Power For Your Saddlebag
Power For Your Saddlebag
Setting my bike up for a road trip and I already have an external Powerlet power mount mounted next to the horn, it's only good when I'm near the bike. I knew I wanted something to charge my accessories that was kept out of the weather and was secure.
I ordered the Powerlet Basic Luggage electric Tankbag and Saddlebag Power Kit, PTB-004 - $59.95. Has an external SAE quick disconnect with covers. Inside the bag comes with a Y-Cable that has a lighter type plug and SAE plug and Powerlet makes different cable if you need something else.
I used the metal mounting plate has a template, mounted that by drilling five holes that left me with the center large hole to be drilled/Dremeled. I used a Hole Drill Bit which was not big enough and then a Dremel to make it bigger, I kept the metal backing plate on acting as a guide. The fittings are nicely made and the product looks factory to those that don’t know and it can’t be scene from the outside at all.
Overall it’s an easy job but was nervous drilling holes in my bag, once you drill the first hole it’s easy from there. Thought I would share this with you, I own a few Powerlet products and they make a quality product, a little pricey but you get what you pay for, compared to chrome it’s cheap. More resourceful people I’m sure could build the kit for less that’s not me.
Some photos, I have more if needed.
From Powerlet's Site
I ordered the Powerlet Basic Luggage electric Tankbag and Saddlebag Power Kit, PTB-004 - $59.95. Has an external SAE quick disconnect with covers. Inside the bag comes with a Y-Cable that has a lighter type plug and SAE plug and Powerlet makes different cable if you need something else.
I used the metal mounting plate has a template, mounted that by drilling five holes that left me with the center large hole to be drilled/Dremeled. I used a Hole Drill Bit which was not big enough and then a Dremel to make it bigger, I kept the metal backing plate on acting as a guide. The fittings are nicely made and the product looks factory to those that don’t know and it can’t be scene from the outside at all.
Overall it’s an easy job but was nervous drilling holes in my bag, once you drill the first hole it’s easy from there. Thought I would share this with you, I own a few Powerlet products and they make a quality product, a little pricey but you get what you pay for, compared to chrome it’s cheap. More resourceful people I’m sure could build the kit for less that’s not me.
Some photos, I have more if needed.
From Powerlet's Site
Last edited by EricD10563; May 1, 2010 at 03:31 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
I have 3 Powerlet sources on my '09 Road Glide.
1 on the speedo-tach housing to power my Zumo
1 inside a glove box to power small stuff like my cellphone, hair dryer & curling iron
1 on the horn to power heated gear
I also picked up their fuse block to keep from having all those extra wires connected to the battery. The fuse block has 4 positions. I may pickup the kit you installed and mount it in the same location.
Looks good!
BTW...Powerlet also makes cellphone chargers to plug into the Powerlet socket for damn near every cellphone out there.
1 on the speedo-tach housing to power my Zumo
1 inside a glove box to power small stuff like my cellphone, hair dryer & curling iron
1 on the horn to power heated gear
I also picked up their fuse block to keep from having all those extra wires connected to the battery. The fuse block has 4 positions. I may pickup the kit you installed and mount it in the same location.
Looks good!
BTW...Powerlet also makes cellphone chargers to plug into the Powerlet socket for damn near every cellphone out there.
I tried to get a picture from the outside, it's so hidden I couldn't get a photo.
Last edited by EricD10563; Mar 27, 2010 at 03:32 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Powerlet do make great equipment, I have the Powerlet Plus handlebar mount for the GPS on both the RKC and Sporty.
I have the same saddlebag rig in my RKC bag and it's great. Sometimes on group rides I don't want to mount the GPS on the bars but I can power it in the saddlebag and it will record my travels and then I can download the route on my computer.
I have the horn mounted outlet as well but I've never used it. To get the adapter for my Gerbing heated gear back to me the cable gets too close to the engine and header for comfort so I'm thinking of pulling it and just running the Gerbing cable.
I have the terminal blocks from Powerlet and haven't tried mounting it to the RKC yet. There wasn't much of a place for it on the Sportster.
I have the same saddlebag rig in my RKC bag and it's great. Sometimes on group rides I don't want to mount the GPS on the bars but I can power it in the saddlebag and it will record my travels and then I can download the route on my computer.
I have the horn mounted outlet as well but I've never used it. To get the adapter for my Gerbing heated gear back to me the cable gets too close to the engine and header for comfort so I'm thinking of pulling it and just running the Gerbing cable.
I have the terminal blocks from Powerlet and haven't tried mounting it to the RKC yet. There wasn't much of a place for it on the Sportster.
Never thought about just keeping the GPS in the saddlebag to record the track, thanks. I'm setting my bike up for a six month tour around North America and I'm about done the only other add on I'm about to do is the HD Foglights.
Think I have enough stuff?
Think I have enough stuff?
Last edited by EricD10563; May 1, 2010 at 03:32 PM. Reason: typo
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Awesome, Eric. I'm hoping to go cross country, just 3 months. Thinking of getting a netbook so I can check email, look for attractions and plot my course on Google and transfer it to the Garmin GPS. I want to get a Spot Tracker too. Have a safe and great trip.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 2
From: the frozen tundra of the "Windy City"
looks sweet! I got the parts, just got to get the bike out of storage.. then I will have a similar setup, Looks clean!
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