I've been meaning to do this mod for some time now and I think I might tackle it tomorrow. A couple of quick questions for ya'll.....

1. Will this mod supply full time power to the fuse box in the cab?
2. Would a cell phone draw enough to drain the battery with the truck off?

I'd like to be able to charge my cell phone with the truck off, but I also have my radar detector hard wired into the fuse box. If the fuse box will get power all the time with this mod, I'm wondering if it has the potential to drain the battery. Opinions?

Later.

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

I have a hardwired Valentine (thanks for your help waaay back when) which is tapped into a 12V accessory wire from the ignition bundle. The write up is at http://www.4runners.org/articles/valentine/ It will only power when the ignition is switched on.

Also, I added a single, full-time 12V outlet like you are planning to do. That write up is at http://www.4runners.org/articles/12v I used ASUDan's write up as a guide, but instead of using the type of outlet he used (lotsa glue), I bought one that can screw onto itself (a no glue install). Check out the write up to see what I'm talking about and try to find the same kind.

I also followed Corey's advice and added a 12V auxiliary fuse box inside the engine compartment. Read 'Step 6' in my Cobra CB write up at http://www.4runners.org/articles/cobra . I bought the parts from Waytek but I've recently seen it sold at Pep Boys. If you haven't done it, its definitely worth doing b/c it really allows you to easily add power for future accessories.

As for draining out the battery, I really have no clue. I know you can buy a box that will switch off power by voltage and/or by some set time. See http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/chargeguard/

From personal experience, I've powered my mobile phone for 3 hours and when I came back, there was no problem starting the 4runner. I haven't left it on overnight so I can't say for 100% sure that it would drain the battery.

In anycase, the V1 and the Garmin are things that I NEVER leave out in the open so when I stop and park, those things get turned off and locked away.

Email or PM me if you have any questions.

Bob

 

Probably not. But how often do you need the radar detector to be on when the engine is not running? Wire it so you can charge your cell anytime and your radar detector comes on with ignition. The two devices combined might discharge the battery enough so that it won't start in adverse conditions. Why gamble when its easily avoided?

 

This is truly a minute mod. I recently did it and was wondering the same thing...how long will a small device like a cell phone drain the battery?

 

Jalaber

Whats that red wire in the top part of your picture for?

I know the other is the outlet jumper.

ZR2Steve

 

Do the math, how many milliamps per hour does the charger draw and how much reserve amp/hours does your battery supposedly have.

1000 milliamps = 1 amp

 

It is a jumper wire which brings power from the parking lamp fuse to the factory fog lamp circuit so I can use the fogs whenever the parking lamps are on rather than just when the low beams are on. Full write-up on my site.

 

Thanks.

Fog lamps, I don't have those.

I'm always looking for useful mods, and have spent some time in the stock fuse box.