12v outlet question

[campermama]

My new trailer doesn't have a 12v outlet near the tv. The tv is near the back of the trailer in a slide. I can't figure out how to run the wires from the battery back to the tv area to add a 12v outlet.

I'm wanting to add this outlet because I mostly boondock and I have a 600w inverter that plugs into a 12v socket and the tv plugs into the inverter so I can watch some tv.

So I had another idea....what if I add another outlet up front close to the batteries, I can do this easily, then plug In the inverter there and use an extension cord over to the tv (tv plugs into extension cord). Will this work?

Anybody have any other ideas to do this easily?

TIA!

[campigloo]

Consider using a 12v TV set. I got two when we went solar. Our inverter requires 2 amps just to run before it even does anything. My 12v 32” tv requires 45w of dc. It’s a lot less load on your battery and you can probably tap off a nearby existing cable.

[RickLight]

DrewE wrote:

naturist wrote:

campermama wrote:
So I'm just sayin, but I used this inverter in my last rv's 12v outlet under the tv that was about 13' from the batteries for the last 4 yrs with no problems.

That does suggest that your TV uses a lot less than 600 watts.

Any halfway modern TV will use a lot less than 600 watts. Something around 25-50 watts is probably more typical, depending on screen size, etc.

If you pick up a 100-150W inverter (well under $50) and wire in a 12V outlet near the TV, you could be done.

My radio is 12v and is in next to the TV. I've already added a USB outlet. Next is a 12V outlet for my 150W inverter.

[CavemanCharlie]

Are you sure that their are no 12 volt outlets anywhere in this RV ? Almost all of the antennae boosters in a RV that I've seen have a 12 volt outlet on them right near where the switch is to turn on the booster. (Maybe some of the new ones don't do that anymore thought I suppose)

[drsteve]

DrewE wrote:


Any halfway modern TV will use a lot less than 600 watts. Something around 25-50 watts is probably more typical, depending on screen size, etc.

That is why our old 50" plasma TV lives in the bedroom where it is seldom used. Beautiful rich color, but draws 650 watts. Ouch. The new 55" LED in the living room needs only 50 watts.

[DrewE]

naturist wrote:

campermama wrote:
So I'm just sayin, but I used this inverter in my last rv's 12v outlet under the tv that was about 13' from the batteries for the last 4 yrs with no problems.

That does suggest that your TV uses a lot less than 600 watts.

Any halfway modern TV will use a lot less than 600 watts. Something around 25-50 watts is probably more typical, depending on screen size, etc.

[jaycocamprs]

campermama wrote:
Ok so based on what I think I am learning from you guys and a few others.....

I could probably cut 12v plug off inverter, add wire and wire inverter right to the batteries, no 12v outlet. Would this be best way to go? Would this scenario still need a fuse inline?

I need simple/easy oh and english! haha!
Thx!

This is what I would do. Yes you need a fuse as close to the batteries as practical. I'd also use #8 wire.

[naturist]

campermama wrote:
So I'm just sayin, but I used this inverter in my last rv's 12v outlet under the tv that was about 13' from the batteries for the last 4 yrs with no problems.

That does suggest that your TV uses a lot less than 600 watts. I, too, would suggest putting the inverter as close to the battery as possible, just in case you ever decide to try to run a coffee maker, for example, which would likely draw close to 600 watts. AC current at 120 volts tolerates smaller wires than DC current at 12 volts. If I remember my wire guide table correctly, a 13 foot run of wire for 50 amps at 12 volts requires 10 gauge wire, which is pretty heavy stuff. However close you put the inverter, you should use a 60 amp fuse.

[time2roll]

campermama wrote:
Question....what 12v outlet will handle my inverter safely?

None go to 600 watts. Use something like Anderson Powerpoles to connect.

I still think my solution above is way easier and no wires draping around.

[campermama]

So I'm just sayin, but I used this inverter in my last rv's 12v outlet under the tv that was about 13' from the batteries for the last 4 yrs with no problems.

[wa8yxm]

Oh. I said this before but I will make it simple

Battery==Fuse==inverter------------------------------------------tv

== is big heavy wire -------------- is light duty (or medium duty) extension 14 ga wire if using romex 16 if using an extension cord is OK.

[DrewE]

Easiest probably would be to remove the existing plug (if any) and wire to the battery. Yes, you need a fuse a close to the battery as reasonably practical to protect against fire in case of a short in the wiring to the inverter. (The inverter presumably has a DC fuse or fuses to protect it from catching fire in the event of an overload or fault.)

Any connector rated for at least 50A would be suitable to use, but you'd still need wiring to connect between the one connector and the battery, and a fuse to protect that wiring. Using standard AC electrical connectors is not recommended due to the possibility of someone mixing things up accidentally at some point. One example of a fairly readily available connector that would be entirely suitable is the SMH SY50.

A 12V lighter plug is limited to somewhere in the vicinity of 10A or so, and would be ill suited for running the inverter at full rated power. For a low draw, such as many TVs, it should be usable but not ideal; they tend to be a bit unreliable at times.

[campermama]

Ok so based on what I think I am learning from you guys and a few others.....

I am thinking to put the inverter in the front bedroom, and run wires down through front compartment to the batteries. Then I will just run an extension cord to the tv/sat box when I want to use it.

Question....what 12v outlet will handle my inverter safely?
OR
I could probably cut 12v plug off inverter, add wire and wire inverter right to the batteries, no 12v outlet. Would this be best way to go? Would this scenario still need a fuse inline?

I need simple/easy oh and english! haha!
Thx!

[campermama]

jdc1 wrote:
Are you now REALLY confused?

Yes!! Nobody is speaking english! haha!!!

[jdc1]

Are you now REALLY confused?