USB Ports

[Duke4857]

Originally Posted by us71na

You can convert any 120 volt outlet except the ground fault type with a USB/120 volt outlet.

I put that style in our manufactured home. The house uses a self contained plug in most places. I had to add a box to house for this type of upgrade. Not a big deal, I just used a box that had the fingers that spread out to hold the box in the sheetrock. I used the same wires that were in the wall. The only thing I do not like about that style in the TT is no USB power if not running the generator or hooked up to electric.

[01tundra]

I've installed the same styles in several places in our trailer and they're holding up well. I specifically chose them because there's no backlighting so battery draw is minimized for dry camping/boondocking.

I added one to my side of the bed, but since there was a drawer there I had to get creative, I found this little plastic pod that allowed me to surface mount the USB plug.

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

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

[TaftCoach]

Originally Posted by BanjoBob

Added some 12v USB ports to the nightstands, my 2019 came with none. Fast charging and work great. I chose these because they do not have any lights to annoy or draw power when not in use. I removed the dust caps, but may put them back if they get dirty.

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

Where did you pull the power from?

[BanjoBob]

Originally Posted by TaftCoach

Where did you pull the power from?

Sorry so late, I had not realized all of the posts on this thread, I should check more often.

I ran 2 new runs from the battery to a sub panel, one to the back of the camper and one in the front in the pass through. I pulled from the one in the front for these.

[Jessel]

We have night lights above the bed as shown in the attached photo. Would it be safe to tie into the wiring for these lights and install the USB ports?

[BanjoBob]

Originally Posted by us71na

You can convert any 120 volt outlet except the ground fault type with a USB/120 volt outlet.

True, but you will need 120 volt power to use these. Mine are wired into the 12 volt system so I can use on shore power or battery power. that's the main reason I installed them, to be able to use on 12 volt power.

[BanjoBob]

Originally Posted by Jessel

We have night lights above the bed as shown in the attached photo. Would it be safe to tie into the wiring for these lights and install the USB ports?

For no more power than the USB ports use, I don't see a problem with it. I pulled from mine and added more lights. It was easier for my situation to power the USB's from my subpanel.

[Bob K]

Originally Posted by Jessel

We have night lights above the bed as shown in the attached photo. Would it be safe to tie into the wiring for these lights and install the USB ports?

What's the wattage or amp draw of the USB ports (or adapters) you'd like to use? Modern direct current USB-C or fast charge USB adapters can put out up to 6 amps.

Find out what circuit those lights are on and the size of the fuse. Find out what the circuit is currently powering. That'll tell you how much more the existing circuit can handle under full draw. For example, if there's only a 10 amp fuse on the circuit and it's being used to power a bunch of lights, the stereo, and a fan, there might not be much capacity left to power additional USB adapters under full load. The good news is, if you're not sure what the existing load is on the circuit and you put the USB adapters in, as long as the circuit is in good shape you'll just blow the fuse if you exceed the circuit capacity.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Jessel

We have night lights above the bed as shown in the attached photo. Would it be safe to tie into the wiring for these lights and install the USB ports?

Generally speaking yes. I added a bunch of 12V AUX outlets for USB charges, probably 8-9 years ago. So far I have not blown any fuses.

If you have a multimeter with a clamp amp meter, you can check the amp pull at the fuse, with a DYI test lead across the fuse terminals (fuse holder and a couple spade style Scotchloks).

[Johnynorthland]

I use these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZQJPJMB...p_mob_ap_share
they are 12V, just drill a hole, tap off 12v lights, from the power going into the switch. Over a year now, we use every night, no issues! They fit under cabinet, within that space.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

I use these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZQJPJMB...p_mob_ap_share
they are 12V, just drill a hole, tap off 12v lights, from the power going into the switch. Over a year now, we use every night, no issues! They fit under cabinet, within that space.

I love the idea of them. But as a boondocker, I have found all that I have tested, to have a small amount of parasite power drain just sitting there, even when not being used. So I decided to go with the traditional 12V AUX outlets, and slip in an AUX adaptor when needed. It also allows me to upgrade to the latest charge speeds as needed.

[steve.jurnigan]

I have never tapped into my 12 volt system or added a USB into it. I have a receptacle on each side of my bed. One side of the bed had a separate charging station from the factory and a receptacle beside it, The other side of the bed had a duplex receptacle 120 volt, I removed the receptacle and installed one that has duplex receptacle/USB.

[Duke4857]

Just following, I need the best info. Before I install some.

[BanjoBob]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I love the idea of them. But as a boondocker, I have found all that I have tested, to have a small amount of parasite power drain just sitting there, even when not being used. So I decided to go with the traditional 12V AUX outlets, and slip in an AUX adaptor when needed. It also allows me to upgrade to the latest charge speeds as needed.

That's why I bought ones that don't have a light. They have zero draw when nothing is plugged in. I agree about the upgradability. The ones I posted here are easy to access and replace if I ever need to.

[BanjoBob]

Added some ports to the side of the entertainment center to keep devices off of the kitchen counter when we have extra people with us.