Add Outlet to Bunk area

[RPRoberts]

I have a 2018 Hideout 272LHS and the only outlets I have are by the main bed, kitchen and bathroom, don't have any outlets in the bunk area or slide.

Currently my son has to run a phone charging cord from the bathroom outlet to the bunks, I'm tired of tripping over it.

Looking for a way to add an outlet somewhere close or in the bunks. Anyone have ideas or done this before?

Thanks!!

[JRTJH]

First, I would not install a 120VAC outlet "in the bunkroom, adjacent to any bed". There's too much risk of a child sleeping in that area and, when "boredom sets in" toying with the outlets and potentially being injured or killed in the process..... It's more a "caution to protect others" than a RVIA requirement....

That said, if you have an open circuit breaker space in your power center, you can start there, install a new circuit breaker, drill a hole (or use one of the existing holes) to run the ROMEX under the trailer, weave it along the trailer bottom and then drill a hole and install a "surface mount outlet with wire guide" on the bunkhouse wall next to the rear part of the slide. I wouldn't install it on the trailer sidewall because there will probably be steel components that anchor the sidewalls to the trailer chassis that you'd have to drill through. Using the bunkhouse wall, drilling from the top down, will give you easier access without having to go through any steel frame components. Just be careful NOT to try to position an outlet where the ROMEX would require drilling a hole "through either an existing gray water or black water tank. They are under the trailer, in that area, so make sure not to damage them.

[solv3nt]

I'd buy a portable USB charger instead.

[chuckster57]

I would simply tap into the 12V circuit at the bunk light and install a USB port.

[flybouy]

Search for usb battery bank and you'll see many choices for varying capacities of batteries to charge a phone. I bought 2 of them for DW & me that ar wireless. Turn them on and set the phone on them or use a USB cable. You can buy them in different capacities and many of them will charge a tablet as well. Charge the battery bank up while you're away and use it to charge the device while inn bed.

[travelin texans]

If the kid is like my grandkids placing the phone anywhere other than their hands to charge is not an option.
I'd find 12 volts at the bunks & add USB plugs, I'd think that would be much easier than running romex the length of the rv.

[RPRoberts]

Adding a USB plug socket sounds like the best and easiest solution. I can put it right next to the light and tie into the 12v wiring.

I will give that a shot next week.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by RPRoberts

Adding a USB plug socket sounds like the best and easiest solution. I can put it right next to the light and tie into the 12v wiring.

I will give that a shot next week.

When you tie in, the solid white is ground and the white with colored stripe is positive.

[RPRoberts]

Thanks for that info

[Weldon]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I would simply tap into the 12V circuit at the bunk light and install a USB port.

This is exactly what I did for my daughter on her top bunk. I installed a double USB charger a year ago. No issues. Fairly simple and quick.

[LHaven]

And, of course, unless you tie it in at the switch, it's only going to be active while the light is on, so keep that in mind.

[RPRoberts]

Mounted a USB outlet like you guys suggested, cheap and easy solution that looks good.
Ordered a USB socket of Amazon and tied it into the power from the bunk light.

[chuckster57]

Looks great, like factory.

[NH_Bulldog]

Our bunk areas both have 110 outlets and USB ports. Guess Keystone figured it was okay. To their credit, they are safety outlets so no one can poke anything in them and get a shock. Certainly handy when our daughter was younger so she could have a night light. Now she is a little older, she can charge her iPad off the USB.

Anyway, I agree with what others have said, the USB outlet off the existing unswitched 12v light circuit was the best solution. It is a lot safer and easier than messing with the 110v power system.