Rear power hook ups for Compressor

[RubiSc0tt]

I have the $80 Harbor Freight compressor. It's great, but I hate having to clamp to the battery- mostly because there isn't a good place to leave it on the front of the Jeep without it vibrating off.

I'd like to do some sort of rear cargo area hook up/ plug in I could wire to Aux 1-4, hook my compressor up, set it in a stable place in the rear cargo area, and air up after the trail. I don't want to permanently install my compressor anywhere; mostly because I have kids and use the rear cargo area regularly when pulling family hauling duties, and I like to be able to move the compressor as needed and I don't need the extra noise in the cab. Likewise- I don't want to spend extra money on an expensive compressor when this one does it's job fine.

Has anyone done anything like this before? bonus for experience/ pics.

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[LanceMagnum]

I run my compressor in the back from one of the 40 amp aux circuits, but that requires running a wire from the front to the rear cargo area. To do this cleanly you should remove the interior trim along either the driver or passenger side and follow the other wires along the rockers and up the rear wheel well. Passenger side makes the most sense since you can use the aux circuit leads in the passenger footwell. You only need to run the positive, you can use one of the ground studs under the rear trim piece in the back.

Depending on what your compressor draws for current, the easiest approach may be to use your 7-pin trailer connector, that supports up to 30 amps.

 

[Arterius2]

Use the rear 12v outlet in the cargo area?

 

[LanceMagnum]

Use the rear 12v outlet in the cargo area?

I don't think so, does not support the load of a compressor - at least one of any size.

If you run a circuit you'd need to add your own connector of some kind (mine is hardwired in). There's space behind the rear trim pieces in a couple of spots to put such a connector but to figure out exactly where you need to remove it (the left and right side are different, and may even depend on what options you have, I think the park sense electronics take space behind the trim panel on the passenger side)

 

[Arterius2]

I don't think so, does not support the load of a compressor - at least one of any size.

If you run a circuit you'd need to add your own connector of some kind (mine is hardwired in). There's space behind the rear trim pieces in a couple of spots to put such a connector but to figure out exactly where you need to remove it (the left and right side are different, and may even depend on what options you have, I think the park sense electronics take space behind the trim panel on the passenger side)

interesting, I have been running my compressor off the cargo 12v outlet without issues.

Is your compressor over 160W?

 

[LanceMagnum]

Is your compressor over 160W?

Well that's good to know! Yes, in my case I'm running the ARB single and it draws up to 32 amps, so that's >350W

 

[RubiSc0tt]

12V outlet isn't ideal for a compressor to fill tires. I had one when I first started out wheeling and it broke after 1 trip. It was too small and burnt out. I've never seen another compressor that runs off the 12V outlet since (except maybe the ones that you use to blow up air mattresses).

I don't think so, does not support the load of a compressor - at least one of any size.

If you run a circuit you'd need to add your own connector of some kind (mine is hardwired in). There's space behind the rear trim pieces in a couple of spots to put such a connector but to figure out exactly where you need to remove it (the left and right side are different, and may even depend on what options you have, I think the park sense electronics take space behind the trim panel on the passenger side)

That's what I was thinking. What kind of connectors would work best for this? The compressor has alligator clamps that clamp to the battery. I know they could be removed/ swapped out, just tryingt to plan this out in my head.

 

[Some Random Guy]

I’d be tempted to just drop a 40A fuse in for the 7 pin trailer plug. Or you can just use the 30A and bring some extras until you figure out what trips it if your peak draw is 32A.

 

[LanceMagnum]

What kind of connectors would work best for this?

I think a powerpole is a decent fit for this application:

https://powerwerx.com/panelpole-panel-mount-powerpole-housing

says it's less than 1" deep (less wiring) so it's got a chance to fit behind the rear trim in spots.

 

[MtCamper]

If you want to use Aux 1 or 2 you can just run an 8 gauge wire from the passenger footwell to the back by tucking it under the edge of the trim. Remove the trim piece at the curve on the passenger door and you will find a ground stud you can use for the ground. You can fish the wires out thru a small carpet slit on either passenger or driver side. Those WAGO connectors (amazon) work really nice for connections you might be changing later.

 

[RubiSc0tt]

Updated on this: I went through the trouble of ordering all the parts but my compressor wouldn't fill my 4 way tire inflation system so I ended up spending the $$$ on an ARB Twin (knock off) from Amazon, wiring it in to the battery, and tying the switch wiring to Aux 2 (40 amp fuse). Details in my build thread.

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