Help with Cooling Fan on Aux Switch

[WheresMyBronco]

I'm looking to install a fan for my rear passengers (my kids) for the days where it gets hot, but I was hoping to get some advice before I mess something up as I'm not too good with electrical stuff.

I found a 12V fan (link here) that has a 10amp fused power cord, but I was thinking of cutting off the 12V plug (which I'm assuming the fuse is mounted in) and connecting it to AUX 4-6. However, I have a few questions:

• Will there be any issues if I cut off the 12V plug with the fuse?
• The 12V plug has a variable speed setting dial on it. Is there anything I can incorporate to be able to control the speed if I cut off the 12V plug?
• Is there a way to plug it into the rear 12V plug (without cutting it off) while still being able to turn it on/off using the aux switches?

I'm open to any advice on this. Thanks in advance!

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[Poppavein]

You could mount another 12v socket powered by the Aux switch.

 

[Brian_B]

• Will there be any issues if I cut off the 12V plug with the fuse?
• The 12V plug has a variable speed setting dial on it. Is there anything I can incorporate to be able to control the speed if I cut off the 12V plug?
• Is there a way to plug it into the rear 12V plug (without cutting it off) while still being able to turn it on/off using the aux switches?

So

no issues cutting off the plug - it will just be two wires, a (+) and a (-)

that said, if there is a speed control on the plug - that is just a resistor but you will lose it cutting off the plug

You can plug it into the cargo area outlet but cannot (easily) control it via an aux switch that way

what you can do:

Run a new 12V outlet to the cargo area. Power it from an aux switch. Plug your fan in there - you get to keep the speed control that way

 

[vxEric]

I'm looking to install a fan for my rear passengers (my kids) for the days where it gets hot, but I was hoping to get some advice before I mess something up as I'm not too good with electrical stuff.

I found a 12V fan (link here) that has a 10amp fused power cord, but I was thinking of cutting off the 12V plug (which I'm assuming the fuse is mounted in) and connecting it to AUX 4-6. However, I have a few questions:

• Will there be any issues if I cut off the 12V plug with the fuse?
• The 12V plug has a variable speed setting dial on it. Is there anything I can incorporate to be able to control the speed if I cut off the 12V plug?
• Is there a way to plug it into the rear 12V plug (without cutting it off) while still being able to turn it on/off using the aux switches?

I'm open to any advice on this. Thanks in advance!

If you crack open the 12V plug you'll find that the variable speed switch is just a circuit board with leads soldered to the plug contacts. You could take it out and install it somewhere in the vehicle. Might need to solder new/longer wires to it
The housing/mounting could be challenging.

If you were to disconnect the 12v plug in the rear and wire it to the switch like you were going to wire the fan, you could control it with the switch. If you get a spare pigtail you don't really even need to cut wires, just unplug the old one, plug your new harness in and the whole thing is reversible if you wanted.

 

[dadjoke]

I did this... brb with a link
Edit: I did something else, but...maybe you want that? lol
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ailgate-hvac-assist-4door.96843/#post-2295080

To answer your questions to the best of my understanding:
-No, unless the fan was somehow fused at a higher rating than the fuse that lighter port is on?
-No, there's a resistor in the plug controlling input so you'd be at (Homer's buddy) Max Power all the time.
-That seems like a much more complicated solution than your situation calls for?

 

[RagnarKon]

• Will there be any issues if I cut off the 12V plug with the fuse?

Nope

• The 12V plug has a variable speed setting dial on it. Is there anything I can incorporate to be able to control the speed if I cut off the 12V plug?

It depends on what that variable speed control actually does. I assume it's just a simple potentiometer, so yes... if you put in your own potentiometer you can recreate what that speed setting does.

• Is there a way to plug it into the rear 12V plug (without cutting it off) while still being able to turn it on/off using the aux switches?

Yes, you can install a relay that turns on/off the power to that 12V plug based on the Aux switch.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Damn you guys are quick, thank you all for the responses.

I'm going to look into my options a little bit and I'll Ill post some updates over time for those interested in doing something similar

 

[Bigmoose]

How about finding a fan with speed control on the fan itself instead of the plug?

 

[swooshdave]

I bet you can even find a variable speed fan with USB and just plug it into the back USB ports. No way would I use an AUX switch for this.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

I bet you can even find a variable speed fan with USB and just plug it into the back USB ports. No way would I use an AUX switch for this.

My kids are still young/in their car seats so I'm just looking for something I could easily control myself from the front. I also want to mount it on the rear roll bar so that I can keep it out of their reach and hide the wires from them

How about finding a fan with speed control on the fan itself instead of the plug?

I looked around but this one seems to have the best design and airflow for the size. I'm more concerned about the fan running at max speed all the time than actually adjusting it if that makes sense

 

[swooshdave]

https://a.co/d/1AqJqIt

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