View Full Version : 12 volt outlet in cargo area


jaysz2893
11-27-2006, 07:01 PM
I got a 12 volt cooler for a gift for road trips. Problem is my son needs the 12 volt plug in the rear ot the console for his DVD player. I went ot my NAPA and got a replacement 12 volt outlet for under 5 bucks. I took it apart and cut a hole usong a drill saw ( a drill bit that saws) The hole is a little over 7/8th of an inch, but measure yours first or make a template out of paper first. I put it near the access for the pass tail lites. I then hooked it direct to the battery with a 20 amp fuse. this way my cooler runs when the car is off. In my opinion this should be a factory option, total time for install was 45 minutes and about 10 bucks for the socket, fuse and holder and some connectors.
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/246712487.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=12487)
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/246712488.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=12488)

GDZHHR
11-27-2006, 07:16 PM
Very nicely done and what a great idea!

JESSE
11-27-2006, 07:35 PM
Definateley on the to do list! Great Job:thumb:

jaysz2893
11-27-2006, 08:01 PM
Thanks All!!

Lee3333
11-27-2006, 10:57 PM
It is a great idea, and I will put one there myself. I already added one (mounted with velcro) under the center of the dash and I have my GPS plugged into it (I mounted the GPS in the top bin on the dash, and have the cord going through a hole and plugged into the lighter behind the dash). Mine has the speaker there, and you can hear it perfectly.

Those add-on lighters are great!!!

JimZ_HHR
11-27-2006, 10:59 PM
Just when I thought i've had everything added..... somebody comes up with another great Idea

jx3
11-28-2006, 12:40 PM
Another reason to trade up for the HHR Panel!!

An auxiliary power outlet is available in the rear of the cargo area, with available 40-amp service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This also answers the call of upfitters, who have asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

Snoopy
11-29-2006, 05:03 PM
Great idea jaysz2893...

I have one of the Pelteir Effect coolers also. I've been using the 12v outlet in the rear seat. But having it in the rear of the car would be nice also.

I probably wouldn's wire it "hot" however. Mine draws about 4 amps, it could drain the battery, if I forgot to unplug it overnight for example.

jaysz2893
12-01-2006, 09:07 AM
Again , thanks All!!

THis my sound stupid, but i am going to put one uner the hood too. I have a 12V emergency light that i carry in the storage compartment. It had alligator clips for a battery hookup, but since the battery is in the rear and the posts up front are covered and kind of a pain to get to, i re-wired the llight with a cigarette lighter adapter (male piece) and i have a outlet for up front. This would make it quick and easy if i needed to look under there in the dark, since GM "forgot" and under hood light.
I am gonna put it right up near the radiator and put some reflective tape near it so you can locate it in the dark.

RUDEINC
12-01-2006, 10:06 AM
Again , thanks All!!

THis my sound stupid, but i am going to put one uner the hood too. I have a 12V emergency light that i carry in the storage compartment. It had alligator clips for a battery hookup, but since the battery is in the rear and the posts up front are covered and kind of a pain to get to, i re-wired the llight with a cigarette lighter adapter (male piece) and i have a outlet for up front. This would make it quick and easy if i needed to look under there in the dark, since GM "forgot" and under hood light.
I am gonna put it right up near the radiator and put some reflective tape near it so you can locate it in the dark.

or you could install a light.....

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5022

Snoopy
12-01-2006, 12:43 PM
Jayz....

I think that's also a neat idea. I have one of those lights, along with a mini compressor, in my Road Box. That was kind of why I was mounting it in the "trunk" area. It has a long cord that reaches all the way around the car and doubles as a Warning/Safety Light.

Don't forget to provide some type of protection from rain and snow, if you wire it "hot".

RUDEINC
01-11-2007, 10:43 PM
I had some extra time to kill, and had the parts gathered for this mod for a while so....

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0891.jpg


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0893.jpg


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0892.jpg

Novadiecast
01-11-2007, 11:57 PM
I think Rudeman has all the cool electrical tools!!!!:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

RUDEINC
06-15-2007, 12:37 AM
It looks like someone from GM has picked up on 12v cargo area mod......Check out the new Panel rear area....

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/0/5/9/07JCOBASH154.jpg

Pretzel
06-15-2007, 03:20 AM
I was thinking of putting my outlet behind that little door below the outlet you see in the picture. Id have to remove the door every time I would want to use it tho.

Craig~

andoll83
11-04-2008, 08:46 PM
I had some extra time to kill, and had the parts gathered for this mod for a while so....

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0891.jpg


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0893.jpg


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o92/ODIOUS_/100_0892.jpg

What are those seat covers you're using?