USB Charger on Can-Am 1000XT

By Bill "BillaVista" Ansell
Photography: Bill Ansell
Copyright 2014 - Bill Ansell
(click any pic to enlarge)

Introduction

With cell-phones and other portable electronic devices so prevalent in our lives, it's convenient, even on an off-road vehicle, to have a handy way to plug in or charge devices with a standard 5 Volt USB socket.

This article is a quick look at how I installed a dual USB charger socket on my 2014 Can-Am Outlander 1000XT.

 

This is the USB charging socket I used.

It's made by a company called Blue Sea Systems and is designed for marine use.

You can find it on their website here.
 

The part number is 1016, and it is advertised as:

Easy to install in existing 12V DC socket hole providing convenient access for charging mobile devices.

  • Compatible with popular mobile devices
  • Protective Cap
  • Easy to use
 

This is the installation diagram.

The specs are:

Maximum Output Current

2.1A DC (total)

Cut Out Dimensions

1 1⁄8 in (28.58 mm) dia. hole

Input Voltage

12V

Output Voltage

5V DC +/- 5%

Parasitic Current Draw

15mA

USB

2.0

Weight

0.20lb (0.09 kg)

 
 

And these are the dimensions.

I bought mine from Amazon and paid $19.67.
 

I chose to mount mine on the right-hand side, in roughly the same location as the factory 12 Volt socket is located on the left-hand side.

I started by drilling a 1-1/8" mounting hole using a spade bit in my drill.

It takes a bit of courage to drill a big ass hole in your plastics, especially on a brand-new machine!
 
Hole finished.
 
Socket installed.
 
The terminals are quite close to the coolant reservoir cap...
 
... so I used these 90* connectors that are called "flag connectors" for obvious reasons.
 
Here the socket is wired up using the flag connectors. One connects to ground, the other to a switched 12 Volt source.
 
I wired mine up to my accessory 12 Volt fuse panel that you can read about in this article.
 
Here's the socket installed. I decided to omit the rectangular plate for a cleaner look.
 
There's a plastic protective cap...
 
...and two USB terminals inside.
 
Another look
 
At some point I may make and install a spacer to space the socket out from the panel slightly because, as it is, I actually have to disconnect the electrical terminals in order to remove the coolant tank cap.
 

Finished product.

Now I can easily plug in, power, or charge any device that would normally plug into a USB socket.

Total:


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