12 volt outlet

erjs05 · 05-10-2013, 02:43 PM

We picked up our new camper today and there are no 12 volt outlets inside. I would like to add at least one and the easiest way possible. I know the entertainment Dvd, Cd player works on 12 volt and was wondering if that might be the best place to add one. If anyone has done this or has any advice that would be great. Also if anyone has pictures that would really help. Thanks for any help.

SteveC7010 · 05-10-2013, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erjs05

We picked up our new camper today and there are no 12 volt outlets inside. I would like to add at least one and the easiest way possible. I know the entertainment Dvd, Cd player works on 12 volt and was wondering if that might be the best place to add one. If anyone has done this or has any advice that would be great. Also if anyone has pictures that would really help. Thanks for any help.

I pulled the radio/dvd/cd unit out and grabbed the main 12vdc line and ground that feeds it. I installed both regular cigar style outlets and a USB outlet in a cabinet panel right next to the radio. The USB outlet needed a switch because it has a constant current draw even when not in use. That may not matter to those that always camp with full hookups, but we dry camp and are very conservative with our electric consumption. We've eliminated all the vampires.

I used Seachoice cigar style outlets, their part number is 15011.
You could also use the Blue Sea outlets, part number 1011.
The USB outlet is Blue Sea #1016.

All of these items are readily available on Ebay, Amazon, etc.

The switch is a standard residential on/off switch in chocolate brown with a matching cover plate. Home Depot, Lowes, you name it for that.

The panel I mounted them on is 1/4" plywood so work carefully.

I also suggest you pick an inline fuse holder for each outlet that you install. and use that in place of plain wire to connect from the 12vdc line to your outlet(s). I'd fuse them at no more than 10 amp each. I'd fuse the USB outlet at no more than 3 amps, preferably 1. You can get inline fuse holders for ATC fuses and the fuses at any auto parts store.

Bob Landry · 05-10-2013, 03:17 PM

12V outlets are rated for 10A. Be sure that the size of the wire supports the anticipated load over the distance, both hot and return. The 12V wire feeding the radio may or may not be sized large enough.

erjs05 · 05-10-2013, 03:27 PM

Nice job I just want to install the cigar type so I can run our endless breeze fan when we dry camp. I'm worried the campers fan would kill the battery fairly quickly and we will be dry camping for 10 days this summer.

f6bits · 05-10-2013, 04:08 PM

What new campers don't have 12V outlets inside? I took me a while to realize what mine was.

erjs05 · 05-10-2013, 04:15 PM

You'd think they'd at least have one but the pop up I traded in didn't have any either and I had to add them to that also.

**JRTJH** · 05-10-2013, 04:33 PM

There should be at least one TV outlet in every Keystone RV. It's the one that is a part of the TV antenna amplifier. It's only rated at (I think) 4 Amps though.

SteveC7010 · 05-10-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

There should be at least one TV outlet in every Keystone RV. It's the one that is a part of the TV antenna amplifier. It's only rated at (I think) 4 Amps though.

In our Cougar and in our old '99 Sunline, the 12vdc outlet is part of the Winegard amp. Unfortunately in both rigs, that's located in the bedroom at the far end of the trailer from living area. I've added 12vdc outlets in both rigs out in the area where we eat and relax.

**JRTJH** · 05-10-2013, 07:21 PM

Steve,

The OP has a Passport 2300BH. It has the entertainment center at the foot of the bed, separating the bedroom from the main trailer cabin. The radio, TV amp and TV are all in that cabinet. He should have a 12VDC plug in that area which is where he was talking about pulling the radio to install a plug using those power wires. I'm thinking that if he looks, he should find the plug is already installed in the location he is wanting power.

SteveC7010 · 05-10-2013, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Steve,

The OP has a Passport 2300BH. It has the entertainment center at the foot of the bed, separating the bedroom from the main trailer cabin. The radio, TV amp and TV are all in that cabinet. He should have a 12VDC plug in that area which is where he was talking about pulling the radio to install a plug using those power wires. I'm thinking that if he looks, he should find the plug is already installed in the location he is wanting power.

Ah, ya got me....

**JRTJH** · 05-10-2013, 08:06 PM

Nah, there's no gotcha... It was the 3rd or 4th time I read his post that I realized his floorplan should have the TV amp right there beside the radio. That would put a plug where he wants one already..... You're right, Keystone and most other manufacturers put the amps in some really strange places. Often in places where not only are they tough to get to but also impossible to use the plug.

methinks that if the OP looks really close, his amp is probably mounted on the side panel of the radio in one of those two cubbyholes. And.... the fan he's wanting to power with the plug has a max draw of 3 amps on high, so he should be set.

erjs05 · 05-11-2013, 01:52 AM

Thanks for the replies, I'll look again but I didn't notice one there. That would be all I need.

**JRTJH** · 05-11-2013, 03:51 AM

Follow the TV antenna input from your TV back to the amplifier. It's the small white panel with the coax, a small button and a green (or red) LED and a 12VDC plug. It should be right there beside the radio in one of those cubbyholes.

SteveC7010 · 05-11-2013, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Follow the TV antenna input from your TV back to the amplifier. It's the small white panel with the coax, a small button and a green (or red) LED and a 12VDC plug. It should be right there beside the radio in one of those cubbyholes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by erjs05

Thanks for the replies, I'll look again but I didn't notice one there. That would be all I need.

It occurs to me that you really, really need to know where this panel is
located because the amplifier in it has to be turned for you to watch OTA television using the roof-top antenna. There should be a little LED and a
switch on the face of the outlet.

erjs05 · 05-11-2013, 05:44 PM

Yes it's there and does have the 12volt outlet, easiest mod I've ever done.

Thanks for letting me know, you guys are great.

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