Now that the weather is nicer I'm planning to further secure the block heater cord under the truck. I'd also like to install a bumper mount.

Before I get started, is there any reason not to keep the cord on there permanently? I was planning to run the plastic loom over it's entire length, minus the orange plug head on the element.

 

I don't see any reason not to. I've got the Geno's bumper mount setup on my truck and really like it.

 

Can you post a pic of the Geno's setup?

 

Thanks. I'm kinda kickin myself now. At the time I ordered it was "hurry up and get it here cheap". Now I'm wishing I grabbed the bumper mount setup for easier placement.

 

I'll run out and take a couple pics here in a minute.

All the bumper mount setup is is the plug and an L bracket. If you've got the plug already, it'll be easy to make a bracket.

 

I'm going to try to mount an enclosure with the spring loaded door in order to protect the prongs, like the trailer plugs on the rear bumper. I guess that's called a plug receptacle.

I might go poke around the RV/boat and trailer sections for a little weather proof stuff. It's nice to work on a little project instead of one that must be done to get the truck back on the road lol

I guess the goal would be to do it under the cost of a Genos unit. Not that the Geno's unit isn't good. Just this is what I'm working with and I'll make it nice too.

 

Here's the pics of the Geno's setup. It is permanently mounted. You have to cut the plug off the cord and wire it up to the new receptacle. The receptacle is a Marinco.

 

Nice pics - thanks! The Marinco stuff was what I kept seeing.

Looks like the Bass Pro down the road should have what I need as far as plug goes. I'll put that on a bracket and fit it up. Thanks again!

 

Glad I could help. Here's the exact plug I have. http://www.basspro.com/Onboard-Charg...t/5205/-374549

Bass Pro has a couple other options for them as well. Should be able to find one there.

 

How is the bracket mounted? What material is it made from?
I have the Marine plug, I just need to make a bracket and figure out how to mount it.

 

It's a steel L shaped bracket. The L part faces forward and slips over the lip of the cutout in the bumper. There's a hole there already and mounts with a single bolt. The bottom of the bracket just sits against the bottom lip of the cutout in the bumper. Took about 15 minutes to rewire the plug and install the bracket. Really easy.

 

I just ordered a NEMA male shielded plug recepticle from grainger or mcmaster, (forgot which) and mounted it in my plastic bumper insert. I think it was around $15.00 and used a piece of electrical SO cord with terminals crimped and soledered ont he element end. Piece of cake.

 

Ok guys, I'm at halftime of the install now, waiting for paint to dry and getting dinner ready. It's a nice evening for steaks

Before:






Supplies:


Marinco plug: $18.01 @ Bass Pro (w/military discount)
Push Pin Fasterners (2pks): $1.36 @ Lowes
Plastic Clamps 3/8": $1.78 @ Lowes
Plastic Loom 3/8": $3.24 @ Oreilly's
Girl Scout Cookies: $3.50 @ Bass Pro's exit sidewalk

Find spot to make 1 7/8" hole


Hole cut, primed and painted


Break for the paint to sorta dry


Cut plug off cord, separate wires, strip, insert into Marinco plug


Plug closeup



I turned the truck around so the paint is in the sunlight. Once it dries I'll proceed with securing the plug and cord. More to come...

(wow I can totally draw out a simple procedure)

 

Brother, the Girl Scout Cookies are an awesome touch to the pics. Hilarious!!!!!

 

That already looks better than mine. I didn't have Girl Scout cookies...