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Old 12-23-2013, 06:27 AM   #1
rohrmann
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USB port additions

When our generator ran out of gas this morning, DW asked which outlets were working so she could plug in her phone charger. Of course, I said none, and promptly jumped up and got outside to refill the tank. It got me to wondering, has anyone done a mod to add 12V usb ports in their trailers. I have not seen the newer rigs that already have usb ports, but assume if the parts are available, it would be easy to tie in to 12V at the bed reading lights, and also to the lights by the recliners.
 
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Old 12-23-2013, 06:39 AM   #2
WaltBennett
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Use a car charger in the antenna or DC TV port.
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Old 12-23-2013, 07:17 AM   #3
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That would be fine to add 110v outlets that contain USB ports but you still need shore power for them to work. It would also be easy enough using long enough wire to install USB ports that run off your 12v coach batteries using the same kind of stuff for your vehicle. It's a matter of enabling the right connectors as needed. USB devices use many styles of connectors for different types of USB rechargable devices and that's where most of our difficulties arise. But we have all kinds of ways to connect and recharge our USB stuff (cell phones, GPS devices, Wifi, MagicJack, etc.). If 110v is available (shore power, generator, inverter) which allows chargers, laptops or a USB hub to power or recharge these USB items, too. WaltBennett has the right idea for the easiest, most available or popular methods.

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Old 12-23-2013, 07:22 AM   #4
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Ours has a 12v outlet in the closet above the washer/dryer as a part of the antenna booster set up. I just use that one and a splitter so we can charge both phones.
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Old 12-23-2013, 07:25 AM   #5
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I added an inverter to power sleep number bed compressor for quick casino stops and a dedicated outlet. I don't like firing up generator for 5 minuytes. I use the for phone chargers, computers, etc.
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Old 12-23-2013, 07:37 AM   #6
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Art-n-Marge

That would be fine to add 110v outlets that contain USB ports but you still need shore power for them to work. It would also be easy enough using long enough wire to install USB ports that run off your 12v coach batteries using the same kind of stuff for your vehicle. It's a matter of enabling the right connectors as needed. USB devices use many styles of connectors for different types of USB rechargable devices and that's where most of our difficulties arise. But we have all kinds of ways to connect and recharge our USB stuff (cell phones, GPS devices, Wifi, MagicJack, etc.). If 110v is available (shore power, generator, inverter) which allows chargers, laptops or a USB hub to power or recharge these USB items, too. WaltBennett has the right idea for the easiest, most available or popular methods.

Why would one need 110 for a USB connection? 12V is all that is required. I would say that the dealer could get you the connector assembly that comes in the new rigs (ours has one). They consist of a USB connection as well as a cigarette type 12V conenction. Ours is connected to the 12V reading lights in the bedroome for power. I would think this would be a simple mod.

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Old 12-23-2013, 07:57 AM   #7
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Thanks Bingo, that's what I was wondering. Didn't know they also had the 12V socket as well, so that will be a bonus.
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Old 12-23-2013, 04:01 PM   #8
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by WaltBennett

Use a car charger in the antenna or DC TV port.
Good tip!
I never thought of that!!
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Old 12-25-2013, 04:49 PM   #9
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How to charge USB devices when not connected to shore power 101:

1) plug it into a laptop computer, sure it'll drain the laptop a bit, but the batteries in your laptop are massive as compared to what's in your smartphone.

2) purchase a 12v 2, 3, or 4-way splitter, plug that into your existing 12 volt outlet. In our Monte it's in the closet next to the antenna amplifier.

3) purchase a battery that's meant to recharge your smartphone once or twice before it needs charging. The cost about $20 and up.

4) plug your smartphone into a 12v connection in your tow vehicle. Our 2012 F-250 has got probably a half dozen of those. Don't worry about draining your vehicle's battery with your smartphone, since that's like a fly on an elephant's back!

5) buy a solar recharger, they're also $20 and up, and are getting better and better all the time.

6) I've also got one of those hand-crank radios that has a USB connection on it, so I have the possibility of recharging my smartphone with it. I've never done it, since any one of the previous ways is probably better, but my radio also has a solar cell so....
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Old 12-26-2013, 03:59 AM   #10
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Don't forget your inverter! Mine has a USB output connection on it just for this kind of thing.
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Old 12-26-2013, 06:59 AM   #11
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Word of caution, USB out put is 5 Volts not 12 Volts. There are a number devices that plug into Cigarette lighter. Just search Amazon for 12 Volt USB Changer. Below is one you can wire direct to 12 wiring.

http://www.amazon.com/DROK-Converter...+v+usb+charger
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Old 12-29-2013, 01:54 PM   #12
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

Ours has a 12v outlet in the closet above the washer/dryer as a part of the antenna booster set up. I just use that one and a splitter so we can charge both phones.
X2

Jack
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Old 12-29-2013, 02:53 PM   #13
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I see you have a 2012 Chevy. I have a 2013 GMC and In the center console in the inside and the back of it is a USB port and a 12v power outlet (Cig lighter).
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Old 12-29-2013, 05:45 PM   #14
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I installed a 12 volt cig. lighter plug under the kitchen conter top. There is a 12 volt power at the LP gas detector just ran a tap off it for the cig lighter plug. Now we don't have to go the the bed room for a 12 volt plug.
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Old 12-30-2013, 04:47 AM   #15
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by mtheo

I installed a 12 volt cig. lighter plug under the kitchen conter top. There is a 12 volt power at the LP gas detector just ran a tap off it for the cig lighter plug. Now we don't have to go the the bed room for a 12 volt plug.
I like that idea Mark. I have it on my "To Do" list now. Thanks!

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Old 12-30-2013, 06:00 AM   #16
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rohrmann,

I have been looking to see if there is any listing on the web for what comes installed in the new rigs, but have yet to find the exact thing. Here is a link to something that is similar, the only difference I see is that the 12V socket on the Montana installed wall plate has a round cover over it. They would be easy to install and they are available in white, ivory and black:

12V Socket with USB Wallplate

Trying to help! I am sure there are other suppliers as well.

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Old 11-14-2018, 02:37 AM   #17
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this works well, i used a surface mounted deep box to mount mine in the bedroom slide. if there is interest ill get pictures and post them.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-USB-Po...72.m2749.l2649
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Old 11-14-2018, 02:05 PM   #18
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Not all 12V to 5V adapters are created equal! Some of the more power hungry phones require a higher current to recharge in a "reasonable" amount of time. The minimum amperage I recommend is at least 2.1 amps. There are a lot of these 12V to 5V converters that only provide an amp or less.

Also these converters when hooked to the battery are always drawing a parasitic load so eventually they will drain your battery. I always add a power switch to turn off the converter when not in use. I have added several adapters around the monty in odd places as you never know what you might want to charge and where.


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Old 11-14-2018, 10:34 PM   #19
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5 Volt USB Ports added

I have added 3 USB double ports in my unit. They are available in marine stores. They connect direct to 12 Volts and convert to the required 5 Volts. Drill a 1” hole where ever you want the USB Ports and screw a plastic nut on the back side, supply 12 volts and yur done. Draws very little current with nothing plugged in to the ports. The units were about $15. Each.
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Old 11-15-2018, 05:10 AM   #20
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B79F8CW..._t2_B01HZNOEEW

A device like this would work, I am just concerned about any drain on the battery when not in use. May need to connect it to a switch so it can be turned off.
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