DIY Center Console USB Power Strip

[Whatthewhat11]

I use the USB slots in my vehicles often but I don't like the clutter of a bunch of balled up cords under the dash. I didn't want to hard wire anything and I didn't want to occupy any existing power source either. I decided to go with this cigarette lighter adapter. (https://amzn.to/3GgIK4X).

First I ran the cable under the climate controls. There is a small space between the center console and the lower dash where you can thread the cable neatly behind the dash (Pic 1 & 2).

Next I removed the center console panel which is secured by a few clips. I secured the wire to the steel support beam located just behind the climate controls with a zip-tie to stop it from sagging under the dash (Pic 3).

Next I drilled a hole in the center console to feed the wire through and installed a rubber grommet for a more finished look (Pic 4 & 5). This was awkward and requires a right angle drill attachment and a short drill bit to be able to drill in the correct orientation. I had to cut the wire, feed it through the hole, and then crimp it back together. Getting the wire up through into the center console was a little cumbersome, so I removed the passenger seat to allow for some more room to work. It could absolutely be done with it in though. Either way, you will have to remove 4 bolts on the center console (2 driver side, 2 on passenger side) in order to lift it enough to get your hand under the console to feed the wire through.

Lastly, I trimmed the carpet piece to fit around the power strip and used some 3M double sided tape to secure it to the bottom of the console (Pic 6). Overall I am very happy with the install. I can now charge all my electronics out of sight and I still have 2 USB slots at the 12V site well.

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[Clarkdonbran]

Make it with Mav!

 

[Tailender]

Nice job. Glad I only have 1 phone that hardly needs to be charged while I'm in the truck. Besides, I have so much junk in my console that I wouldn't be able to find the plugs!

 

[MiMav]

I like it. I may do the same thing if/when I get my Mav.

 

[The Weatherman]

Good idea. Nice Job. Nice Writeup. And thanks for sharing.

 

[Fitzovich]

Nice job and very innovative for those so inclined! Well Done!

 

[Snowbird]

Great write up and post.
Thank you.

 

[Fordmn]

I use the USB slots in my vehicles often but I don't like the clutter of a bunch of balled up cords under the dash. I didn't want to hard wire anything and I didn't want to occupy any existing power source either. I decided to go with this cigarette lighter adapter. (https://amzn.to/3GgIK4X).



First I ran the cable under the climate controls. There is a small space between the center console and the lower dash where you can thread the cable neatly behind the dash (Pic 1 & 2).







Next I removed the center console panels which are secured by a few clips (Pic 3). I secured the wire to the steel support beam locatrd just behind the climate controls with a zip-tie to stop it from sagging under the dash (Pic 3).



Next I drilled a hole in the center console to feed the wire through and installed a rubber grommet for a more finished look (Pic 4 & 5). This was awkward and requires a right angle drill attachment and a short drill bit to be able to drill in the correct orientation. I had to cut the wire, feed it through the hole, and then crimp it back together. Getting the wire up through into the center console was a little cumbersome, so I removed the passenger seat to allow for some more room to work. It could absolutely be done with it in though. You will have to remove 4 bolts on the center console (2 driver side, 2 on passenger side) in order to lift it enough to get your hand under the console to feed the wire through.







Lastly, I trimmed the carpet piece to fit around the power strip and used some 3M double sided tape to secure it to the bottom of the console (Pic 6). Overall I am very happy with the install. I can now charge all my electronics out of sight and I still have 2 USB slots at the 12V sias well.





 

[Fordmn]

GREAT... thanks for sharing, and great job of telling what you did, how u did, and with pictures....

Got my Xmas gift this morning from Ford...Email my Mav was built on 22nd and should be at my dealership by end of January.
Just over 3 months from ordering Lariat completely loaded , Hot Pepper Red.
My first car was 1972 Maverick, wish I still had it!!
Planning my flight north to get it and drive back to Sunny Florida...

 

[RanCheeto]

I like the idea, thanks! I'll probably grab the connection from the back of the center console though.

 

[Hardening2753]

I use the USB slots in my vehicles often but I don't like the clutter of a bunch of balled up cords under the dash. I didn't want to hard wire anything and I didn't want to occupy any existing power source either. I decided to go with this cigarette lighter adapter. (https://amzn.to/3GgIK4X).

First I ran the cable under the climate controls. There is a small space between the center console and the lower dash where you can thread the cable neatly behind the dash (Pic 1 & 2).

Next I removed the center console panel which is secured by a few clips. I secured the wire to the steel support beam located just behind the climate controls with a zip-tie to stop it from sagging under the dash (Pic 3).

Next I drilled a hole in the center console to feed the wire through and installed a rubber grommet for a more finished look (Pic 4 & 5). This was awkward and requires a right angle drill attachment and a short drill bit to be able to drill in the correct orientation. I had to cut the wire, feed it through the hole, and then crimp it back together. Getting the wire up through into the center console was a little cumbersome, so I removed the passenger seat to allow for some more room to work. It could absolutely be done with it in though. Either way, you will have to remove 4 bolts on the center console (2 driver side, 2 on passenger side) in order to lift it enough to get your hand under the console to feed the wire through.

Lastly, I trimmed the carpet piece to fit around the power strip and used some 3M double sided tape to secure it to the bottom of the console (Pic 6). Overall I am very happy with the install. I can now charge all my electronics out of sight and I still have 2 USB slots at the 12V site well.

Looks awesome

 

[Phileaux]

Great idea and execution. One concern is the open USB ports facing up. Eventually something besides a plug is going to block it.

 

[Pickles]

I use the USB slots in my vehicles often but I don't like the clutter of a bunch of balled up cords under the dash. I didn't want to hard wire anything and I didn't want to occupy any existing power source either. I decided to go with this cigarette lighter adapter. (https://amzn.to/3GgIK4X).

First I ran the cable under the climate controls. There is a small space between the center console and the lower dash where you can thread the cable neatly behind the dash (Pic 1 & 2).

Next I removed the center console panel which is secured by a few clips. I secured the wire to the steel support beam located just behind the climate controls with a zip-tie to stop it from sagging under the dash (Pic 3).

Next I drilled a hole in the center console to feed the wire through and installed a rubber grommet for a more finished look (Pic 4 & 5). This was awkward and requires a right angle drill attachment and a short drill bit to be able to drill in the correct orientation. I had to cut the wire, feed it through the hole, and then crimp it back together. Getting the wire up through into the center console was a little cumbersome, so I removed the passenger seat to allow for some more room to work. It could absolutely be done with it in though. Either way, you will have to remove 4 bolts on the center console (2 driver side, 2 on passenger side) in order to lift it enough to get your hand under the console to feed the wire through.

Lastly, I trimmed the carpet piece to fit around the power strip and used some 3M double sided tape to secure it to the bottom of the console (Pic 6). Overall I am very happy with the install. I can now charge all my electronics out of sight and I still have 2 USB slots at the 12V site well.

Nicely done! Sadly my center console is a wasteland of receipts, napkins, and random objects so this isnt ideal for my electronics haha bit its a nice idea and some more organized people will love this

 

[BlueRaven]

i double side taped mine to the bottom of the console by the usb plugs. having plugs inside the console is silly to me.

 

[Whatthewhat11]

i double side taped mine to the bottom of the console by the usb plugs. having plugs inside the console is silly to me.

I charge multiple electronics and it clutters up the bin under the climate controls. Many vehicles come with a USB in the center console.

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