Adding a 12V Outlet

[yogi22]

For some reason, RoadTrek failed to install any 12V outlets in the back of my 2007 190P. I want to add a couple, one at the back for my air compressor and one near the foot of the bed for a bed warmer.


I have the knowledge and skill to do this. However, before I reinvent the wheel, I'd appreciate if anyone who has done this, has any advice or ideas that may save me hassle. IOW, ideas on the best place to splice in the positive wire. It appears that there is no spare contact in the electrical box beneath the bed.
Ken Kennedy
London, ON
Trekker since 1991

[hbn7hj]

I came up directly from the battery by running a wire up the right rear doorpost then along the channel below the cabinets putting the outlet on the aft face of the passenger side cabinet. It is a lot of work. I relocated the 12 volt outlet from the TV cabinet.

There are a lot of places to pick off 12 volts behind the power panel. On either side of the battery contactor depending on whether you wanted it switchable. A 30 amp fuse with 10 gauge ought to do it.

Mine is always on. I used this same route to wire a solar panel.

[bwatters60]

Don't know where your TrippLite is in the 190, but mine is above the rear passenger wheel in my 08210P. I used the posts on my TrippLite to source two 12V receptacles in the rear. Pic attached.

[South]

While wiring in a 12 volt audio system in vehicles it is common to use a 12 volt fuse splice off panel.
You could use this kind of splice for a 12 volt use.

Bill Gewain
2015 Chevy 210 Roadtrek

[yogi22]

Originally Posted by South

While wiring in a 12 volt audio system in vehicles it is common to use a 12 volt fuse splice off panel.
You could use this kind of splice for a 12 volt use.

Bill Gewain
2015 Chevy 210 Roadtrek

This looks easiest. I never thought that such a thing existed. Thanks to all that answered. Despite all the problems the internet can cause, forums such as this make it all worthwhile. Amazing! Strangers helping strangers!
kk
2007 RT190P

[Hatteras Jim]

I'm sure that you have done this - When selecting wire gauge, make sure that you consider the maximum amperage of any devices that you may want to plug into them in the future and if you have a long wire run, use one wire size lower (bigger wire). The 10 gauge (as suggested) should handle most of your needs and be good for at least a 25' run. Also, not all 12volt receptacles are created equal. Some are meant for USB type plugs and devices only, and can't handle the current. Sounds like your bed warmer may be the highest use device so far. Also consider if you will have 2 devices operating at the same time.

[South]

Whenever adding a 12 volt circuit while using a fuse tap never alter the fuse size on the circuit for the given wire size. The fuse is your fail safe when adding a fuse tap.

[rvsprinterguy]

I've added two 12-volt sockets in my van. The first case, to power an inverter for the TV/Blu-ray player, I added a wire from a spare fused circuit in my power converter. The second was added directly to the house battery under the passenger seat in front with an inline fuse holder. This second socket is on the backside of the seat pedestal for use with a Iceco refrigerator.

[avanti]

If you are going to do some wiring, consider taking the time to put all the unswitched 12V consumers and outlets onto a single on/off switch. That way, it is easy to get rid of all the parasitic loads when not needed, without having to cut the main power.