Power port in box

GM Truck Family Man · August 3, 2002

Going on vacation in another week and we would like to take our 12 volt Coleman cooler with us, however there is not room in the cab with the family. I was wondering the best way to wire a 12 volt power point in the box. Had thought about tapping the power and ground from the trailer wiring harness since it is close. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bob G. · August 3, 2002

You could tap into the trailer harness, but you would end up with a connection under the vehicle that would corrode (I'm not sure where you are located). I ran a wire from my aux battery along the frame to the cap light without any connections under the truck. You can run the wire to the bed through a drain hole or up through the tail light assembly. Just make sure you use heavy enough wire and fuse it.

Bob G.

SilveradoWV · August 4, 2002

I usually tap into the constant 12 volt in the trailer wiring, but it is really a task to get everything sealed up! Like said above, it will corrode!!!!!!!!

todddd41 · August 4, 2002

If it was mine, and I wasn't planning on towing during this trip, I would buy a trailer connector that woud plug into the truck, and just use the power and ground wires to hook up a cig. lighter plug. You can get the plug from any parts store, and somebody even makes one insulated against the weather.

You could run the wires either over or under the tailgate, but under would be a pain to remove.

Note- The large size fuse that came taped to the trailer brake connector needs to be installed under the hood in order to have constant 12 volt power at the trailer harness.

It may not look too cool, but is simple and effective, and prevents cutting into the harness under the bed.

Todd