I know it sounds like a small problem, but....

[bx24d]

....the plastic cover on my BX24's 12-volt outlet snapped off at the hinge (it was freezing cold out). I'm wondering what my alternatives are. Is there a replacement cap? Have others crafted a homegrown solution. I usually don't park my rig outside overnight or in the inclement weather but would still like to protect the inside of the plug.

 

[Travelover]

My Ford Escape came with a plastic plug in the lighter socket, which is in the console. I assume it is to protect it from spilled coffee. So you might check an automotive supply for something similar.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Duct tape. Works for everything.

Wine cork?

Duct tape around wine cork?

Hey, man...you asked for homegrown...

My Volvo came with reallly nice 12V outlet covers that aren't on hinges. You could probably get one from them for $53.97.

Or drink a bottle of wine.

At least drink a bottle of wine before you pay the $53.97...then at least you'll have an excuse when your wife asks.

 

[bx24d]

Now that's the type of homegrown advice I was looking for. Thanks

 

[KeithInSpace]

Or perhaps this is a little less homegrown...

12v W-Proof 16a P. Mounted Din Socket + Cap

My BX2230 didn't come with a 12V connection. I added one that is not weatherproof just to squeak by Halloween (hay ride...needed to run the yellow blinky light), but I may get this one as a more permenant solution.

Need a plug for the GPS, you know. Easier to switch between that and the fishfinder with an external plug...get tired of holding the wires to the battery. Tougher to cast.

Maybe I'll install a second for the iPod. Hmmm...

 

[bx24d]

Believe it or not, that's how I snapped off my cover......I was in a hurry to connect the blinky yellow light while the kids were piling onto the back of the 7x12' trailer for a hay ride at Thanksgiving. As a side note, my BX24 has pulled a loaded trailer up a 6-8% (estimated) 1/2 mile grade two years running now at Thanksgiving celebration. The trailer itself weighs 1000lbs, the 8 hay bales must be at least 350-400lbs and about 12 kids ages 2 to 12 (average 50 pounds per kid= 600lbs with two adults (add 300lbs total). Add me at 175lbs and loaded rears and you probably have over 2500 lbs to pull on wheels. All I can say is "that tractor is amazing".

 

[PINGG2BLUE]

BX24D,

Just as Travelover says, you can get the cover from your local Ford dealer that will fit. Part# YS4Z-15052-BA $4.67.

Bob

 

[rdsaustintx]

My Volvo came with reallly nice 12V outlet covers that aren't on hinges. You could probably get one from them for $53.97.

Maybe.

We had a 240D wagon years ago. GREAT car, but I bought a head gasket (just the gasket, not a kit) for $160.

To the OP: Rough it. BX dash has plenty of other problems in weather.

 

[PINGG2BLUE]

RDS,

That $160.00 included the ferry ticket for the gasket also.

 

[CHDinCT]

Here's another idea. Stainless steel and only $14.99

West Marine: Receptacle - 12V, Stainless Steel Product Display

 

[KeithInSpace]

...blinky yellow light...trailer...weighs 1000lbs...2500 lbs to pull on wheels...

As I chronicled in another thread, I towed my 20' long 10,000# trailer that goes for about 2,000# with wife (100# with 4 rolls of quarters in her pockets), the woman who used to be our children's nanny (300#+...a little heavy), her husband (250#...6'-6" easy), and our combined 4 children averaging 30# a pop. Then there's my 190# in the mix. And, of course, 8 hay bales. Not sure about the 350# estimate, but they're not that light, either...maybe 220#. I don't have loaded tires, but I have 80# cast steel weights on each rear wheel.

So I pulled another solid 1,000# up and down similar grades for about 6 miles (big neighborhood). I could feel it pulling up the slopes and could feel the trailer pushing down the slopes. I had my WD Hitch installed, so I never worried about losing my rig. Briefly considered low range on the steepest of slopes, but it pulled without a problem.

Next year, I think I'm adding a cheap brake controller box so I can have a little more confidence against some catatrophe. That's all I need is to be in the newspaper the next day.

Not to get off the subject or anything.

I endorse the $4.67 thought.

 

[GBeck]

even cheaper.... just go to used car lot and test drive the car with one installed that you need....