Where is the 12 volts?

[Joules Burn]

We just acquired an R1S - awesome vehicle. I’m going to be installing a 2 meter HAM radio for coverage in marginal cell areas.

Apparently, I have a “new” model that does not have 12 volt outlets in either the frunk or under the dash in the main cabin.

I’m open to ideas for dangling connector locations before I start pulling panels or tapping into the 12 volt battery terminals.

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[godfodder0901]

We just acquired an R1S - awesome vehicle. I’m going to be installing a 2 meter HAM radio for coverage in marginal cell areas.

Apparently, I have a “new” model that does not have 12 volt outlets in either the frunk or under the dash in the main cabin.

I’m open to ideas for dangling connector locations before I start pulling panels or tapping into the 12 volt battery terminals.

12 volt OBD port adapter.

 

[Joules Burn]

12 volt OBD port adapter.

That is an option. Do you know the wattage capability?

 

[godfodder0901]

That is an option. Do you know the wattage capability?

Nope. Sorry.

 

[seatosummit]

There are various diagnostic ports scattered throughout the vehicle, including one to the right of the fuse panel above the passenger footwell. There is likely nominal 12V on these connectors. No sense of overcurrent protection as we don't have a wiring diagram. I would encourage extreme caution, certainly not worth running even low wattage HAM radio.

Consider using the USB C ports located in the center console. You can get a boost converter if the USB C ports don't support power delivery.

...and congrats on your truck!

Austin KM6JKJ

 

[seatosummit]

My USB C meter suggests a pretty abysmal 2.5W at 5V.

I know some folks have tapped into the 12V harness in the front of the truck where the cig lighter initially connected. Look up BoxGoods. They make a frunk water tank that I have that plugs into that outlet. They have a user who has tapped into the harness. I think the info is on this forum, also.

 

[Joules Burn]

Thanks all. There is an 180 watt (15 amp) at the back end so I figured it must come from the front of the vehicle. To have no outlets of any type - forward of the front seats - for an "adventure" vehicle is a bit odd.

"First World" problem to work on. Not my first project.

 

[citizen]

Don't know how much power you need, but typically the two options up front are either mirror tap or OBD2. I went with a mirror tap for my aftermarket dash cam (considered tapping and splitting into two USB-Cs but decided to just play it safe. For my cell phone mounted in between the two screens, I'm powering it via OBD2.

I agree, some of their decisions don't make much sense. Some other "adventure" vehicles actually give you USB ports right on top of the dash and even attachment points for adventuring accessories.

But with Rivian, you get a cool.. camp speaker but you'll have to make do with one USB-C port for the front passengers (assuming your other one is being used by SSD for the Driver Cam). Meanwhile, in the middle row, they get four USB-C ports (two in the middle and one on each headrest).

 

[Polar]

Fuse Taps are easy as well - that’s how I’m powering my dash chargers (with a buck converter) and then also the mirror tap for my dash cam.

 

[pc500]

Nope. Sorry.

Don't use obdii for a ham radio.

Fuse 28 I think... Left kick panel under driver. You'll have to make a fuse tap as the type rivian uses is exotic, but some trimming with pliers is all that's needed.

I used 15 amps because it's what's I had, but I think you could do 20.

 

[skookumracing]

couple of threads on here of folks adding 12v accessories and tapping into where the Frunk 12v was

Zonehawk R1T Build & Accessories Install Walkthrough | Rivian Forum - R1T R1S R2 News, Specs, Models, RIVN Stock -- Rivianforums.com

Tutorial / DIY Guide - Installing 12v Outlet in Frunk | Rivian Forum - R1T R1S R2 News, Specs, Models, RIVN Stock -- Rivianforums.com

I used the Trigger Controller 4 Plus | Trigger Wireless Accessory Controllers powered of the passenger side 12v battery to power my Diode Dynamics fog lights

 

[Joules Burn]

Some great information provided. Some trails already blazed! I'll post my installation when completed. Thanks again to all!

 

[LevelHeaded]

By far one of the dumbest and weirdest cost-cutting measures Rivian has done. I’d love to know if the idiot who made the call to remove all the 12v ports has ever actually owned or operated a vehicle.

 

[seatosummit]

Don't use obdii for a ham radio.

Fuse 28 I think... Left kick panel under driver. You'll have to make a fuse tap as the type rivian uses is exotic, but some trimming with pliers is all that's needed.

I used 15 amps because it's what's I had, but I think you could do 20.

Oh this is cool! These are new to me, but I think the concept.

I am one of the lucky few that has 12V sockets so I haven't been as compelled to get as creative as others here.

Good luck with your project. Interested to hear about what radio you install.

 

[seatosummit]

couple of threads on here of folks adding 12v accessories and tapping into where the Frunk 12v was

Zonehawk R1T Build & Accessories Install Walkthrough | Rivian Forum - R1T R1S R2 News, Specs, Models, RIVN Stock -- Rivianforums.com

Tutorial / DIY Guide - Installing 12v Outlet in Frunk | Rivian Forum - R1T R1S R2 News, Specs, Models, RIVN Stock -- Rivianforums.com

I used the Trigger Controller 4 Plus | Trigger Wireless Accessory Controllers powered of the passenger side 12v battery to power my Diode Dynamics fog lights

Man this is overkill for anything I've done so far, but love that it exists for future ideas.

On that trigger wireless switching device do you see any parasitic draw from the 12V battery? Presumably it is continuously consuming a small amount of current to await the command to energize the circuits via Bluetooth.

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