Need to add a 12v USB charging port?

[evanhix]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I wasn't able to locate any info within this forum. I just purchased a new Carbon 357. I would like to add a 12v USB charging port to charge cell phones, tablets, etc without running the genorator. Does anyone have experience with adding one? Can I simply mount one in the wall and wire directly to the batteries with an in line fuse? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[BirchyBoy]

I'm not familiar with your RV, but my previous Keystone camper had a 12v outlet where the TV antenna amp was. Have you looked around the less obvious places?

[Cowdogs]

I mounted a USB Charger to the shelf above the bed on my Carbon 327. Tapped in to the 12V light on the shelf.

[fourfourto]

check tha radio my 2017 mini has a USB port on the radio

[chuckster57]

USB is 5V, so tapping into any 12V source gives you tons of options. No need to run the generator unless the battery(s) get discharged.

[Fishhawk]

You might consider replacing one of your regular a/c outlets with one that also has built in USB outlets

Several different models are available

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Fishhawk

You might consider replacing one of your regular a/c outlets with one that also has built in USB outlets

Several different models are available

This is an option, but depending on the brand of outlet, some won't fit the narrow (not deep enough) outlet holes (often there aren't outlet boxes) in an RV wall. Also, consider that with a "home outlet with USB ports" there is only power to the USB when there is 110 VAC available, so the only time your USB ports will have power is when you're plugged into campground power or when the generator is running.

If your objective is to have USB power when "dry camping" you'll need to look at some alternative to the "regular a/c outlet with USB ports".....

[Pull Toy]

Plus one for BirchyBoy.

My car type charger has an I-phone plug, and a spare usb port built in. You also have the advantage of charging in your car should the need arise.

Good Luck,

[spicercars]

Not sure how your carbon is set up but on my raptor I mounted a 12v USB under the TV and ran a fused wire to the power lug in the fusebox. You want a USB port that you can used without being plugged in or running the generator. That's the point some people are missing. I 110 wall outlet with a USB port in it won't do you any good.

[evanhix]

That is correct. I would like to install a 12 v so that I can charge devices while dry camping without having to run the genorator for an hour just to charge a cell phone.

My old Attitude trailer had a cigarette style socket which worked perfect. I can't imagine why in this modern age, they would not factory install one. Especially given the price tag on a new fifth wheel.

[talk2cpu]

I installed 2 of these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B79F8CW?psc=1

on each side of the bed, easy access to wire direct (fused) to the battery. They flush mount and give a 12 volt outlet with the 2 usb ports. I installed a power switch for them just to be sure the power is cut when I want it off.
I also wired in a LED desk lamp (12v), with a usb port, to the light above the dinette table. Then used velcro to fasten it to the table so it stays put while traveling.
Tom

[campertime]

There's also other options:

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Wat...12v+usb+outlet

https://www.amazon.com/Cllena-Waterp...12v+usb+outlet

https://www.amazon.com/Aukey-CC-S1-4...12v+usb+outlet

[robo]

Look at my list of mods you will see i added them to our bunk rooms for the girls
Link is in my sig line

[drdarrin]

I'm getting ready to do the same thing. We have been using the 12V plug that the bedroom TV plugs into. That allows us to use the 12V USB adapter we already have in the truck in the trailer. The outlet I'm going to install has a 12V socket and 2 USB plugs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Don't wire it directly to your battery unless you fuse it. The better option would be to wire it into your 12V distribution panel which already has a fuse socket available or tap into an existing fused 12V device. My distribution panel has 3 open slots, yours might have one too.