🔧 Build Thread 12 VDC, USB Ports in the Cargo Bay

evtide · 2026-11-08T08:22:15-0600

I’m finding the lack of 12 volt power back in the cargo bay to be an issue, probably a correctable one. I’m running a Dometic fridge back there with the 120 VAC outlet and that’s working out fine, but doesn’t help for the 12 volt or USB stuff.

Issue #1 is placement of an outlet bezel somewhere on the right side of the bay without interfering with whatever’s behind there, and #2 is sourcing power.

Any thoughts on tapping in to some power back there - maybe from the trailer wiring circuit? No garage here, summer weather is far behind us, so it’s tough for me to start tearing things apart to route power direct from the battery although that’s probably the better way to do it.

Any thoughts out there? Paging Antman, who’s posts helped me out greatly in getting power thorough the firewall for an amateur radio install a while back.

Antman · 2026-11-08T13:14:32-0600

Hey there!
Well I can tell you, the side panels in the cargo area pull out far enough, from the hatch side, to access most wiring back there. Just unscrew the little plastic cargo net holder thingy and pull the weatherstrip off a little by the taillight. Then I think there’s a screw under the cargo tie down loop and also one under a cover where the storage cubby is. The rest of it is in place with tabs. I only pulled the back of it loose and wedged a piece of 2x4 in there to hold it out of the way while I worked. Seems intimidating but, it’s a Honda, most things come apart and go back very simply.

Anyway- On the drivers side there are some pretty nice sized wires- 10 ga maybe- that you may be able to tap into. I didn’t test them because I already ran power back there from the battery to a fusebox. There is a TON of space behind the panels to work. If you need to get the wiring to the passenger side from there you can easily run it in the storage area under the floor or the rear sill plate.
Hope that helps!