Forum Discussion

campermama's avatar
campermama
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2020

12v outlet question

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!
Seeking Advice
  • wopachop's avatar
    wopachop
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2020
    Do you bounce the 600w inverter between vehicles? Instead of going through the process of adding a cigarette lighter, the inverter would perform better if hardwired.
  • campermama's avatar
    campermama
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2020
    wopachop wrote:
    Do you bounce the 600w inverter between vehicles? Instead of going through the process of adding a cigarette lighter, the inverter would perform better if hardwired.


    No, only use it in the trailer.
    So you mean wire it right to the batteries? I would have to add some wire to it. I have two batteries, would you wire it to one battery? Or both (can you do that?)
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 02, 2020
    Do you have space for the inverter close to the fuse/breaker panel?
    If yes consider mounting the inverter right there. Get 12v power from the main battery feed. Use a small transfer switch to power up the single branch circuit that goes to the tv.

    https://www.donrowe.com/KISAE-TS15A-Automatic-Transfer-Switch $50

    If by chance the fridge is also on that circuit you will need to set it to propane only. If the converter happens to be on that circuit will need to find the best way to de-power it.
  • wopachop's avatar
    wopachop
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2020
    I know you replied with questions but going to skip those for now. Smarter guys than me are going to read your replies.

    Pictures of the trailer would help to get clever with inverter placement. Especially where your circuit breakers are and also a panel with all the switches.

    Dont need a close up. Further away is better. The goal is to find the best spot to get 12v power, instead of running wires from the batteries directly. You already have a ton of 12v inside the trailer. To run a TV you wont need much so you can borrow power from something like a powered awning. Fuel pump. Rear exterior lights you never use.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Apr 02, 2020
    Fisherman wrote:
    That works, keep the inverter as close to the battery as you can.

    Definitely. 600 watts is 50 amps at 12 volts but only 5 amps at 120 volts.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2020
    “Also, what gauge wire should I use, and what size fuse?“

    Wire gauge can’t be determined until you confirm the distance and if the wire will carry 12 or 110 volts.
  • campermama's avatar
    campermama
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2020
    I appreciate all the replies but you guys are getting way over my head. I need the easiest/simplest way to do this.
    Trailer has a front bedroom, inverter can sit right beside the bed. Wire can run straight down through the front compartment to the batteries.
  • RickLight's avatar
    RickLight
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2020
    A lower wattage inverter would make this easier. Add up the load of the TV and anything else needed (antenna amplifier? radio?) to do what you want. The chances are very good it's a lot less than 600W.

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