12 VDC Outlet Installation - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Norton Rider · 10-11-2013, 09:44 AM

I installed two 12 volt outlets on the side the kitchen cabinet. I got the double outlet at a local West Marine store.

The wiring consists of a marine 12/2 wire that runs from the cabinet, under the trailer, to the battery compartment. It is fused at the battery compartment. I sealed the hole where the wire it comes out of the trailer floor with 3M 4200.

Both outlets are on the same 20A circuit. This is OK because the largest draw I will have is a 12 VDC coffee maker. I do not plug anything else in when this is running. The other things that I will plug into here are a TV, phone chargers, camera battery charger, etc.

Eventually I want to install one or two more 12 VDC outlets on the side of the refrigerator cabinet.

Wrascal · 10-11-2013, 11:52 AM

Now whats that toggle switch control?

Norton Rider · 10-11-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

Now whats that toggle switch control?

It's the Warp Drive Control Switch...

Actually, it controls the electric winch that helps raise and lower the tip-out. If you look at the instructional videos linked on this site you will see one that explains how to extend and retract the tip-out.

Raul

campthewestcoast · 10-14-2013, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton Rider

I installed two 12 volt outlets on the side the kitchen cabinet. I got the double outlet at a local West Marine store.

The wiring consists of a marine 12/2 wire that runs from the cabinet, under the trailer, to the battery compartment. It is fused at the battery compartment. I sealed the hole where the wire it comes out of the trailer floor with 3M 4200.

Both outlets are on the same 20A circuit. This is OK because the largest draw I will have is a 12 VDC coffee maker. I do not plug anything else in when this is running. The other things that I will plug into here are a TV, phone chargers, camera battery charger, etc.

Eventually I want to install one or two more 12 VDC outlets on the side of the refrigerator cabinet.

Do you remember the model # of the double 12v outlet from west marine?

PopRichie77 · 10-15-2013, 07:40 AM

Outlets of all kinds can be found on ebay, I put one on the side of the fridge and have regretted not making it a double.

Norton Rider · 10-15-2013, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campthewestcoast

Do you remember the model # of the double 12v outlet from west marine?

P/N 6867915

WEST MARINE 12V Flush-Mount Receptacles & Plugs at West Marine

PopRichie77 · 10-15-2013, 07:54 AM

Good morning Raul, nice job on the outlets. Putting an outlet on the side of the fridge is a job, at least in my trailer, it has the drawer on top and the wall on the side is double. Top has to come off and the outlet just fits under the drawer and the top of the fridge,

Papa · 10-15-2013, 09:43 AM

Some time ago I installed one additional 120 volt outlet in the Hi Lo dedicated to an electric heater. At most campgrounds with electrical hook ups there is at least a 30 amp connection for the Hi Lo. Normally there are additional outlets on the campground post. I run an extension cord from that outlet to the Hi Lo. I installed an "inlet" from the marine store and mounted it on the outside of the Hi Lo. That is where the other end of the extension cord connects to the camper. From the inlet I ran a wire to the inside wall where I put a normal wall outlet.
Now when we camp in cool temps at a campground with hooks ups I don't have to use my gas furnace to heat the camper. I use small electric heater. But it's circuit is independent of the Hi Lo electrical system. This way the wife can run the coffee maker and microwave on the camper's electrical circuits while the little electric heater runs straight off the pole.
Just a different way to skin a cat.
God Bless
Papa

Norton Rider · 10-15-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopRichie77

Good morning Raul, nice job on the outlets. Putting an outlet on the side of the fridge is a job, at least in my trailer, it has the drawer on top and the wall on the side is double. Top has to come off and the outlet just fits under the drawer and the top of the fridge,

It's going to be complicated on mine also. Unlike the kitchen cabinet, the existing wires in that area are behind a plywood enclosure that's stapled together. I wish they had used screws instead.

PopRichie77 · 10-15-2013, 07:43 PM

My 2209 had the top cover screwed on.

sam · 10-16-2013, 12:50 AM

Staples must be cheaper than screws!!

RichR · 10-16-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam

Staples must be cheaper than screws!!

And much faster to place.

Rolff · 10-17-2013, 12:55 AM

In a ziplock bag in the battery box I carry a 12V adapter that has battery clamps. In case I need a quick outlet outside and don't want to move my truck. I think I got it at a marine supply place. I have only used it once.

campthewestcoast · 10-17-2013, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton Rider

P/N 6867915

WEST MARINE 12V Flush-Mount Receptacles & Plugs at West Marine

Thanks for the info, I'm also looking at the dual USB outlet by the same manufacture that run off of the 12volt system for charging phones so I don't have to carry so many different adapters.

Wrascal · 10-17-2013, 08:04 AM

You did know (didn't you) ... you can plug your cell phone into a computers USB port and charge it from there?

Norton Rider · 10-17-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campthewestcoast

Thanks for the info, I'm also looking at the dual USB outlet by the same manufacture that run off of the 12volt system for charging phones so I don't have to carry so many different adapters.

Les,
That's a good idea. When I install the additional 12 volt outlets I will install a USB outlet as well.

Wrascal,
I prefer to plug the phones, Kindle, etc. into a dedicated outlet overnight, and not drain the laptop battery.

campthewestcoast · 10-18-2013, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

You did know (didn't you) ... you can plug your cell phone into a computers USB port and charge it from there?

Wrascal,

When we travel, we use a tablet computer, ergo no laptopcomputer with which to charge the phone, etc.

jcurtis95 · 10-18-2013, 08:39 AM

Norton Rider,

Re: "That's a good idea. When I install the additional 12 volt outlets I will install a USB outlet as well".

Why run the extra wiring; why not just buy a 12volt adapter and plug it into the 12volt outlet? Here are some examples: 12 volt adapter to usb - Bing Images

jcurtis95

Norton Rider · 10-18-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcurtis95

Norton Rider,

Re: "That's a good idea. When I install the additional 12 volt outlets I will install a USB outlet as well".

Why run the extra wiring; why not just buy a 12volt adapter and plug it into the 12volt outlet? Here are some examples: 12 volt adapter to usb - Bing Images

jcurtis95

Because I'm an anal-retentive engineer.

Actually, I use one of these adapters in the trailer already. My point is, since I was already planning on installing two more 12 volt outlets in the trailer, why not make one a 12 volt outlet and the other one a USB outlet. Then I won't need any adapters; I can just plug the USB cord right to the outlet.

Wrascal · 10-18-2013, 06:35 PM

Now y'all need to install some of those wireless charging pads.

I'm thinking of adding both Serial and Parallel computer ports, just for grins and giggles. That'll raise a few eyebrows.