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12 volt ideas for exterior of camper???

plasticmaster
Explorer
Explorer
Now that I've removed my electric stabilizer jacks from my camper, I need to cover the hole where the switch for the jacks were located. I thought about just covering it with some sort of trim plate, but then thought it would be a shame not to utilize the existing 12 volt power that's already run to this location. I thought about a 12 volt led light or possibly a cigarette power plug. Does anyone have other ideas? I want it to be functional and also completely cover the hole from where I removed the jack switch. If you have a link to go along with the idea, that would be great. Thanks.
12 REPLIES 12

Passin_Thru
Explorer
Explorer
As for Anderson Power Poles they come with a lock pin but no one uses them and then they blame the Power Pole plus they wont use Non conductive grease.
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Huntindog
Explorer
Explorer
You should have 2 holes. Likely on the side opposite the door. Not a real handy location for running most things.

I would just leave the switches in place. Then when it is time to sell, you could easily put it back to stock for better resale.
Huntindog
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FLY_4_FUN
Explorer
Explorer
How about a 12v plus USB outlet with LED voltage readout. Theres tons out of China so don't spend this much

https://www.lightinthebox.com/12v-24v-power-charger3-1a-usb-port-and-12v-voltmeter-gauge-with-housing-holder-panel-for-car-boat-truck-rv_p5553478.html?currency=CAD&litb_from=paid_adwords_shopping&country_code=ca&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&adword_mt=&adword_ct=200086314238&adword_kw=&adword_pos=1o1&adword_pl=&adword_net=g&adword_tar=&adw_src_id=4674349488_855203886_46199947147_pla-326576712638&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvuDPBRDnARIsAGhuAma0exKtLXK_LTPXO7YCPXKV9cL0HLKDUuQ3yuRnjPb7eSMKwONwgAEaApR-EALw_wcB
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westend
Explorer
Explorer
Around here, every truck with a snowplow has Anderson connectors. They are known to be reliable.

If I needed a low amperage connection on the exterior, I'd use a Marine grade cigar lighter receptacle. Anything up to 100 amps, I'd use XLR connectors. Over 100 amps would be Anderson Powerpole.
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SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Doncom wrote:
Anderson Power Pole

If you’re not familiar with Anderson Power Pole, take a look at this. I have connectors on wire pigtails with USB, LED lights and all sorts of 12 volt stuff.


GordonThree wrote:
I've read several negative comments on the Anderson connector, that they don't stay mated very well without help, such as tape or a zip-tie placed lengthwise.

Have you found this to be an issue?


Doncom wrote:
Not at all. I like just mating the plugs which allows the connection to easily separate without any harm or installing the provided clip to connect them securely. Dig around on the site and you’ll see lots of options and flexibility.


I have to disagree ... I used a set of Anderson SB50 connectors rated for up to 120 amps to load support my single G27 trailer battery with my truck when running my 1000 watt PSW inverter under heavy load, using 8' of 4 gauge booster cable. It's always worked well but recently while prepping the trailer for winter storage I discovered both ends of these Anderson connectors had corroded and melted - no wonder it didn't provide load support to the inverter the last time I had used it. :M Next spring I'll have to come up with another system but I sure won't be using Anderson connectors. 😞
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Doncom
Explorer
Explorer
GordonThree wrote:
Doncom wrote:
Anderson Power Pole

If you’re not familiar with Anderson Power Pole, take a look at this. I have connectors on wire pigtails with USB, LED lights and all sorts of 12 volt stuff.


I've read several negative comments on the Anderson connector, that they don't stay mated very well without help, such as tape or a zip-tie placed lengthwise.

Have you found this to be an issue?


Not at all. I like just mating the plugs which allows the connection to easily separate without any harm or installing the provided clip to connect them securely. Dig around on the site and you’ll see lots of options and flexibility.

azrving
Explorer
Explorer
A lot of people go with lights, maybe even strobe or flashing led.

drmopar
Explorer
Explorer
You could install a Marine rated weather proof cigar lighter so you could plug in solar, plug in 12 volt TV, plug in your 12 volt blender, or use your air compressor as mentioned before. Nice to have that 12 volt tap outside.

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
plasticmaster wrote:
Now that I've removed my electric stabilizer jacks from my camper, I need to cover the hole where the switch for the jacks were located. I thought about just covering it with some sort of trim plate, but then thought it would be a shame not to utilize the existing 12 volt power that's already run to this location. I thought about a 12 volt led light or possibly a cigarette power plug. Does anyone have other ideas? I want it to be functional and also completely cover the hole from where I removed the jack switch. If you have a link to go along with the idea, that would be great.


You haven't indicated exactly where this hole might be in relation to the trailer tongue but one suggestion is to install a Furrion Solar Panel Plug, wire it to the battery (or batteries), and use it to recharge with a portable panel, say a 100 watt or so folding panel.
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
I would turn it into a 12v power plug. That way you can plug in a 12v air compressor to fill the TT tires or an inverter etc .

GordonThree
Explorer
Explorer
Doncom wrote:
Anderson Power Pole

If you’re not familiar with Anderson Power Pole, take a look at this. I have connectors on wire pigtails with USB, LED lights and all sorts of 12 volt stuff.


I've read several negative comments on the Anderson connector, that they don't stay mated very well without help, such as tape or a zip-tie placed lengthwise.

Have you found this to be an issue?
2013 KZ Sportsmen Classic 200, 20 ft TT
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Doncom
Explorer
Explorer
Anderson Power Pole

If you’re not familiar with Anderson Power Pole, take a look at this. I have connectors on wire pigtails with USB, LED lights and all sorts of 12 volt stuff.