Gauging interest in all-weather truck bed power distribution solution...

[Cybermig]

So we had a SuperDuty customer roll through the shop last week looking for a ARB compressor install and while going through that process one of our shop techs put together a custom power solution for the customers truck bed. The solution is all weather so it works with or without exposure to the elements since it's using marine grade parts (ie. Blue Sea...). But the idea is... run a fused heavy gauge power lead to the battery, mount the power distribution box near the rear of the bed for easier access and then once there... you have 12V power to run a compressor and any other USB and cigarette lighter loads. I'm going to put one in my truck soon with an added voltage meter ( they were on backorder for this install) so I can get a reading of the batteries when out camping.

We install a ton of these type of kits in our other customer overlanding vehicles because many of our customers want to run things like fridges/coffee makers and various other odds and ends from the rear of the vehicle. We have even built these to support 3000W inverter type loads in campers... naturally those are more expensive because of the copper cable requirements. But surprisingly full size trucks don't have all weather 12V power in the bed.... so here's an aftermarket solution. Thoughts.... is this something the aftermarket would want?

If there's enough interest... we could probably pre-fab a set # of these and setup a group buy and ship them in a kit that is DIY installable. Or we could install it for you... having the Builtright Industries panels helps tremendously as a mounting point... that is something to consider.

Here's some pics of the install...

 

[Sludgemonkey44]

That looks very interesting. I may be a potential customer. What’s the ballpark cost on something like that?

 

[ECHO-24]

Same, I might be a customer also.

 

[ron993]

I am interested, depends on the price

 

[RickLB]

Might be interested but already have my dual mounted on builtright panel.

 

[Cybermig]

So based on initial interest, Ethan one of our techs is going to build several of these for stock and will probably have them ready in a couple weeks for purchase. Will keep the thread updated with detailed pictures of the kit as they become available. The kit will be around $350 for everything which includes the all weather box, circuit breakers/ fuse/panel, internal wiring, power sockets and switches. The large gauge wiring to the front of the truck will be offered separately since some folks may not want 00 wiring that supports 3000W loads. If you want the full kit w/ 00 wiring to the front of the truck, the kit will be closer to $400.

 

[JRHII]

I would be interested with full wiring .. Two Questions: 1) would the box include a 3 prong plug outlet, and a USB plug for other devices? and 2) does your wiring hook up to an up fitter switch to control power? ... I would like to do that

 

[optx002]

I would be interested with full wiring .. Two Questions: 1) would the box include a 3 prong plug outlet, and a USB plug for other devices? and 2) does your wiring hook up to an up fitter switch to control power? ... I would like to do that

You would need an inverter to get 110V. I believe this is just a 12V pdu.

 

[JRHII]

You would need an inverter to get 110V. I believe this is just a 12V pdu.

I have new clue ... I would be looking to emulate the plug set up in the dash which is a plug and a cigarette lighter and maybe a USB ... not looking for more than the truck already does ... if that makes sense?

 

[optx002]

I have new clue ... I would be looking to emulate the plug set up in the dash which is a plug and a cigarette lighter and maybe a USB ... not looking for more than the truck already does ... if that makes sense?

If you want the 3 prong plug (110V) like the one in your walls of your house, you need to get an inverter. The inverter in the truck is only 400W or so. You would need to buy an inverter, mount it somewhere in the engine bay or under the truck, run the wires to the power distribution unit. You will then need to run another set of wires from the battery or upfitter switches to the PDU for the usb and 12v Cigarette plug. Might be easier to just buy a backup battery from goal zero or jackery or others and put it in your bed if you plan on using it for a variety of things.

 

[Chris21667]

If you want the 3 prong plug (110V) like the one in your walls of your house, you need to get an inverter. The inverter in the truck is only 400W or so. You would need to buy an inverter, mount it somewhere in the engine bay or under the truck, run the wires to the power distribution unit. You will then need to run another set of wires from the battery or upfitter switches to the PDU for the usb and 12v Cigarette plug. Might be easier to just buy a backup battery from goal zero or jackery or others and put it in your bed if you plan on using it for a variety of things.

i am planning on getting a 1000w inverter and mount it behind the back seat and have 2 extra outlets but i want a pure sine wave inverter which cost more as the ford one is a modified sine wave .... which is trash ... you need pure sine

 

[JRHII]

If you want the 3 prong plug (110V) like the one in your walls of your house, you need to get an inverter. The inverter in the truck is only 400W or so. You would need to buy an inverter, mount it somewhere in the engine bay or under the truck, run the wires to the power distribution unit. You will then need to run another set of wires from the battery or upfitter switches to the PDU for the usb and 12v Cigarette plug. Might be easier to just buy a backup battery from goal zero or jackery or others and put it in your bed if you plan on using it for a variety of things.

all I want is to replicate what is already in the truck ... unless that would not run an ARB air compressor ... So I think what you are saying is to use the set up you are developing ... is it hooked up to the uplifter switch? I see you have local switch on the unit ... can you also use the upfitter to power it on? Only looking for 12-volt setup...

 

[Cybermig]

The kit we're working on is a direct add on 12V setup.... the box can be made to support a connection to a bed mounted 110V pure sine wave inverter but doing that requires some custom mods outside of the intent of this direct kit we're planning. If you want something custom, just give us a call at the shop and we can spec things as you desire.

 

[Patriot]

Nice work...PM sent.

 

[ron993]

I am interested in it, I want to add a plug in the bed for my ARB fridge.

 

[RAVAGE88]

I’m interested; even thought about building something myself. If this is plug and play, possibly even using the bed mounted seven pin connector, I’d buy one.

Thanks,
MB

 

[PapaRaptor]

I am interested also adding the twin ARB

However I have the camper/ 5th wheel wiring in that spot any other options?

 

[Cybermig]

I am interested also adding the twin ARB

However I have the camper/ 5th wheel wiring in that spot any other options?

The box could technically be mounted in any corner of your bed... but there's enough space to put it near the 5th wheel wiring sockets if desired as well. But the Builtright panels really help with mounting options...

 

[Cybermig]

Hey folks an update here for the thread - unfortunately the company we were contracting to pre-build these boxes hasn't been able to get moving on this as we'd like. This means we're left to doing these in-house with our techs only and that takes a back seat to our regular pipeline of builds we're working on throughout the week. So for now there's no timetable on when and if these will be pre-made/ready to order on our website.

If you guys are still interested in a solution like this, we can still help on a 1by1 basis where you provide your custom requirements (i.e. you want X power sockets, Y voltage guage, Z option for external power to compressor, etc...) and we can install it for you if desired. Something like this we would have to work in to our customer pipeline so it doesn't fall off the priority list.

If still interested... give the shop a call and ask for Eric. He'll be able to better guide things for you.

Sorry for the disappointing news.

 

[bmille05]

I am definitely interested. Please keep us up to date and thanks for posting this.