Adding USB to a non Lux dash ?

[wyobronco]

I will be tearing the dash apart in the near future to add a GMRS radio, amp, and a couple other things.

I would like to add a USB port to the top of the dash, hopefully with standard and USB-C ports on it. I have no problem cutting the dash and mounting these.

Does anyone see a problem with splicing the USB wires that are currently in place to provide these connections?

Should I add a hub? I dont care about carplay and things like that on top of the dash, just need power to charge devices.

I thought about running to the fuse panel but dont I need something so Im not sending a full 12V to the USB cable?

Thanks for any suggestions!

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[Tricky Dick]

I would not use any part of the stock USB system. I added a port on top of my dash and ran the cord down to plug in the console. The power cuts in and out and doesn't appear to put out very many amps.

 

[wyobronco]

I would not use any part of the stock USB system. I added a port on top of my dash and ran the cord down to plug in the console. The power cuts in and out and doesn't appear to put out very many amps.

I see options for boats, and it looks like they just run directly to the battery. It seems like that would be the solution?

 

[RHeinz]

I see options for boats, and it looks like they just run directly to the battery. It seems like that would be the solution?

Yup. Blue Sea Systems

 

[RC Bronco]

I would not use any part of the stock USB system. I added a port on top of my dash and ran the cord down to plug in the console. The power cuts in and out and doesn't appear to put out very many amps.

Yours cuts in and out? I’m not having any issues following what you did… yet

 

[Rick Astley]

I will be tearing the dash apart in the near future to add a GMRS radio, amp, and a couple other things.

I would like to add a USB port to the top of the dash, hopefully with standard and USB-C ports on it. I have no problem cutting the dash and mounting these.

Does anyone see a problem with splicing the USB wires that are currently in place to provide these connections?

Should I add a hub? I dont care about carplay and things like that on top of the dash, just need power to charge devices.

I thought about running to the fuse panel but dont I need something so Im not sending a full 12V to the USB cable?

Thanks for any suggestions!

I would follow some of the excellent articles already written on this.

For example, here's the full how to for accessing everything and how to put a proper USB port in the rig. Just bypass the massage bits and go up to the dash, but this article is a great starting point instead of a generic question.

https://www.bronco6g.com/how-to-magsafe-wireless-charger-install-in-factory-location-diy/

 

[HeHateMe]

I'm looking to do this too!

Gonna go with these...

Usb flush mount

Probably add a set to the back. Have 3 girls and need more USBs in the 2nd row.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Yours cuts in and out? I’m not having any issues following what you did… yet

Yes I use one of those chargers that has a motorized clamp and often it wont charge, sometimes won't even operate the clamp. I have the same one in my pickup run off a cig lighter USB adapter and it's never given issues, so I'm assuming the problem is the stock USB port not having enough amperage.

 

[Copperhorse73]

I’ve done this mod several times, I tap into glovebox aux wire, run to aux6, which i leave always on to power USB, gmrs and amp trigger wires

 

[HeHateMe]

I’ve done this mod several times, I tap into glovebox aux wire, run to aux6, which i leave always on to power USB, gmrs and amp trigger wires

Yep! Those are the ones I linked. I think from one of your pictures in another post. Much appreciated!

I've done it too, but not on this vehicle yet and not these mounts in particular (I've done the cigarette lighter replacement, with voltage reading).

 

[wyobronco]

I’ve done this mod several times, I tap into glovebox aux wire, run to aux6, which i leave always on to power USB, gmrs and amp trigger wires

On the left and right hand side of that pocket on the flat panels, is there enough room to do that same thing? I would like to keep that pocket open if possible.

 

[Copperhorse73]

On the left and right hand side of that pocket on the flat panels, is there enough room to do that same thing? I would like to keep that pocket open if possible.

Not sure about that, I’d probably do some dash disassembly , and get a peek before drilling there

 

[HeHateMe]

Agreed!

Not sure about that, I’d probably do some dash disassembly , and get a peek before drilling there

Agreed!

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