adding 12v outlet and switch

danimal53 wrote:
I think I've got this all figured out, but wanted to run it by the good forum folks to see if I'm missing anything.

I want to add a 12v outlet near my radio, and a cutoff switch for the radio itself. I'm planning on installing this.

The switch will control the 12v outlet, radio, and voltmeter. The USB ports will stay powered regardless of the switch. I have full/easy access to the back of the radio, and all the wiring is clearly/neatly labelled (lucky me!). I also have the manual with wiring diagram if needed.

the radio is a Jensen jcd2010

So what I think I have to do is tap into the power going to the radio +12VDC BATTERY (memory) to power the USB (always on). Then the radio +12VDC SWITCHED (ACC) will go to my new switch, acting basically as the ignition if the radio were in a car. This will allow me to shutoff the radio so that darn superbright display won't keep me up at night, but I won't lose presets/clock.

Is it that straightforward or am I missing something? I've done a lot of house wiring/electrical, but never DC, so just double checking. I plan on using 12GA stranded wire and crimp connectors to tap into the existing wiring.

I did nearly the same modification on my Starcraft 235fb. I included an on/off switch for the radio, and on/off switch for the USB port, a USB port, and a 12volt outlet for a fan that I can mount magnetically to the wall by the dinette. But I have mine wired so I turn the radio and USB completely off to eliminate their parasitic loads, even though they are very small. The only problem is that the radio re-sets each time you turn it completely off, but I can deal with that. It is very straightforward once you sort out and identify the spaghetti bowl of wiring behind the radio. I removed the voltage monitor because I've got one elsewhere. I put the on/off switch for the USB in its place. Good luck, I think you have it figured out.