Wiring a 12v Pump

Can anyone explain to me how to wire up a 12v water pump in the bed of my truck? I’m trying to build a on board water setup for cleaning gear after sea kayaking. Is there a way to tap into the wiring on my truck topper?

 

Do you have a tow package? If so, tap into that. If its a portable setup, just get a trailer plug. Some of us also modified the bed power port and added a 12v lighter socket back there- for which you can also tie into 12v through the trailer harness underneath the bed.

 

I do have the tow package, if I tap in would that disrupt power when towing. Sorry new to this.

 

Can't you just use the in bed 120v plug?

 

I think your truck topper light circuits and wiring cant handle the load from a water pump, especially if its one that is strong enough to spray water.

The trailer leads can do it - it is designed to handle all the lights and charging the trailer battery too.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/on-board-water-build-pic-heavy.446868/#post-13056848

Check out this thread.

 

Thats what I thought too if its a portable 120v setup, he’ll need that if he wants water pressure like a garden hose.

But with a low pressure 12v pump portable setup, why not just plug into the trailer jack for as needed use? No 120-12v power transformers needed, etc. That would be a simple slick power source if you arent planning to keep the pump in the bed when you arent using it.

Edit: Idea- put a female cigarette lighter plug on a trailer harness plug for use as a removable 12v plug in the bed.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...m-for-the-2005-2018-toyota-tacoma-obw.453005/

 

Thats a slick permanent setup!

 

How difficult would be to just run all the way to the battery?

 

Also would the bed outlet handle a 120V Pump? They seem to be relitivly low amerage.

 

Depends on the pump - you can always run to the battery.

 

Dang, there’s no such thing as an original idea anymore!

$20 Draw-Tite Tow Ready 118019 Wiring Adapter, 7-Way to Cigarette Lighter Plug

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007...er+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=41wbd3YpdXL&ref=plSrch

 

Its not and this is the only way Id do it. You can wire in an in-line fuse and a relay. This is how I wired my LED bed lights along with a waterproof switch mounted in the bed next to the bed outlet. When I add more lighting out back I plan on adding a Blue Seas aux fuse panel but for now this current wire config works really well. And the best part is no tapping into any of the OEM wiring.

 

OP hasnt mentioned if its a permanently installed pump or just a portable one to put away when not in use - I assumed it was for just while Kayaking... a permanent instalation could be nice, but only if he's willing to cut and drill panels here and there.

 

Everything I described is not permanent but still can be. The only drilling is a tiny hole for the waterproof switch. No cutting of panels etc. If someone wants to remove the wire just unhook and remove it. Either way OP wants a way to run 12v to the bed and running a power wire straight from the battery along the fire wall and along the frame is easy and cheap way to get 12v back there without messing the truck up in any way whatsoever.

 

Should have mentioned, this will be a permanent install. My truck really just get driven for sea kayaking, Im a sea kayaking coach. Likely I will just run the wire straight to the battery. Blktre, did you just run the wire down the frame and zip tie along the way?

 

Look at the link I posted for a permanent applcation

 

I’ll chime in as I’ve spent countless hours doing wiring under the truck...

Zip ties will be fine, just make sure to route it along the frame and away from anything that will get hot when the engine is running. Install a heavy duty fuse near the battery and get some marine grade wire that will resist corrosion due to being around ocean water.

If using a switch, make sure it’s rated to handle the load or use a relay. Failure to not use the correct wire gage or wrong switch could lead to fire. Make sure to install a fuse!

 

ACinOr

What gauge wire would you suggest? Same wire gauge on pump?