I don't have enough 12V outlets in my camper and I'm getting really tired of the huge cigarette lighter form factor for 12V power.I'm thinking about creating 5.5 X 2.1mm female power outlets in my camper instead.Using these.That seems to be the most common barrel connector in use. Have any of you guys done something similar? Is this a crazy idea?When I do this I will also put some USB outlets in too.

Sounds like a good idea. Plan to run the wiring to a fuse block inside a cabinet somewhere?

Make sure you can get the male plugs with the same current ratings. I did a quick search and only found ones rated for 0.5A. Did not do an extensive search by any means so there are probably some highed current ones out there.Only downsides I see are having a non-standard plug/receptacle configuration will keep you from using whatever the item is in some other vehicle or RV and normally the load side has the female connector and the power supply has the male. The female connector is much easier to short out.

They work well for small amp/loads. Havn't used in camper but several elec projects where i didn't want to hardwire power. If making say panel some place with these and low voltage (USB) outlets I would still add a larger std 12v outlet for items that may need larger current supply. Depends on planned use.

Use an adequate wire size. No, bigger.

Yes, I'd be routing the proper gauge wire back to a fuse block. The male plugs I've found top out at 5 amps and I'm not getting rid of the current "shock yourself when you stick your finger in it" receptacles.I've found quite a few cables with male plugs on both ends and I already have adapters from this size to pretty much every other size.I wish we could settle on standard plugs for DC. It seems like they come out with a new plug every year.

New 12V outlets | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Freep
Explorer
May 21, 2020
joeshmoe wrote:
Freep wrote:
joeshmoe wrote:
The only thing about those is after a bunch of repeated use, they tend to fit sloppily into their respective counter part. I have a couple I use in the garage and I have to jiggle them every time to make a connection.

Those?

Did I ompletely confuse you to the point of not understanding anything I said? I'm terribly sorry if I've offended you somehow.

I didn't know what "those" was referring to. I'm not offended, I was just asking for clarity. Thanks for clearing it up.
joeshmoe
Explorer
May 21, 2020
jimh425 wrote:
I personally think your “those” meant 5.5 mm connections

Yes. The barrel connectors. My mistake for assuming it was evident.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
May 20, 2020
Isn't most everything charged these days USB? Those look pretty 90s.
jimh406
Explorer III
May 20, 2020
joeshmoe wrote:
Did I ompletely confuse you to the point of not understanding anything I said? I'm terribly sorry if I've offended you somehow.

Although in order, I’m thinking the response was because lots of different things have been discussed on the thread. I personally think your “those” meant 5.5 mm connections, but I have no idea either. I think a quote of the post you were responding to would have cleared it up.
joeshmoe
Explorer
May 20, 2020
Freep wrote:
joeshmoe wrote:
The only thing about those is after a bunch of repeated use, they tend to fit sloppily into their respective counter part. I have a couple I use in the garage and I have to jiggle them every time to make a connection.

Those?

Did I ompletely confuse you to the point of not understanding anything I said? I'm terribly sorry if I've offended you somehow.
Geewizard
Explorer
May 20, 2020
KD4UPL wrote:
If your looking for a better connector than a cigarette lighter you might look into Anderson power poles. Check out Powerwerx.com for a good selection of parts and pieces.

+1
Freep
Explorer
May 20, 2020
joeshmoe wrote:
The only thing about those is after a bunch of repeated use, they tend to fit sloppily into their respective counter part. I have a couple I use in the garage and I have to jiggle them every time to make a connection.

Those?
deltabravo
Nomad
May 20, 2020
I added 12v and USB ports last summer using Marinco and Blue Seas parts.

Adding 12v and USB ports

Similar project in my TT
joeshmoe
Explorer
May 20, 2020
The only thing about those is after a bunch of repeated use, they tend to fit sloppily into their respective counter part. I have a couple I use in the garage and I have to jiggle them every time to make a connection.
wopachop
Explorer
May 20, 2020
Freep wrote:
Have any of you guys done something similar?
I have some 5.5mm coming out my ceiling. Thought they would be more useful for 12v lighting or other little gadgets.

Never use them. Everything is either 5v USB or a different connector.