How to hardwire a USB cable through the dash to the DC outlet under the dash

[C0recollector]

2013 FFH... I have a phone mount which attaches to the window. Right now I have a USB cable going from that mount to a USB charging adapter in the cigarette socket under the dash. The problem is the cable is hanging down loosely on the right hand side of the screen (my ford touch) and it looks sloppy, gets in the way of opening and closing the glove compartment and also passengers.

 

I'd like to run that cable down through the dash somehow and then bring it out underneath. Any suggestions on the best way to do this? I was wondering if it could be routed down through the air vent that is right there in the middle. There is another air vent right underneath the dash but I have no idea if this is a good approach or not and if I would need to remove panels, etc.

 

Thanks,

[C0recollector]

No ideas from the genius folks in the forum? Are there any instructions on how to remove the panels in that area?

[Easy Rider]

I think the quick and dirty way is to run it through the defroster slot like you mentioned.

The other alternative is through an AC vent in the dash.

 

Beware, however, that you probably can NOT wire it directly to 12 V, because the 12 to 4.5 volt conversion likely is done inside that "cigarette lighter" plug.

[acdii]

Not a clue. I have adverse desires to ripping apart the dash for a cable. Only thing that comes about from that are squeaks and rattles down the road. I would like to put a USB jack under the center stack though for my phone, so I dont have the cable snaked around everything.

[SteveB_TX]

Not a clue. I have adverse desires to ripping apart the dash for a cable. Only thing that comes about from that are squeaks and rattles down the road. I would like to put a USB jack under the center stack though for my phone, so I dont have the cable snaked around everything.

 

I added a 12v power point into the drivers side kick panel on our 2010 FFH. Worked great for keeping the power cord off the dash and out of the way. :)