Power Socket install question for Bed

[RTFD333]

I recently purchased a marine grade power socket for my bed so I can have power back there for camping. I just received it and noticed that it requires a 1 1/8" for flush mounting. Id prefer to mount it close to the driver side rear part of the bed by the tailgate for easy access.

Has anyone attempted to drill a hole this large in their bed? Is there a way to maybe drill a hole from the bed into the saddle bad for easier clearance?

Heres the link for the power socket:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DONZYA/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[MS03 2500]

Do you have a trailer hitch. ?

You can use a hole saw but watch out for wires and other stuff.

 

[RTFD333]

I do have a trailer hitch and I was planning on using a hole saw just wasnt sure if anyone knows of any voids in the bed so I wouldn't necessarily have to drill through the metal of the bed. I already have a hot wire ran to the back of my bed for my bedlights so I think I'll just tap off of that for power instead of the trailer hitch wiring.

 

[MS03 2500]

What are you going to power with this. Have you thought about a flat 4 plug.

 

[RTFD333]

Nothing that substantial, I just bought a 2000w power inverter that can operate off of a power socket but is limited to 300w that way. I figure it would be nice to use the socket as a phone charger when camping or when I don't need the 2000w and don't feel like connecting the inverter straight to the battery i could plug it in the socket and still use 300w.

I was thinking about just drilling a pilot hole through the bed into the saddle bag towards the bottom rear of the driver side, I guess if it goes smoothly then I'll send the hole saw through next! Thoughts on that??

 

[wyotonka]

The plastic sides on the bed come off just by removing all the little plastic clips... i would probably do that to be sure  let us know how this goes.... i have been talking about this for a while

 

[RTFD333]

Wow way easier than expected...all done! Honestly it probably took me longer to go to Home Depot and back than to install this. I only took a few pics but here they are, let me know whatever questions you guys have

 

[HenryJ]

Looks good!

Mine sits a little higher:

It is in the recessed portion, so I had to add a spacer. You can see it just above the pack in this picture:

 

[Allbucdup]

I put in one of those panels with an 83watt c type plug, 2 usb plugs, a power switch and a voltage meter in it in the drivers side rear of my bed, just below the hard cover rail. Tapped the hot wire for trailer battery charging. Its pretty awesome. Ill get a pic tomorrow.