What USB Charger are you using in 2020 RT-L's blank switch hole - now sorted!

[K80Shooter]

What's everyone using to go into the blank switch hole for a USB charger?

I thought I knew what I wanted but when I went to install it, it was too small. This is what I got
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JYDVK4T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would rather have something that "fits" into the blank hole like it should rather than to jerry rig it.

[MONK]

I don't know the correct size (although it's been mentioned a few times). I would NOT use anything that has an always on voltmeter. That's drawing current 24/7 and may eventually drain your battery. I'd check with Lamonster to see what he has that might work.

[K80Shooter]

I don't know the correct size (although it's been mentioned a few times). I would NOT use anything that has an always on voltmeter. That's drawing current 24/7 and may eventually drain your battery. I'd check with Lamonster to see what he has that might work.

I was going to wire it to only work with the switch on but thanks anyways.

[Valkrocket]

Forget about the blank switch cover for USB. Instead get a USB splitter for your glove box and power up 2 devices at once. I can either power my camera, TomTom GPS or my Iphone at the same time depending on my needs that day. Save the blank switch cover for an on/off switch for an auxiliary light or optional driving lights. My opinion only......as we all know everyone has one. :2thumbs:
Currently, I'm in the process of acquiring and installing one of the coolest lights I've ever seen on a motorcycle. Pictures to come.

[Schreckftw]

I ordered the garage door opener for my empty slot on mine. Cant wait to get it.

When it comes to USB you want to be carful because the USB in the dash box is used for data and power. When you split it you should have one cable for data and one for power as it splits power. I will say if you have an iPhone and do this good luck if you want to use BPConnect and charge your phone and another device with a splitter.

What I did was hardwire a USB power controller and added it to my dash box. So I still have the dedicated one for data and two unsplit powered ones for devices. I added 2 accessory fuse blocks. One is on a relay and one is constant so I can choose if I want it powered when the bike is off. It was just cheaper then ordering a $200 block that did both. I am not going to tell you what block I wired it to so I don't get yelled on here by people!!

Here is what I have.
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Female-Charging-Direct-Converter/dp/B07H6W1BZG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=add+USB+charging+to+car&qid=1614113654&sr=8-3

[motoguzziman]

What's everyone using to go into the blank switch hole for a usb charger?

I thought I knew what I wanted but when I went to install it, it was too small. This is what I got https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JYDVK4T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would rather have something that "fits" into the blank hole like it should rather than to jerry rig it.

I have the same issue. Did you ever find anything that works. I am thinking of cutting the existing blank and installing the switch in the cutout

[K80Shooter]

I have the same issue. Did you ever find anything that works. I am thinking of cutting the existing blank and installing the switch in the cutout

That is exactly what I did. Well me and my dremel tool.

[beerandchips]

I put a garage door opener in my blank location. Very happy I did.

Steve

[Arion]

Although he's not a forum sponsor, Pierre at www.canamspyderaccessories.com has one that fits the blank switch space on pre-2020 RTs. Can't guarantee it will fit the 2020 an 2021 RT's, however, but it might be worth a website visit. Click on "RT Installation/Product Videos," scroll down and click on "RT-Dual USB Charger."

[WilcoJunoHotel]

Pretty sure the pre 2020s have the shorter cutout. The cutout on my 2020 is ~ 22mm wide x 45mm long. Most of the USB ports that I found online are 21 x 36.5. So, while it is the same width, it is not the same length.

What I did is take the dummy cover and removed most of the material with a Dremel. I trimmed the tabs off the USB port, sanded both surfaces and then used some super glue and attached the hollowed out dummy blank to the USB port (clamped for 12 hours). Then the 2 pieces are in essence one unit which fits the cutout and it snaps in just like the dummy blank. It rides a little proud compared to the rest of the switches but not really noticeable unless you are looking at it.

While I had the bike opened up to wire it, I also wired up a powerport socket just below the radio controls. I plan to run my heated gear from this port next winter.

I run both off an ignition triggered relay using my GPS hot wire as the trigger. 15amp fused circuit direct to battery and 14 gauge (copper) wire throughout.

