installing 12v outlets

[hedge]

I want to install a few more 12v outlets in the camper, it only came with 1 for some reason.

Is the normal way of doing this to run a line all the way back to the converter or can I just tap into any 12v source I find close to the location? I mostly just want them to charge phones/ipad which I think is a max of 2A.

Also should each one be fused or is if I tap off an existing wire wouldn't it already be fused?

I looked behind the converter but the wiring was way more complex than I expected, I see a bunch of wires going to a bus bar but I'm thinking this is a ground bar.

[tony_lee]

smkettner wrote:
Install a small inverter behind the main fuse/breaker panel. Wire to the existing 120v circuits and you have power where needed.

Not recommended unless you take steps to avoid back-feeding into your shore power cord.

[bighatnohorse]

Cell phone chargers are very generic items.
Check ebay for "portable cell phone charger".

[Geewizard]

dadwolf2 wrote:
I think it's a good judgement call!

I agree. Shoving stuff like this off somewhere else doesn't work for me.....being TC-centric.

[dadwolf2]

I think it's a good judgement call!

[Reddog1]

At the risk of rubbing salt in the wound. I am very pleased this subject has it's own Thread, and not buried in a generic "So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?" Thread. I am of the belief many of us will benefit from this in-depth discussion. The details are great, and in my opinion are what discussions are about.

It could be argued this thread should be moved to Tech Issues. That is a judgement call, and the call is Admin's or mine. I choose to leave it in the TC Forum, due to the TCs having some unique wiring and the fact I am biased. Admin can override my decision.

Mello Mike, please give us an update on your Blue Sea USB chargers, after your install.

Wayne
Moderator

[Mello_Mike]

JimBollman wrote:
I have installed using existing wiring and also ran new wiring. The problem with existing wiring is it is usually to light if it is handy and even if you think your only going to use light duty someday you will want to plug something heavier in and then you will have problems.

My latest installs was a 3 outlet manifold mounted close enough to the battery that I could run new heavy wiring through a dedicated fuse to the battery. I also installed a dual USB plug which can be put in to existing wire since you know that you can't pull to much power. I liked the one MM used but I went with a BlueSea close to the bed so I could charge my smartphone and read a book on it while in bed.

I bought a couple of those Blue Sea USB chargers, too, Jim. I'll be installing those this weekend.

[JimBollman]

I have installed using existing wiring and also ran new wiring. The problem with existing wiring is it is usually to light if it is handy and even if you think your only going to use light duty someday you will want to plug something heavier in and then you will have problems.

My latest installs was a 3 outlet manifold mounted close enough to the battery that I could run new heavy wiring through a dedicated fuse to the battery. I also installed a dual USB plug which can be put in to existing wire since you know that you can't pull to much power. I liked the one MM used but I went with a BlueSea close to the bed so I could charge my smartphone and read a book on it while in bed.

[silversand]

Very nice addition Mike.

Very good point Red (Wayne) !

I'm using a dual 12V socket, with a 2 USB regulated adapter (in the camper; this beside my Spdif, analog speaker, satellite cable, RJ45 network plate). I'm also running dual USB adapters in both trucks (one of the trucks has a 5A rating per 12V female (I have 3 factory installed 12V females in that truck, including one in the rear storage bay for out-board air compressor). I'm a big fan of dual engine-compartment batteries in every truck we own, too.

[Raften]

I find the 12v femail and male plugs on the market are junk with the exception of marine units. What has worked well for me is Anderson power plugs with a adapter to a marine femail. Cheaper if adding a few outlets.

[Mello_Mike]

hedge wrote:
Thanks Mello Mike, it was your blog post that originally got me thinking about adding the outlets. I like that one you used but it would be spendy to get it delivered here.

I got mine for $42 through Amazon.com.

[hedge]

Thanks Mello Mike, it was your blog post that originally got me thinking about adding the outlets. I like that one you used but it would be spendy to get it delivered here.

[Mello_Mike]

Reddog1 wrote:
Perhaps I overlooked the amp rating of the outlets posted, but my experience is that the typical source of outlets are 5 amps. Using the Marine quality outlets usually have a higher amp rating. I will also add, if the outlet packaging does not indicate the amp rating, it is most likely 5 amps. This is important to know for wire size and the fuse.

Wayne

Good question. That's exactly why I went with these Marine quality outlets and dual USB ports. The amp rating for the 12v outlet is 15amps while the rating for dual USB port is 2.1amps. I used 12 AWG wire for this panel protected with a 20amp fuse.

[jimh406]

You probably can use a three way or two way power adapter, but also get USB adapters that support two connectors.

[Reddog1]

Perhaps I overlooked the amp rating of the outlets posted, but my experience is that the typical source of outlets are 5 amps. Using the Marine quality outlets usually have a higher amp rating. I will also add, if the outlet packaging does not indicate the amp rating, it is most likely 5 amps. This is important to know for wire size and the fuse.

Wayne