2013 Drive 12v Accessory Plug Installation

[BigBee]

All,

Forgive this newbie if this has been asked before - I searched, and came up with several threads for various manufacturers that included bits and pieces of answers, but nothing that completely answers my question...

I am getting a 2013 Gas Drive delivered in the next week. I want to add a common 12v accessory plug to it to charge my iphone/gps while I'm on the course, but the dealer wanted $85, and I thought I could do it myself for much cheaper. Besides, I added several upgrades already that the wife didn't appreciate

I'm fairly mechanical and handy, so I shouldn't have an issue installing one myself. In my research, I came across both the cigarette lighter-style and the USB-style plugs, so I'm thinking of installing both. I've decided on 2 units I found on Amazon:

Blue Sea Double USB Charger Socket and Blue Sea 1011 12v DC Socket.

My questions:

1 - What would be the best way to hard-wire these units into my cart?

2 - I'm assuming it would be OK to have them powered even when the key is not in the ignition, as long as I don't leave anything plugged into them?

3 - What gauge wire would I need for these?

4 - Would I need in-line fuses with these? If so, how many amps?

5 - Any downside to adding both types?

I think that's it for now. I'm sure I'll think of something as soon as I hit 'submit', though.

Thanks,

BigBee

[tailslid1]

I just bought a 2013 PTV as well. I bought a marine style 12v socket on ebay. I think it was only $10 bucks delivered or something.

I'm wiring mine direct to the battery with a 10amp inline fuse. Golf carts do not have a grounded chassis, so you need to run a ground and power wire all the way back to the battery.

I put an aftermarket dash in mine. So I'm going to place the 12v socket next to the glove box door on the passenger side.

Maybe some of the more experienced guys can chime in with recommendations.

You can see my cart here for the accessories if you want.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-y...o-install.html

Rick

[BigBee]

Rick,

I'm looking at getting a dash kit like you have installed. How are they installed? Do they slip over the existing molding? Secured using existing screws, or do you have to drill new holes?

Thnks,
BigBee

[tailslid1]

The dash is a skin that is double stick taped to the factory parts. No drilling. No screws. Just clean it and stick it in place. The woodgrain dash and overhead console don't match exactly but they are close enough. I'd order both of them again.

I haven't put the 12v socket in yet. That's a project for this weekend.

Rick