Forum Discussion

brianosaur's avatar
brianosaur
Explorer
Jun 12, 2020

12v usb in wall charging socket installation?

My 32ft TT has only one double 12v usb charging socket in the front bedroom.

While there are numerous 120v outlets that we plug regular phone chargers into when we have shore power at campsites, the one 12v socket is a bit annoying when we dry camp.

My previous TT had 12v usb sockets in each kids bunk and at the center tv console area.

I see they have sockets on AMAZON that I am hoping to install.

Apart from physically running 12v wire from the battery or kill switch in the front pass through, would there be any problems with cable length or circuit overload?
Or is the wattage so low it shouldnt matter?

What guage wire cable should I run if I need say 20ft to the tv area?
Seeking Advice
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    The output of the radio is not what you want, it is the maximum input. Better yet, get a good idea of the power required to operate your added loads, it might be very little.

    Your added fuse idea is the best route with no guessing or calculating required.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    I have installed three USB ports in our 5th wheel. I tapped into any close by 12 volt curcit I could find. They are powered 24/7 as if nothing is plugged into them they are not using more then a mA.
    I like the built in volt meter in the one that you bought.
  • brianosaur's avatar
    brianosaur
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    bigorange wrote:
    brianosaur wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Can you tap into wiring to a lighting circuit? Most are protected by a 15 amp fuse, so use #14 wire.


    Okay now that I am digging around, ^this^ got me thinking with an 'ahh ha'!

    The Furion radio/dvd player is in the wall console under the TV and right where I want the socket.

    Can I just tap into that 12v line with a wire run of less than two feet? Its a 15a fuse.

    I guess I should check the radio manual to see how many amps it draws first?

    It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the proper way to do it or rated properly, but this is exactly what I did in our old trailer...tapped into the radio power wire to install USB jack nearby. New trailer has a ton of USB jacks...I guess that’s a premium addition to trailers now.


    Okay great & thanks!

    Just bought THIS little socket with a built in power switch.

    Going to take the radio out tomorrow and see whats what.
    The manual isnt really specific on how much 12v power draw.
    I lists "4x24 W RMS" which is 24w for each of the 4 speakers max, I assume.

    If that's right then 24x4= 96w max
    96 watts / 12 volts = 8 amps (there is a 10a blade fuse on the radio itself)

    8a radio + 6a (2x 3a USB jacks) is 11 amps.
    15 amp fuse at the power panel and hopefully this set up should be good to go.

  • bigorange's avatar
    bigorange
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    brianosaur wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Can you tap into wiring to a lighting circuit? Most are protected by a 15 amp fuse, so use #14 wire.


    Okay now that I am digging around, ^this^ got me thinking with an 'ahh ha'!

    The Furion radio/dvd player is in the wall console under the TV and right where I want the socket.

    Can I just tap into that 12v line with a wire run of less than two feet? Its a 15a fuse.

    I guess I should check the radio manual to see how many amps it draws first?

    It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the proper way to do it or rated properly, but this is exactly what I did in our old trailer...tapped into the radio power wire to install USB jack nearby. New trailer has a ton of USB jacks...I guess that’s a premium addition to trailers now.
  • brianosaur's avatar
    brianosaur
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Can you tap into wiring to a lighting circuit? Most are protected by a 15 amp fuse, so use #14 wire.


    Okay now that I am digging around, ^this^ got me thinking with an 'ahh ha'!

    The Furion radio/dvd player is in the wall console under the TV and right where I want the socket.

    Can I just tap into that 12v line with a wire run of less than two feet? Its a 15a fuse.

    I guess I should check the radio manual to see how many amps it draws first?
  • Fisherman's avatar
    Fisherman
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    Yes, pos to the empty fuse, neg most likely behind the circuit board.
  • brianosaur's avatar
    brianosaur
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2020
    I do have a open fuse terminal in the power center, which is close to where I want the socket.
    I should be able to just run a 12v auto wire from this lug to the socket and install the correct size fuse, right?

    Is the negative wire terminal behind the 12v board?
    https://ibb.co/pxmjTdZ/im



  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2020
    Can you tap into wiring to a lighting circuit? Most are protected by a 15 amp fuse, so use #14 wire.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2020
    I have a couple of these installed near table top cabinets... Got them from AMAZON and they connect directly to the batteries...


    Google image

    These come in a lot of different layouts and are very inexpensive...

    Since these modules rotate you can mount in either horizontal or vertical directions... Also be sure to get one that has an ON-OFF switch on them. The VOLTMETERS are rather bright to have on 24/7...

    We do most of our camping OFF-GRID and having the charging stations are great to have going...

    Roy Ken

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,111 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 16, 2025