Recognize that the factory power option is only 400 watts, basically an output of 3 Amps. There are probably better options to consider.

 

Plus I believe it only works while you have the truck running. I think most people who really needed and outlet would be better off going to an aftermarket audio/electronic installer and putting in a nice high wattage inverter instead. Best use I see for the factory one is to keep a solar battery topped off for camping whilst driving location to location. But without a topper to keep it dry your likely relegated to keeping such a thing the the cab instead.

 

On my Silverado, engine must be running.

My main thoughts for my 400 watt outlet is to plug in my charger for my Ryobi system if I need to re-charge a battery.

I used it once when I installed a television in my travel trailer at the storage lot and didn't have a way to power it up and check the TV operation.

 

Sounds like I might not be missing out on as much as I originally thought. May look at audio/electronic installer route. Or just forget about it and just drive the dang thing! I will use it for a combination of camping/fishing/hunting and some light work around the house (so charging a drill, stuff like that). I can almost certainly get by with an inverter plugged into the center console for the few times I need it, but thought it would be handy for filling air mattresses, charging portable speakers, etc. But it becomes a question of how much is that convenience worth.

 

if you have the trailer pacakage and 7 pin connector, one of those pins is always hot.
I installed an aux 12volt outlet in the bed, I plug in my air compressor and my o-zone machine
used the compressor yesterday airing up the boat trailer tires
I removed the drivers side tail light and ran the wire up through a hole behind the stake pocket.

if you have a Menards near you they have a bed lighting kit for about $35 ish
with the factory bed lights you have to have your cargo light on, in which I woulld rather have a switch in the bed

 

if you have the trailer pacakage and 7 pin connector, one of those pins is always hot.
I installed an aux 12volt outlet in the bed, I plug in my air compressor and my o-zone machine
used the compressor yesterday airing up the boat trailer tires
I removed the drivers side tail light and ran the wire up through a hole behind the stake pocket.

if you have a Menards near you they have a bed lighting kit for about $35 ish
with the factory bed lights you have to have your cargo light on, in which I woulld rather have a switch in the bed

Great tips! I do have the trailer package, and a Menards nearby!

 

I purchased something like this adapter for the 7-pin: My idea was if I was hooked up to my trailer and needed to air up my trailer tires, I could plug my 12 volt air compressor into this outlet. Otherwise, I would have to unhook the trailer and maneuver the truck to get the cab closer to the trailer tires. This isn't the exact one I have, but you get the idea.

Amazon.com

 

Appreciate all of the comments. They definitely sparked some ideas (no pun intended). My plan is to tap into the hot wire in the trailer pin, feed the wires into the box where the outlet would go and install one of these into the existing plastic plate:

Kohree 12V Marine Boat Cigarette Lighter Socket, 3 in 1 Waterproof Car Dual QC3.0 USB Outlet Panel 12 Volt RV Power Socket LED Display Waterproof Charger Socket Amazon.com: Kohree 12V Marine Boat Cigarette Lighter Socket, 3 in 1 Waterproof Car Dual QC3.0 USB Outlet Panel 12 Volt RV Power Socket LED Display Waterproof Charger Socket : Automotive