Hidden USB outlet behind the dash

[MountaineerTom]

I want to put a USB port somewhere behind my dash, tapped into the wiring for the constant powered outlet that is in the dash. It will be used to run a USB charging cable over to the lower drivers side corner of the windshield (behind the dash) to power/charge my phone, which I use as my GPS. I’m doing this so I can eliminate a cord laying across the dash.

Does anyone know a way to do this better than just zip tying an outlet to something under the dash? Or even a better quick charge type of outlet to use?

I‘m thinking something simple like this. Maybe make a small bracket out of aluminum to mount it near the glove box opening so its easily accessible with the glove box removed. Non lighted, no voltage readings, etc. It won’t be visible.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SW7MMZ3/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[1904-06LJR]

If you have a newer head unit, some will have a USB port on the back for the "line in" feature but also charge at the same time. My Alpine has it and I routed my cord into the glove box. It stays coiled there until I need it. (The glove box door will close with it uncoiled) Only difference with what you are going for is I keep my GPS in the center of the windshield. I found that having it over in the corner on the driver's side gave the phone too much direct sunlight and it would overheat.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Thanks for the idea. I have a Kenwood head unit, but it doesn’t have a USB on the back. Just RCA outlets, outlet for a Bluetooth mic and I think a small round aux outlet.

 

[glowell222]

Have you considered a magnetic wireless charger? The magnet holds the phone in place and charges it at the same time-no additional wires or hassle.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I’ve seen them, but don’t know a lot about them.

 

[never monday]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSK7ZAV/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[MountaineerTom]

Do they power though Bluetooth or something?

 

[glowell222]

I’ve seen them, but don’t know a lot about them.

Yes, but you could easily tap into the ignition or the cigarette lighter, run the cable behind the kick panel and up past the hvac vent and have it come out right at the mount. No need to string it across the dash.

 

[MountaineerTom]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSK7ZAV/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I like that. Nice and small So that would be easy to zip tie to something. I didn’t come across any like that while looking.

Thanks

 

[glowell222]

Do they power though Bluetooth or something?

It's induction charging-no need to pair bluetooth or anything like that.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Yes, but you could easily tap into the ignition or the cigarette lighter, run the cable behind the kick panel and up past the hvac vent and have it come out right at the mount. No need to string it across the dash.

Ok. I may check into that.

Thanks

 

[Gunnersmate]

I use this in Boat it fits in standard rocker switch hole
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079RW9998/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[MountaineerTom]

I use this in Boat it fits in standard rocker switch hole
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079RW9998/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I like those, but I don’t want another cord out in the way.

My wife thinks I’m crazy, but I hate a bunch of stuff cluttered and strung around the front of the Jeep. LOL. I don’t even like the 1 cord we currently have sticking out of the dash.

 

[ChestnutHill]

Here’s what I did...

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/cheap-usb-outlet-behind-glovebox-mod.45210/

 

[MountaineerTom]

Here’s what I did...

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/cheap-usb-outlet-behind-glovebox-mod.45210/

This is very helpful and about what I had in mind. Thank you.