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kirkl's avatar
kirkl
Explorer
Jun 12, 2018

12v/USB charging station reccomendation

Hello,

Our new trailer came with no 12V plugins, all it has is two USB chargers, one in bedroom and one in living room area. We have a 12V TV we use when off grid so i would like to replace the one in the bedroom with a 12V/usb combo like in the link below, has anyone did this them selves and what brand did you go with?

Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-15095-Charging-Center/dp/B00C88AP7A
  • Thanks all, and yes I need to look at the guage of the wire, it looked smaller than normal I think and the ones with lights or a glow to them are out, read alot of reviews about how brite they are and this one would be right behind our heads in bed and I dont need another light that stays on contantly drawing juice.
  • in installed this one last year, was pretty straightforward. The separate pieces can be arranged anyway you want, and it's pretty simple to change them out if needed (replacing the 12v with a USB for example, or adding another outlet instead of a switch or voltage readout).

    i installed mine near the radio so I used the same power source. I also wired the radio into the new toggle switch, so i can switch the radio off (similar to when you turn off your car, radio goes dark but maintains its memory). Our radio was way bright and was wired in a way that I couldn't turn it off completely. The switch also controls the 12V outlet and readout, so I can basically "go dark" for bedtime. The USBs I left always hot (not switched) so we can charge overnight.

    It's actually more straightforward than it might seem, just completing or opening circuits to fit your needs.

    i agree with others, the one you posted price is way high, can definitely be found cheaper.
  • APT wrote:
    Most of the time we camp with AC power, so we use an AC multi-port USB charger. This one is updated from a couple we use at home and while traveling. We charge 3 phones, 3 tablets, 2 Nintendo DS, portable bluetooth speakers, and a couple portable battery packs is our wort case charging situation!
    .

    We also have an older version of this adapter for travels.

    Yeah, I installed a dual cigar style outlet because I prefer to replace the USB charger when new tech (like upcoming USB-C) or if you have folks using Apple devices without a USB to lightning cable. We also use a 5x charger (one shaped to fit in a cup holder while traveling) but can also run the TV and an endless breeze fan at the same time if we don't need to charge right then.
  • FrankShore wrote:
    Get a couple of these and you'll be all set:

    12v dual USB and cigarette lighter w/ amp display



    This is one of Amazon Choice Products

    or they also have a dual usb cigarette lighter version (for $19.99)

    I went with a couple of these. one on the overhead bunk and one in the cabinet over the door so I have a readout for the house batteries.. I tapped into the over head lamps and work great. To much light for the bedside though, went with an under dash type. 49.00 is way over priced by about 5 times.
  • Check the 12 volt wire size. It may be better to run a new heavier wire to where you wish to have the Television.