Our Open Range trailer came with multiple USB outlets installed. They only work intermittently with 1 or 2 cords we have (most do nothing). When it does work, the LED lights in the trailer flicker annoyingly.I’m hoping I can just wire in some higher quality units in their place. They screwed the outlets into the luan board and the screws just strip out when removing a cord. My wife used command strips to re-attach the plug and it’s holding fine now so that’s probably how I’d re-attach new ones.Anyone have experience with this? Is the flickering lights a ground issue that goes beyond the outlet itself?Worst case scenario I’m going to wire in a fuse block and at least put a few high quality units into the master bedroom area for our charging needs.

I would first check the voltage at, or near, the outlets. You may have a problem that is beyond just the original outlets.

12 volt USB outlets in RV's have a HUGE problem. They fail regularly. Try to replace with a more expensive USB. Doug

Just got a couple of these--so no good? Drat, haven't used one yet while camping. (The voltmeter part works ok) Planned to use instead of a 150w inverter plugged into the 12v socket and doing the 120v charger method, which we have been doing no trouble.https://www.amazon.com/Palumma-Charger-Adapter-Display-Battery/dp/B0773BYS6P/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=voltmeter+USB&qid=1607818831&sr=8-9

BFL13 wrote:Just got a couple of these--so no good? I cant comment on the quality itself but if not too late do a search for 3.0a USB ports. Price shouldnt be much different. Might as well buy the newest tech.

ANKER products make seriously high quality chargers.

USB Outlet problems | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

BFL13
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2020
I ran a few tests on some aspects of this-reporting in a new thread instead of confusing things in this thread!
Kach
Explorer
Dec 19, 2020
I’m was able to get the first outlet/voltmeter combo wired in and installed last night. Seems to work well but the voltage reading does drop when an accessory is also plugged into the outlet. I’m not sure if this corresponds to the voltage fluctuation at the battery (like when the fridge or furnace is running), but seems like just my phone plugged in wouldn’t be that dramatic so it’s probably just the load on that dead-end line.

The new outlet was deeper than the wall depth so I made a backing plate from a piece of 1/2” trim and painted it black to match the other outlets. Looks good, but aim hoping to not have to do that 4 more times. I used the command strips to mount the baseplate again and it feels solid!

Does anyone have a source for shallower-bodied USB 3.0 outlets? Preferably with the square/rectangle mounting plate as the holes by the manufacturer are pretty sloppy.
MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 18, 2020
My tablet uses usb C input , almost everything else including phone is micro, ultra it is old and proprietary
CharlesinGA
Explorer
Dec 18, 2020
If you are going to spend the money on USB outlets, either those that plug into power outlet (aka lighter socket) or the round ones that fit thru a inch+ hole, buy ones that are marked and certified the Qualcomm v3.0 quick charge protocol. They are usually marked QC 3.0 or similar on the face of them. Many new phones and devices use this protocol and even if they don't the charger will safely charge whatever you have. My old Droid and my new Moto both use the QC 3.0 and charge significantly faster with it. When I plug into a regular charger it will say "charging" and if I plug into a QC 3.0 charger, it will say "turbo charging". I use them in the car, the truck and the trailer. The price difference is insignificant and well worth it.

My new phone has a Micro C plug so I bought new heavier cords about 6 ft for the trailer, and bought some Micro C to Micro adapters that have chains on them so I keep them clipped to the cords and won't get lost.

Charles
deltabravo
Nomad
Dec 17, 2020
dougrainer wrote:
Try to replace with a more expensive USB.

I used Marinco and Blue Sea System here

This one was a Blue Sea Systems panel with outlets

This one is an Amazon mounting panel with Marinco and Blue Sea outlets/ports
Fisherman
Explorer
Dec 17, 2020
CapnCampn wrote:
Regarding the screws stripping in the luan - when that happens to me, I cut a small piece of wood - whatever smallish stuff I have handy - but at least 1/4 inch thick, and glue it to the inside of the wall under the screw hole as a backer for the screw to bite into.

Doesn't take much to improve the stability over luan!

CC

Bingo, you have the answer, I've done a few like that.
CapnCampn
Explorer III
Dec 17, 2020
Regarding the screws stripping in the luan - when that happens to me, I cut a small piece of wood - whatever smallish stuff I have handy - but at least 1/4 inch thick, and glue it to the inside of the wall under the screw hole as a backer for the screw to bite into.

Doesn't take much to improve the stability over luan!

CC
Kach
Explorer
Dec 13, 2020
Good info! I wouldn’t have known to look for the better charging rate. Hopefully some better quality units will fix the problem. I’d like one with the built in voltmeter as well - I had thought about sacrificing a usb outlet to install one, so the combo is great. I always used a 12v lighter outlet voltmeter in our last trailer, but this one doesn’t have one.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2020
QCMan wrote:
Does it really matter what version the charging outlet is when there is no data transfer possible?

Yes. A 1 amp charge rate is far inferior to a 3 amp charge rate. Personally, I consider a 2.4 amp charge rate the absolute minimum I would install. And that has to be 2.4 amps on each outlet, not just on one of them.
wopachop
Explorer
Dec 13, 2020
QCMan wrote:
Does it really matter what version the charging outlet is when there is no data transfer possible?
Charging speed. Not sure what you guys have buy my phone is old. Cycled the battery thousands of times it wont last a day. It only does the 9v 2.4 charge but even that makes a big difference. If you are going on amazon to buy USB ports i would avoid anything 2.4 or 2.1. Just because you can buy the newer 3.0 for the same price. Even if you dont need it. Think i mentioned earlier i found a 2 pack of 3.0a ports for a cheaper price than the 2.4. Dont be afraid to do an amazon search and scroll through several pages. The good deals are not always on the first page.