Replacing 12 VDC "cigarette" power socket

[Want a B]

The 12 VDC power socket was a bit dated IMHO. Coach didn't have any USB charging ports. So I updated. Replaced the original singe 12 VDC socket with a switched 12 VDC socket, 2 USB charging ports and a voltage readout.

[JohnnyFry]

The cigarette lighter receptacle has always been marginal for anything except an actual cigarette lighter. They lose contact, get hot and are generally unreliable. Has anyone found anything else?

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Want a B

The 12 VDC power socket was a bit dated IMHO. Coach didn't have any USB charging ports. So I updated. Replaced the original singe 12 VDC socket with a switched 12 VDC socket, 2 USB charging ports and a voltage readout.

Nice! You thought of everything.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by JohnnyFry

The cigarette lighter receptacle has always been marginal for anything except an actual cigarette lighter. They lose contact, get hot and are generally unreliable. Has anyone found anything else?

I've installed several Magnadyne brand combined 12v outlet/usb charge points like the one pictured below. They warn not to use it as an actual cigarette lighter (probably too much current draw and not what I'd be using it for anyway). I find that outlet useful to power a 12v fan (1-2 Amps) and of course the 2.1v usb's to charge phones and another small usb fan.

[avanti]

You can get USB adaptors that mount flush. Random example:



I put them in all the outlets in our rig, even where not needed--they look nicer.

When I have to add an outlet, I still install cigarette-lighter sockets (you can get quality ones), and then plug in these adaptors. I figure that such adaptors will always be available for all future technologies.

[Want a B]

I understand USB adapters have parasite current draw which I did not want. So I wired in a ON/OFF switch.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Want a B

I understand USB adapters have parasite current draw which I did not want. So I wired in a ON/OFF switch.

Yes, good point.
When I designed the wiring for our semi-custom van, I added two van-wide circuits, each with a convenient toggle switch. One is labelled "Media" and it controls the TV, radio and so on, since all have parasitic loads as well. The other switch is labeled "DataCom" and it controls stuff like our router, WiFi hot spot, and so on.

This works really well. The only problem is that I can never remember which of the two I put the USB adaptors on.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Want a B

I understand USB adapters have parasite current draw which I did not want. So I wired in a ON/OFF switch.

As did I. Plus, you can just turn off the 12v outlet that way instead of unplgging.