[slometaldoc]

I installed one of these guys in the cargo area of my Outback for running my Dometic Fridge and other junk while camping/running around on road trips. In that case I ran a 8ga wire direct from the battery through a separate fuse box and to the rear of the car.

I'd still fuse it at 10A, but using larger gauge wire to avoid the voltage drop near the top end ... and of course having it be live all the time which is the real goal. I've seen a few posts on dash cam installs (which I may do also) but being such low power consumption I cant see a reason not to tap into almost any circuit for that.

I'm pondering doing the same thing with my '21-XC40 and debating between a similar approach or utilizing an empty fuse position in the fuse box under the driver seat. Wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience with either approach.

Thanks!

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[SeattleCat]

Anyone know if the 12 volt in the trunk is always hot?

 

[BainbridgeIsland]

Anyone know if the 12 volt in the trunk is always hot?

If you mean the Recharge P8 - here's what the manual says:

Updated 11/9/2020
The 12 V outlet can be used for devices intended for this such as MP3 players, coolers and cellular phones.
The vehicle must be in Comfort or Drive mode in order for the outlet to deliver current.

Which basically means it only works when someone is sitting in the driver's seat.

 

[slometaldoc]

A quick look with an 'add-a-fuse' adapter in empty fuse spots show that there's at least 2 always-hot circuits that are un-used. The one shown below (#12 I believe), and #15 next to the blue 15A fuse in the same row.

In the manual, #12 is blank, but #15 is labeled "48V Battery Module". I reckon I'll use #12 to route to an an 'always hot' accessory outlet and USB charger port that I'll put in the cargo area.

Will use another 'add-a-fuse' to route power for my front/rear dash-cam's - but will likely get my windows tinted prior to doing so.

 

[slometaldoc]

Anyone know if the 12 volt in the trunk is always hot?

Its not - thats why I'm adding another outlet that will be. You could also route power from the fuse shown above to the existing 12V outlet and terminate the existing 12v switched connection.

 

[SeattleCat]

Nice work! Wish I was more confident in wiring my car (or house for that matter). And we are sure that the battery (12v) continues to charge from the big LI battery? Would hate to drain the 12v to needing a jump start lvl.

 

[slometaldoc]

Nice work! Wish I was more confident in wiring my car (or house for that matter). And we are sure that the battery (12v) continues to charge from the big LI battery? Would hate to drain the 12v to needing a jump start lvl.

No LIon battery in my dino-juice powered XC40. The main item I use the always-hot plug for is a Dometic refrigerator/freezer I like to take with on road trips - which has low-voltage protection, so theoretically wont get me to jump start level.

I also carry one of those tiny lithium ion/gel jump start batteries, so not TOO worried. Although I do miss my manual transmission as a plan C....

 

[SeattleCat]

Thanks for the info. I need to get my ion gel charger back. Had lent it to a friend as I thought I did not need it then realized a while back that evs need jump starts too!!! Which seems so odd to me but also makes sense.

Have you thought of coming over to the ev side of the fence? We could do with more problem solver owners the xc40 recharge is super fun to drive

ths me for the info

cheers

 

[slometaldoc]

Thanks for the info. I need to get my ion gel charger back. Had lent it to a friend as I thought I did not need it then realized a while back that evs need jump starts too!!! Which seems so odd to me but also makes sense.

Have you thought of coming over to the ev side of the fence? We could do with more problem solver owners the xc40 recharge is super fun to drive

ths me for the info

cheers

If this car takes me through the next 10 years like my Subaru did, i could see my next car being an electric. But for now, Dino juice it is.

Its funny, I’m somewhat reluctant to start cutting holes and running wires in this brand new piece of art…electrics give me even more pause for some reason. Even though I commonly do electrical mods on machines that are 100x the cost of this car!

 

[SeattleCat]

My last Volvo lasted 23 years.
hHope yours lasts as well.

 

[slometaldoc]

My last Volvo lasted 23 years.
hHope yours lasts as well.

My first car was a '79 262C*, followed by a '78 242GT - both older than me and kept trucking after all those years - even with a high school kid trying to drift them around corners.

*262C w/ AW55 (3sp + OD) Transmission from a mid-80's 764 - using the front driveshaft from an early '70's 164. That was a fun swap...

 

[slometaldoc]

Easy peasy.

Add a fuse installed - 2nd wire is for my rear dash cam and will be connected to a single fuse with my Front dash cam once I run that wiring.

Theres a gap in the cover the wiring can leave the fuse box from - simply tuck the wires under the door trim all the way to the rear seat. Used a fish tape to pull the wires under the rear seat.

Wires crossing the cargo area on the left side.

Always hot 10A-12V + dual USB dohicky.