Hey guys,

If somebody wanted to install a 12V outlet near the tailgate (for tailgate parties, etc...) what kind of wire would you use? I mean like what gauge would you use. Because it is running almost the length of the vehicle. And I was thinking I would tap into a fuse on the interior of the vehicle for my power and I was wondering what size of fuse to tap into. And also for an inline fuse how would I know what size to use on the inline?

Thanks, as you can tell I know nothing about electrial.

 

If you have the seven pin trailor plug you already have a 12 volt power source in the plug.

 

I don't have a 7 pin though.

 

I bet 10, or even 12 gauge would be fine.

I would also consider wiring straight to the battery.

 

you mean run the wire straight to the positive terminal of the battery? Are there any advantages to this and how would you ground it?

 

you could ground it just about anywere that has a good contact to the frame

 

I understand where to ground it to, but you have to realize that I am a complete newbie at electrical and I am wondering about the other end of the ground. I mean you attach the wire to the battery and run it to the accessory. Where does the ground come in?

LOL, i know this sounds so dumb but like I said i am new at this and only 16 yrs old.

 

Red wire goes from (+) terminal on the battery, and the black goes to a ground on your frame which has a (-) charge, thus completing a circuit.

 

Ok, lets make it simple. You only need to run a red wire to the + of the battery. The black wire / connection on the outlet can attach right to the frame of the truck. Anything metal on the truck acts as the - wire. You can see this at your battery, as the heavy black wire goes right to the frame. This saves wire by just going right to the frame for anything electrical.

OK, wire time. I don't know how much power you need, or what the outlet you plan to use is rated for. But here are the rules...
If you need 30amps, use 10gauge wire and a 30amp inline fuse or circuit breaker.
If you need 20amps, use 12gauge wire and a 20amp inline fuse or circuit breaker.
If you need 15amps, use 14gauge wire and a 15amp inline fuse or circuit breaker.

Is this clear?
Adrianspeeder

 

Yes very clear. Thanks a lot. I wasn't even thinking when i made my post about the ground that the outlet would have the (-) wire attached to it already. lol.

 

So where do you plan on mounting it? A popular place to install fifthwheel or gooseneck trailer plugs is behind the tail light on the inside of the bed.

Adrianspeeder

 

That is exactly where I am thinking. Inside the box by the tailgate where the box kind of juts out into a square pillar type shape.

The only thing i'm worried about now is how to waterproof it. Any ideas? Wouldn't want it to start to rain when i have something plugged in.

 

Anyway, what the heck are you plugging in?

Adrianspeeder

 

Electric coolers for tailgate parties, air compressor to blow up dirtbike/quad tires, spotlight, etc... lots of uses.

And I was at canadian tire tonite and saw a kit that has everything needed to do this for $20 cdn. I think it is waterproof also.

 

Sweet... post pictures when you're done.