Rod Underwood

I don't think there is one out there or someone would have mentioned it, but I'm looking for a small weatherproof (with a cover) plug, female with a male counterpart that I can mount down low through the bumper cover for a trickle charger. Ideally it would be similar to the large 9 pin trailer plugs, but something no larger than 3/4 inch in diameter, 1/2 in would be better.

Any electrical guru's out there run across anything like this? "Hoppy" makes a trailer plug about this size, but it's chrome and has a two bolt flange. I'd like something "black" that works like a toggle switch with an interior nut that would tighten a very small flange on the exterior. Inconspicuous is the key.

Any suggestions or directions?

Thanks and a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to "everyone",
Rod

dr bob

Rod--

Shop at a marine store like BoatUS or West Marine. There are things like weatherproof microphone connectors in teh style you are looking for, in two-pin configuration. There's an o-ringed cap that seals the car side when the plug isn't inserted. Cheap at less than $10 for the pair last time I looked. I used them for years on the small boats (SeaDoo/Jet-Ski PWC stuff) with no problems. 5/8" OD, with a locking nut that, unfortunately, is on the outside face. There are some very low-profile nuts available though. The o-ringed cap is avaialble with a little ball-chain no-lose-it retainer too. I started using them when they showed up as power feed plugs on Kenwood UHF/VHF communications gear. Work well, cheap, low profile.

Rod Underwood

Thanks, it sounds like that's exactly what I want.

I found this one: http://www.consumersmarine.com/modpe...870001&aID=41F
I have to call them to find out what size it is.

Do you have any other links?

Rod

Alan

I mounted mine through the front grill - are you planning to mount at the back? remember that you need something that will pull apart in case you should do the unthinkable and forget its plugged in...?

I pull in to my garage forward so want somthing I will see at the front when I approach the car. I use an orange cable for visibility. My charger is under the passenger headlamp and connects to the front jump post...

The connector is a standard Euro IEC Socket (pin side on the car) attached behind the grill (through a metal plate mount). I use a standard molded plug cut off a cable with a screw in stainless steel pull ring as a cover when not in use. It doesn't really need to be fully watertight - I do have a watertight boot on the rear of the socket.

Alan

Rod Underwood

I have a loose plug through the grill in the front now, but want a cleaner, more permanent solution. My charger sits on the floor and if I don't detach it, it just drags out the garage in front of me.

I have found a couple of plugs like the link, I just need to find out how big they are. I'm planning on putting it through the front bumper cover, down low. Your installation prompted me to look into this in the first place.

Thanks,
Rod

Sailmed

Defender.com
Boaters discount warehouse - stick to the stainless as the perko chrome rots - quickly - most of the lower priced items are pot metal - Aaarg!
happy Holidays

Alan

I would not drill into the bumper cover...

Those plugs twist lock into place (I have one for something else) if you should make a mistake its easily strong enough to damage the cover...

So you have battery voltage permanenetly on there - I wouldn't do that - someone could mess with it - even with a cover.

Maybe do consider installing the charger in the vehicle (there are watertight versions available quite inexpensively now).

Alan