Why not just get a portable battery pack, if its just for charging the phone? That or run the cable out of the arm rest? the USB port is slow charging anyways, so its terrible regardless.

 

You could use something like this, and mount it to the side of the console or under the glovebox:

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-R8Wg9m...yABEgLQy_D_BwE

 

I am guessing that you should be able to just swap over your buttons.

 

Although I cannot speak for him, I am guessing that he is wanting an OEM style solution instead of extra hassle with a battery pack. As far as the cable through the arm rest, he already stated "girlfriend finds it a pain to open the center console and look in the dark to charge her phone".

 

Thanks, you really got my point, that is exactly what I'm trying to do, I had an old BMW with a dash change drawer which a turned into a media center with usb, aux, bass control, etc...

 

Tell your girlfriend that her phone charging capabilities have been suspended. LOL

I actually find this interesting. On the passenger door where the window actuator is, there is enough space to put a USB port here. It's kind of unique if you ask me. Figuring out how to run the wiring is the question at hand. Just my 2 cents.

 

There is power there already, but you’d have to figure out if it can be used without triggering the window or door lock.
Probably would want to use a covered outlet, wouldn’t want rain getting in there.
Would be a nice place to put it, keeping some wire clutter away from the center console.

 

This is very interesting, worth looking into.

 

I agree with this. This seems like the easiest solution for the relatively small-ish problem we’re talking about. It stays pretty hidden and you can also hide it under the extra side cushion to secure it

 

I recently acquired a heated seat module, I will update soon.

 

I have this always plugged in with 2 iPhone cable chargers connected.
a little off topic but;

I don't want to use the USB (aux) coz it always messes up with audio and navigation. I don't put a lot of stuff on the center console, I have backpack that gets thrown in a back seat - contains all the goodies you can imagine (who wants some snickers bar?)

I also make sure a fully charged jump battery pack, portable air compressor and first aid kit are in the trunk. Trust me I always open my trunk and look at them before heading away from home, doesn't matter if it's only a 5 minute errand or a 5 hour drive.

 

Hence my latter comment. There's literally a cable organizer that allows you to run a cable out. I have my cable permanently running out from it. You can tuck it in (but outside the console) when not in use

 

Call it OCD but I have like that now and I don't like it!

 

I am with you on this. Loose random wires, battery packs lying around, etc are just not very aesthetic or practical IMO, not tidy. If doing it this way were better, no car manufacturer would even install USB into their cars to begin with, figuring everyone would just use a power banks or cig to USB converters. I see those as short term solutions, almost comparable to back in the 90s, when some people used disc mans for cd players in their cars hooked to FM transmitters, but of course an in dash CD player is the much better solution. Or maybe like having only one electrical outlet in your house, and just keep adding power strips and extension cords to it and battery packs, instead of just installing more outlets. But possibly it is just you and I that think that way?

The USB in the arm rest is nice, we are aware it has a wire loom to make it tidy which is nice, but having more OEM style options arranged in more convenient places is better than just one place, and leaving a wire constantly plugged in. Me personally, I have an iOttie wireless charger phone mount, wired completely hidden and tucked, but that is for me, not the passenger. .

 

Hello everyone, I got this unit at a very good price, as you can see there's space back there.
I will be tinkering with this and update.