How Do You Add an Outlet in the Bed of a Truck?

Adding an electrical outlet to the bed of your truck can be a great benefit, allowing you to power a variety of tools and devices that require electricity. There are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to properly install an outlet in the bed of your truck, but with a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, you can have your new outlet up and running in no time.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

The first thing you’ll need to do is gather all of the necessary tools and materials for the job. You’ll need some basic electrical wiring supplies like wire cutters, wire strippers, electrical tape, and heat shrink tubing. Additionally, you’ll need an outlet box, an outlet cover plate, some electricians wire nuts, and a power drill.

Mounting the Outlet Box

Once you have all of your tools and materials gathered together, it’s time to start installing the outlet box. You’ll want to find an appropriate spot for it in the bed of your truck; somewhere that is accessible but not too exposed to potential damage from items that might be stored in or around the bed. Once you’ve chosen a spot for your outlet box, use your drill to make pilot holes for mounting screws. Then use those screws to secure the box into place.

Wiring the Outlet

The next step is wiring your new outlet. Start by running two lengths of 12 gauge electrical wire from a nearby power source (such as the battery) up into the bed of your truck. Be sure that both ends are securely connected – crimping them with wire nuts or using solder if necessary – before continuing on with installation. Once both ends are securely connected, strip away one inch of insulation from each end before threading them through one side of your outlet box and connecting them inside it according to their respective terminals (black goes on brass screw & white goes on silver screw).

Mounting Outlet Cover Plate & Testing

The final step is mounting your new outlet cover plate. This is simply done by snapping or screwing it onto the outside of your newly installed outlet box before testing it out with a multimeter or other test device to ensure it is functioning properly.

Conclusion

Adding an electrical outlet in the bed of a truck is not overly complicated if approached systematically with proper tools and materials at hand. With these tips as guidelines, you should now have all that’s needed for successful installation..

Photo of author

Susan Delgado