Battery Tender Plug In Port (BX Mod)

[varmint]

Years ago, I installed a SeaDog ciggie lighter outlet, just like David did. $4, works fine, and if I want 12V power, I have it... Wired to the battery, with a 10A fuse. No issues with the cap in cold weather.

 

[xzcVAbc5]

Funny thing is I already bought the same one you put on even though I had seen the other one available I did read some comments from posters that it required some substantial housing to be able to use friction to hold in place. I then saw Paul's video after.

Well I am going to have to bite the bullet and go for the other one.

Anyone need a saddlebag ESA port connector Maybe someone will need one, post on KIJIJI..

I'm tempted to add a second one of these ports to my BX for auxiliary power with a switch on the dash. My current one is installed directly to the battery. I'd like the aux power with a switch for running a sprayer.

The 4-wheeler and grasshopper mower need these as well.

 

[xzcVAbc5]

I did this yesterday. Here are the items I bought:
Amazon.com: OptiMate CABLE O-20 Weatherproof SAE socket, front panel mount: Automotive

Amazon.com: Battery Tender 081-0069-6 Ring Terminal Harness with Black Fused 2-Pin Quick Disconnect Plug: Automotive

The Battery Tender cable appears to be the same one that was included with both of my Battery Tender kits. They are really decent cables. For the price it's not worth trying to make your own.

FYI for everyone: The 7.5A fuse isn't quite enough to run a little Fimco sprayer on if you choose your Battery Tender port as an aux power port. When I stepped it up to a 10A I never had any problems since. The wires are 16ga so no problems with overheating.

 

[sdef]

These look pretty neat. But I just use a battery connector from BatteryMinder and let it hang out the front of the tractor to use with the diesel refueling pump. Also have these connected to all other items I own that have automotive type batteries.

 

[dragoneggs]

These look pretty neat. But I just use a battery connector from BatteryMinder and let it hang out the front of the tractor to use with the diesel refueling pump. Also have these connected to all other items I own that have automotive type batteries.
View attachment 457545

Ha ha... yeah I used to hang out like that too... get with the program! :laughing:

 

[DocDryden]

Ha ha... yeah I used to hang out like that too... get with the program! :laughing:

I still hang out like that
I also need to get with the program

Thanks again JJ for the great idea! :thumbsup: I just finished installing mine but I chose the right side due to my 110v power source is on that side where I park and there is a bit more room behind the dash.

View attachment 422365 View attachment 422366 View attachment 422367 View attachment 422368

I used a 7/8in Forstner bit for the main hole and then used the receptacle for a template to drill the 4 screw holes using a 11/64in twist bit. Almost didn't need to use the nylock nuts as it was a nice snug fit. The kit comes with 8-32 1/2in and 5/8in length screws. I used the longer ones and hand tightened. Much cleaner than my makeshift setup before.

I might just go with the Powerlet PTB-001

 

[KYKub]

Thanks to the OP and to those who contributed to the discussion. I viewed the Paul Short video tdibratt mentioned and went with the "expansion fit" vs screws. Same basic process as OP described. Very simple. I had my Battery Tender plug tucked into the compartment under the hood latch. Now I don't have to open the hood to connect/disconnect. (First world problems!) My only--minor--complaint is that it sticks out a little too far.





I would like to do something similar now for my block heater cord/plug. Looking at this from Amazon, but it requires a 2" hole. That seems pretty big and I'd rather find a smaller option. Anybody have better ideas?

 

[msb1766]

I thought it stuck out too far also so used the outer ring and gasket.
If you take it apart you can sandwich the housing between the threaded part with the gasket and screw on the outer ring.
makes it a lot shorter. the threaded outside diameter is the same size as the rubber end that expands.

 

[4shorts]

Thanks to the OP and to those who contributed to the discussion. I viewed the Paul Short video tdibratt mentioned and went with the "expansion fit" vs screws. Same basic process as OP described. Very simple. I had my Battery Tender plug tucked into the compartment under the hood latch. Now I don't have to open the hood to connect/disconnect. (First world problems!) My only--minor--complaint is that it sticks out a little too far.

View attachment 457876
View attachment 457877
View attachment 457875

I would like to do something similar now for my block heater cord/plug. Looking at this from Amazon, but it requires a 2" hole. That seems pretty big and I'd rather find a smaller option. Anybody have better ideas?

View attachment 457878

Instead of putting the bulkhead coupler through the hole using the expansion method I showed in the video take the big washer off under the nut and large washer off the bulkhead connector, from the inside of the hole push the coupler out through the hole and simply put the nut on and not use the large washer. It will reduce another 1/4" of it protruding outwards :thumbsup:

 

[KYKub]

Instead of putting the bulkhead coupler through the hole using the expansion method I showed in the video take the big washer off under the nut and large washer off the bulkhead connector, from the inside of the hole push the coupler out through the hole and simply put the nut on and not use the large washer. It will reduce another 1/4" of it protruding outwards :thumbsup:

Thanks, Paul. Appreciate the tip. (Just checked out your website. Nice looking place, and work!)