Center console USB port upgrade idea

[NM Mike]

Thinking about swapping out the center console USB port for something along these lines.

Most of the time, the two standard ports are adequate for my needs. But add a few hunting buddies and they won’t be enough. Should be a fairly easy swap aside from pulling the console to get access. Maybe not the coolest mod, but it’ll come in handy a couple times a year.

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[srv256ss]

FWIW, I did that in the cubby with this: Anker USB-C Car Charger, iPhone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSVB93DK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[pablo94sc]

FWIW, I did that in the cubby with this: Anker USB-C Car Charger, iPhone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSVB93DK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have a smaller version of this one with just USB-A ports. 4 of them, actually. I keep one in my carry-on when traveling.

 

[bigb]

Keep in mind there's 2 more USB outlets on the rear of the console facing the back seat. With the 2 in the cubby and 2 on the rear of the console and a plug in adapter for the console storage outlet that gives me 6.

Or were you already referring to the one on the rear of the console?

 

[NM Mike]

Keep in mind there's 2 more USB outlets on the rear of the console facing the back seat. With the 2 in the cubby and 2 on the rear of the console and a plug in adapter for the console storage outlet that gives me 6.

Or were you already referring to the one on the rear of the console?

Yes, I was referring to the one on the back of the console. The adapter for the outlet inside of the console is a good option, as long as the console doesn’t get filled with “stuff”.

 

[pablo94sc]

Keep in mind there's 2 more USB outlets on the rear of the console facing the back seat. With the 2 in the cubby and 2 on the rear of the console and a plug in adapter for the console storage outlet that gives me 6.

Or were you already referring to the one on the rear of the console?

You would think 6 would be plenty, but when the kiddo and I are on a camping roadtrip, we typically have 5-6 things charging off USB, and sometimes we use the 110v too! Kinda nuts.

 

[Mrtull4]

FWIW, I did that in the cubby with this: Anker USB-C Car Charger, iPhone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSVB93DK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’m really liking this idea. While I’m glad the 12v ply is there for compatibility, I rarely need it. Thanks for posting the link!

 

[Mrtull4]

Yes, I was referring to the one on the back of the console. The adapter for the outlet inside of the console is a good option, as long as the console doesn’t get filled with “stuff”.

In my F150, which has two usb plugs, I leave two cords plugged in and rolled up. So when “stuff” gets put in I don’t have to try to find the plugs, just unroll the cable. I’d probably do the same thing here.

 

[NM Mike]

You would think 6 would be plenty, but when the kiddo and I are on a camping roadtrip, we typically have 5-6 things charging off USB, and sometimes we use the 110v too! Kinda nuts.

Most of the time, the two usb a/c are plenty. But add 3 or 4 grandkids or 2 hunting buddies with our phones gps’ and other misc items, it can look like a charging wire jungle. With the gear and rifles that you don’t want laying in the bed put in the cab, the inside of the center condole can get hard to access. That’s why I was looking at charging ports outside of the console.

 

[bigb]

My Superduty only had 2 power points and for years I carried one of these which we used on trips

https://www.amazon.com/Qidoe-3-Sock...car+chargers+rockfish,electronics,179&sr=1-20

 

[Duoglide]

Has anyone removed the console 12v wires to an always hot fuse? I need to find out where that plug hooks to the fuse block and change it for my aux brake when the truck is being towed

 

[ryanO]

Thinking about swapping out the center console USB port for something along these lines.

Most of the time, the two standard ports are adequate for my needs. But add a few hunting buddies and they won’t be enough. Should be a fairly easy swap aside from pulling the console to get access. Maybe not the coolest mod, but it’ll come in handy a couple times a year.

My understanding is that pulling the center console is a HUGE job. Is it really worth it for this?

 

[entoptics]

Couple of ideas...

Since it's something you only need occasionally, perhaps just get a USB charger that plugs into the 110V outlet.

Something like this?

Low profile 110V Charger

Relatively low profile, 4 ports. I just did a cursory search, so no idea if this is good quality or not, but you get the idea

Another option, is to just get an extension cord that goes from the 110V to somewhere you can conveniently mount or stash a USB charger. Seat back pockets? Double sided tape to the side of the console, etc.

Get one with the flat plug, so it doesn't stick out to far. You can cut some length out of the middle of the cable and rejoin the two halves, so it's exactly the length you want to route it where you want.

Going off of the 110V will save you from tearing apart your truck for install, and it will also provide substantially more power than a 12V will offer. You could run a big ol power brick style with enough power to run many high speed charging cables, a laptop, etc.

 

[NM Mike]

I don’t have a 110v outlet on my xlt. But the 12v socket adapters are a good idea.

 

[purdyd]

Thinking about swapping out the center console USB port for something along these lines.

Most of the time, the two standard ports are adequate for my needs. But add a few hunting buddies and they won’t be enough. Should be a fairly easy swap aside from pulling the console to get access. Maybe not the coolest mod, but it’ll come in handy a couple times a year.

I put one of these in my bed.

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