mdawg4x4]

That's a thought. I bought 2 jump boxes for Christmas gifts months before Christmas and forgot about them until I ran across them this week. Now to figure out how to use them for alternate power.

[05N1SM0]

jfrussell, are you asking about 12VDC or 110VAC? Your posted question and picture looks like your asking about 12VDC, but the replies seem to assume you are inquiring about 110/115/120VAC or both. If you have a tow package there are available adapters to give you a 12VDC outlet at the rear of the truck. With the 7-pin plug the ignition has to be on for it to be energized though, not sure about the 4-pin. I do not suggest mounting a battery under the bed, more so on a 4x4.

I use a portable power/jumper ($35) rather than a secondary battery, works great outdoors being removable from the vehicle and when someone needs a jump I don't have to worry about improper hookups affecting my truck. My 7-pin adapter works pretty good for 12VDC ($5). For AC I use an inverter ($50). The mod you're asking about I did on my H/B D21 with a bed liner (not a factory spray in) and in a toolbox, was very easy and cost about $120 with battery (for 12VDC and inverted).

Note: Pricing highly discounted, but retails well under $300 not including tow package.