If you decide to go this route, make sure you keep the polarity correct at all times (even when testing) or you will fry the USB Port (DHMHIK). Both of the ones that I bought were poorly marked (+/-) so I assumed polarity didn't matter.

There is a metal bracket on the bike just inside the left side tupperware panels which worked great to mount the relay. Sanded some of the paint off the bracket around the hole I use to mount the relay and attached the device ground wire to the same bolt.

Suggest you use a lot of zip ties and if you need to tape any wires, use friction tape (like the factory) instead of electrical tape because friction tape is a lot easier to remove should you or someone else need to remove or replace any of this stuff. I also used bullet connectors for all wires going to the relay just in case the relay goes bad and I need to replace it.

USB Port #2: This one has an orange back light to match the OEM switches - DUAL LED CHARGER PORT (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079Q4CSZZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
USB Port #1: This one would be virtually waterproof because of the rubber cap design but no backlight - DUAL USB PORT (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DFQKSQG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I "fried" this one and then bought #2 above because this one was out of stock at the time.
RELAY: No longer available but I see similar ones still on Amazon - RELAY w/trigger (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078T3RC5T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)


Install Pics:

188823
188827
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188820
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188824

I also carry a cigarette lighter USB port with a dongle to connect to my battery tender - I use this when the bike is off and I can charge things in my frunk while I am eating lunch or whatever.

188825
188826 (I use a CTEK brand battery tender cable - this is just an example of what I use. An SAE cable does the same thing.)


BTW, I have never used the USB port in the dash compartment. The compartment is so small I cannot get my phone and a cable in there and still close the lid. I pushed the wires all the way to the bottom and I use the compartment solely for my wallet, my phone, my micro garage door opener (velcro-d to the side of the compartment) and a bottle of Purrell :). IMHO, the USB and 3.5mm jack should have been placed in a compartment in one of the side bags - where there is a lot more room.

[Papa103]

What's everyone using to go into the blank switch hole for a usb charger?

I thought I knew what I wanted but when I went to install it, it was too small. This is what I got https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JYDVK4T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would rather have something that "fits" into the blank hole like it should rather than to jerry rig it.

K80shooter, Was the hole too small or the USB switch too small?

[Copperman]

I put a garage door opener in my slot. Got it from https://www.foxtrot4x4.com/ a Spyderlover.com advertiser. A very nice addition.

[K80Shooter]

K80shooter, Was the hole too small or the USB switch too small?

The switch is too small for the hole.

I do like the charger a lot plus you get to instantly know exactly what the alternator is putting out. I got the one with the blue light as that matched my bike but there is a red version also.

[beerandchips]

I put a garage door opener in my slot. Got it from https://www.foxtrot4x4.com/ a Spyderlover.com advertiser. A very nice addition.

Same here.

Steve

[K80Shooter]

Same here.

Steve

Glad it worked but thats not what I wanted to do.

[motoguzziman]

Same here.

Steve

Carling Switch makes and adapter that will allow snap into the existing hole and allow you to fit the standard size USB to fit in nicely. I have drawing from Carling but have been unable to find anyone that has them in stock The Carling part number is CVA-01.

[K80Shooter]

Carling Switch makes and adapter that will allow snap into the existing hole and allow you to fit the standard size USB to fit in nicely. I have drawing from Carling but have been unable to find anyone that has them in stock The Carling part number is CVA-01.

That's the same outcome for me, No body has them.

[Copperman]

That's the same outcome for me, No body has them.

Check with: https://www.foxtrot4x4.com/

Frank was able to get me the switch I wanted. He might be able to help you.

[Maddog]

What's everyone using to go into the blank switch hole for a usb charger?

I thought I knew what I wanted but when I went to install it, it was too small. This is what I got https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JYDVK4T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would rather have something that "fits" into the blank hole like it should rather than to jerry rig it.

Go to Mouser Electric, they make adapters for the smaller switch that will work for you and they are in stock. P/N CVA-01

[K80Shooter]

Go to Mouser Electric, they make adapters for the smaller switch that will work for you and they are in stock. P/N CVA-01

See post #7, Resolved 3 years ago but thanks.

Also check out post #10.