USB Retrofit Project

[st34lth]

All,

This project had been on my mind for some time seeing as all newer cars have some sort of USB power outlet. Not having one in my truck was always a pain especially with having to use specialized adapters to power or charge my phones. This became especially important on roadtrips where I have the GPS on the phone going along as a 4g access point feeding our iPad.

I tried many adapters that plugged into the cigar lighter (left side power point) but most did not put out enough amperage to charger my tablet. After doing some reading I found that the tablet required the maximum 2.1A that USB was able to provide and it explained why none of my cheap adapters were working.

The solution? Retrofit!

This project took all of an hour and looks nearly factory. And, as a non-smoker, losing the cigar lighter didnt really affect me. See the pics for the finished product.











I hope this helps someone in the future as it did me.

Bought from here for about $20
Dual USB Charger Socket - 2 USB Ports w/Watertight Cap

~ST34LTH

update : I measured the current across the usb socket and it appears to be about 27mA when its not doing anything and has the LED on. Just FYI for people who are interested. For my taste thats a bit high so I may tap into one of the delayed accessory circuits and add a relay. The blue sea site lists the parasitic draw as 15mA but is obviously higher.

note: this was done an on 08 F250 Lariat SCREW, upfitters, 6.4L Diesel. Happy to answer questions.

[Clayton1985]

Where did you get the USB plug/adapter unit? You have it wired in to an upfitter switch?
Looks good! I want to do this.

[JohnnyRecondo]

The trucks have 4-5 cigarette lighters so you're right, losing one is no big deal. What is the name of the USB charger you purchased and where can you get it?

[st34lth]

Originally Posted by Clayton1985

Where did you get the USB plug/adapter unit? You have it wired in to an upfitter switch?
Looks good! I want to do this.

Clayton, I added the link where I got it from to the first post at the end. It was cheap - only about $20 and actually totally replaces the current cigar lighter socket. Just like the cigar lighter, however, it will stay hot all the time so be careful not to keep things plugged in.

As for the upfitter switch - nope, no upfitter switch used. Its hot all the time just like the power point is. Note that I will likely be adding a relay to make this outlet ignition only later.

Cheers!

[BIG Laing]

Good job! Looks better then most "profesional" car audio places could of made it.

[mts678]

Nice!


Sent from iPhone

[JohnnyRecondo]

The USB adapter you have pictured looks circular and looks like it fit right over the 12v cigarette lighter port, but the one you have linked to amazon shows a rectangular faceplate. Did you have to cut the faceplate to a circular one as you have shown or it is optional from the factory when you purchased it?

[st34lth]

Originally Posted by JohnnyRecondo

The USB adapter you have pictured looks circular and looks like it fit right over the 12v cigarette lighter port, but the one you have linked to amazon shows a rectangular faceplate. Did you have to cut the faceplate to a circular one as you have shown or it is optional from the factory when you purchased it?

Good question - the rectangular part of the faceplate is actually removable leaving a perfectly round and appropriately shaped cylinder that will replace the cigar lighter. I couldnt believe it myself - I had the dremel out and ready to go but no need.

[h1gg1n5]

Good find and nice write up!!

[Clayton1985]

Originally Posted by st34lth

Clayton, I added the link where I got it from to the first post at the end. It was cheap - only about $20 and actually totally replaces the current cigar lighter socket. Just like the cigar lighter, however, it will stay hot all the time so be careful not to keep things plugged in.

As for the upfitter switch - nope, no upfitter switch used. Its hot all the time just like the power point is. Note that I will likely be adding a relay to make this outlet ignition only later.

Cheers!

Thanks!