New RV USB plugs, what amperage are they?

[TurnThePage]

Many new(ish) devices require the higher powered, 2.1-amp USB plugs. On the flip side, most of the plugs I've seen in RVs I believe are under an amp. Anybody knowledgeable on this subject? Is the RV industry keeping up with technology?

[Gdetrailer]

wa8yxm wrote:
I think the USB "Standard" is 1/2 amp. and many are thus limited..

As you note. Many need 2, 3 or more Some devices will work with lower amps (Cell phones for example) but take longer to charge. (I use plug in adapters when I need speed)

Strictly speaking, USB charging was an afterthought and the original intention was to supply a very limited amount of power to devices on those ports for PCs like Keyboard/mouse and as USB became more universally used those current specs were widened.

In the strictest sense of PC USB ports, USB ports were limited to .5A (500Ma), the port then used a internal "hub" to give you multiple USB ports, that .5A was split between all of the hub outputs.

Fast forward a few yrs and newer USB specs allowed for standalone external USB chargers with .5A and then 1.5A and now 2.4A and even 3A all depending on the charger and the chip built into the device you are charging.

All the details you didn't know you wanted to know about USB charging specifications HERE

Generally, most external USB chargers fall into the .5A-2.1A category, some vendors mark the ports, some do not. So the reality is unless marked, assume the minimum of .5A and do a test charge. If the test charge is slower than what you normally see then you have a port that has a lower output. If it is just as quick as your normal charger then it is a higher output than .5A..

Note, it will not hurt your device to charge via a lower amp charger, it just takes a longer time to recharge.

[wa8yxm]

I think the USB "Standard" is 1/2 amp. and many are thus limited..

As you note. Many need 2, 3 or more Some devices will work with lower amps (Cell phones for example) but take longer to charge. (I use plug in adapters when I need speed)

[EMD360]

Probably an inaccurate way of guessing but I installed a couple of extra USB/12 volt ports and they are rated for 2.1 amps. I have not noticed that these charge faster than the installed USB ports. They are advertised as “fast charging” USB ports.

[Gdetrailer]

No one can really answer your question, you will have to try a test charge to find out unless they have marked the ports as to what they are.

USB1/2 ports specifications by PC standards are limited to .250A and USB chargers typically will be .5A-2.4A with newer "C" ports at 3A.

Most of the USB chargers that are unmarked will be 1A or less, 2A ones many times are marked. Two port chargers often "share" current and unless marked that current is divided between both ports. Some of those may deliver full current only when 1 port is used.

If not marked, assume 1A or less per port until you do a test to see how fast your device charges. If it charges too slow then consider using another USB charger.

[Grit_dog]

2017 Heartland, the OE USB plug got hot and shorted out charging an Iphone. It's obviously cheap. Haven't tore apart or replaced yet. Suppose a bad connection could be culprit, but something about it is junk.

[way2roll]

No idea the specs of our USB ports in the FW but they are awful. Takes forever to charge my phone so we just don't use them. I'd replace them if I thought it was worth it but we either use the truck or just use the AC wall adapter.

[afidel]

Personally on my last trailer I just tapped a 2 way cigarette adapter off the slide cabling before the switch, biggest 12V lines in the rig and right near the biggest flat surface not taken by other uses. On my new rig I'm planning to put in a couple cigarette adapters directly off of unpopulated 12V slots in the distribution center and installing them in the tv alcove above. I'm thinking a single high amp one to run an inverter for the tv and anything else I want to run on 120V off-grid and a 2 way or 3 way for chargers.

BTW to answer you question for my rig it's probably 2.4A, I'm running a USB powered wifi router and my home automation system off it, each calls for ~1A steady state, peaks can be higher so I put a $10 USB power pack inline.

[NamMedevac_70]

great question. I am watchful waiting.

[TurnThePage]

I appreciate the suggestions and am pretty versed on what's available in the aftermarket. I was just wondering if anybody was knowledgeable about what's typically installed these days.

Hope everybody's new year is off to a better start than the last couple!

Happy Camping!

[CA_Traveler]

Cigarette plug to USB C adapters are available.

There are new standards evolving that a device could use. Right now there are USB C PD (Power Density) ones that use 20V or 48V for more power.

You could also use a inverter for 120V AC and adapters that come with the devices.

[TurnThePage]

CA Traveler wrote:
Given the variety of USB standards it seems unlikely that there can be any RV standard. If for example you are asking about a USB-C 3.0A power source you could install the USB connectors needed for your devices powered from 12V DC or 120V AC adapters as desired.

I have only seen USB type A female ports in the RVs I can afford to look at. USB-C ports would answer my questions right up front. Aside from that, I don't care what standard they choose, if they would just share what it is. I don't see that info mentioned anywhere. I'm currently shopping Cougars, Imagines, and Outdoors RVs. But I haven't seen that info anywhere yet, not even on the motorhomes I've looked at. Yes, I could install the ones I want, but then I would need to know if their wiring is up to snuff. This is just regular info that should be available, right?

[time2roll]

Like everything else.... test it and plan to upgrade if needed.

[CA_Traveler]

Given the variety of USB standards it seems unlikely that there can be any RV standard. If for example you are asking about a USB-C 3.0A power source you could install the USB connectors needed for your devices powered from 12V DC or 120V AC adapters as desired.

[Second_Chance]

The ones in our Solitude fifth wheel appear to be 2.4A:

USB charging port

Rob