New rear load space addition to my Traxide system

[AnD3rew]

The way I had my cigarette plugs installed which were on the underslope just above the jack compartment (you can see them just above the new box in the second pic) were nice and neat and discreet but it did mean that the fridge plug quite often came loose on rough tracks which is annoying and puts your food and health at risk. I wanted a neat solution which solved this problem and I found this neat little box which includes an upward facing cigarette plug, an Anderson plug and a battery testing meter.

It needed a bit of modification, so I re-routed the power supply wires so they enter the box on the underside. I drilled two holes in the jack compartment cover and fed the wires through that and screwed the box to the cover.

I then added a new 20amp blade fuse holder two bullet connectors and piggy backed into the existing Traxide installation where the two cigarette plugs tap in.

It is very neat, because it is a bit recessed it is a bit protected from casual knocks etc, it is surprisingly solid and if you can source a new jack compartment cover it can be easily removed and you would never know it was there.

The wires are long enough that you can take the cover off and easily get the jack out without disconnecting but you can easily unplug the bullet connectors and take the cover right out if you need to.

I now have a total of three permanent cigarette plugs wired into the the second battery two downward facing and one upward facing and an Anderson plug.


The box came from here

12V Cig, Anderson & Battery Monitor Connector Box (http://www.australiandirect.com.au/buy/12v-battery-connector-monitor-box/MAKA001)

[AndyG]

Solves an issue I was chewing on, fridge yes, battery charger via Anderson plug, and H.D power for occasional air compressor.

[drivesafe]

That looks great Andrew.

I too have been trying to come up with something that is versatile but cost effective.

I have not succeeded yet but yours is a good setup.

[scarry]

Tim,keep wondering why you don't use/supply Merit or hella plugs as they are sometimes called.
I have one mounted on that sloping piece above the jack compartment,and wired to your D4 SC80 kit.I also have a female cigarette style socket(supplied in your kit) as well,for camp lights,etc,used while vehicle is stopped only.

I have travelled some of the worse corrugated roads in the country and have never ever had a merit plug come loose.

Had one in the D2 as well,after having issues with the standard cigarette lighter type plugs coming loose,getting hot and melting,etc.

In fact there is not much more frustrating than driving all day,set up camp and then find the beers are hot.:mad:

For people that don't know what they are,have a look at this.

Merit Hella Power Plug Cars Motorbikes Boats Caravans | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/221224224242?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=107)

Not having a go at anyone,just my two cents worth and some friendly advice.:)

Once you start using Merit plugs,you will never ever go back to the cigarette lighter style.

Back to the OP,looks good and is something that would be handy

[drivesafe]

Hi scarry and if I ever get my finger out, I’ll post up that you can choose between a cigarette socket or a Merit socket, with any of my kits and always have had this choice, but as stated, I have to put this info up on my site.

Here is a suggestion one of my customers put me onto but I have yet to get a photo of the set up.

In the photo below, instead of mounting the socket as shown, mount the socket vertically in the flat panel area just above and to the right of where that socket is.

Then you are far less likely to bump it and it won’t rattle out as you drive.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/631.jpg

[phl]

Tim definitely supplies Merit sockets, as that's what I got.

Mine is installed facing down, so that it's out of the way from things being loaded or unloaded. Survived one week over the Vic High Country without being unplugged.

[scarry]

Tim,thought that might be the case:p

Hard to cover all bases,being self employed,there are often not enough hours in the day;)

Ask me how i know:(

Thought about putting it upright,but the way we pack our car,it would probably get knocked,bumped,etc,as we often stack things on that shelf.

That sloping panel as the OP also mentioned, is a great place as it is out of the way.And with a Merit plug,no problems at all.It is also easy to mount and get the wires through to the rear of the plug.

I use it for a handheld spotlight a lot,as well as the Engle.

Keep up the good work,and your helpful posts!

PHL,had never seen them on the Traxide site,i get them from Jaycar

[drivesafe]

Here is a photo of a D3 rear panel setup but while I like to give credit to whoever supplies me with info and/or photos, I can not remember who sent this to me.

I think it’s from the ukd3 forum.

This is a great looking setup but it still has the potential of the plugs being knocked or falling out.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/620.jpg

[AnD3rew]

Here is a photo of a D3 rear panel setup but while I like to give credit to whoever supplies me with info and/or photos, I can not remember who sent this to me.

I think it’s from the ukd3 forum.

This is a great looking setup but it still has the potential of the plugs being knocked or falling out.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/620.jpg

Wow, that is quite a setup, but I can't see there still being room for the jack and tools in there behind that, definitely not the tool bag.

[ADMIRAL]

I use a right angle merit plug. Narva I think. A little fiddly to put the plugs in when the fridge is in, but it reduces any potential for knocking the plug out . My plugs are in the recess above the panel shown and are only just visible.

[Sparkybreno]

I put in the engel screw in plug in the angled part facing down. It's now good for Engels and ARB fridges and you can buy the ARB cable which fits waeco fridges with the screw in engel fitting that also has a cigarette adapter.

[phl]

I put in the engel screw in plug in the angled part facing down. It's now good for Engels and ARB fridges and you can buy the ARB cable which fits waeco fridges with the screw in engel fitting that also has a cigarette adapter.

That's pretty much where I put my Merit socket, although closer to the rear. Was a PITA to install as there isn't much space as I had initially thought when I put my hand in there, but as I had already drilled...

[samandfee]

I put it here and has not fell out as of yet.http://http://rs1325.pbsrc.com/albums/u633/HughJarse1/SAM_2334_zps487fc131.jpg~c200

[samandfee]

Hmmmm photo did not work ...http:////rs1325.pbsrc.com/albums/u633/HughJarse1/SAM_2334_zps487fc131.jpg~c200....will keep trying

[samandfee]

Grrrrrrrrr.
Ha done it .. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/326.jpg