Undeniably required options on 5.0???

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

One conversion is better than two, but we're likely only talking about a few percent of less than 100 watts, or literally a few watts. Is that a big deal?

Probably not, but thinking about how my inverter dings my batteries pretty quickly. Of course, that's usually with an item that draws more power. Thinking about it though, it's actually 1 inversion and 1 conversion with a power cord, and zero with a DC adapter. 12V DC inverted to AC then AC adapter converts to DC. No conversion with a 12V power adapter, although there may be a step down.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Thinking about it though, it's actually 1 inversion and 1 conversion with a power cord, and zero with a DC adapter. 12V DC inverted to AC then AC adapter converts to DC. No conversion with a 12V power adapter, although there may be a step down.

Converting between AC and DC is no worse than between DC and DC. Since laptops don't actually run on 12 volts, every power adapter (even with 12 V DC input) for USB power (which is 5 V) or laptop power (which is typically higher than 12 V) does a conversion. The conversion is normally done with a high-frequency switching circuit, just as in an inverter.

[cpaharley2008]

Never buy accessories from Apple, too many after market suppliers, here is a 12v Mac Pro charger, $25 https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Charg...ok+pro+charger

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Never buy accessories from Apple, too many after market suppliers, here is a 12v Mac Pro charger, $25 https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Charg...ok+pro+charger

I wouldn't say "never" buy accessories from Apple. Some of the non-Apple accessories are pure junk. Have to be selective.

[emers382]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Never buy accessories from Apple, too many after market suppliers, here is a 12v Mac Pro charger, $25 https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Charg...ok+pro+charger

Thanks Jim, that looks good as long as it works. I wanted a new 110v power cord with brick etc. but the only thing on Amazon was only $30 but had poor reviews. No option for longer cord, brick plugged directly in to the wall and people said after unplugging a few times the plug came apart. I don't like the expensive Apple stuff but the quality is certainly there, as I said the cord had lasted seven years, but finally at the end with mag attachment to computer wire broke inside.

Adrian

on edit: I see Robert replied with similar Apple comment at the same time

[emers382]

Michael something else while we're talking about inverters. I don't know if you need to use a CPAP but my wife now does and we were able to get (not cheaply) a 12v-24v converter.

Adrian

[cpaharley2008]

I think with proper planning and research, one can equip the trailer with 12v outlets and with proper accessories operate as if it had 120v. I try to get along with propane and dc appliances and only need 120 for a/c.

[gbaglo]

Too many reviews of crappy faux Apple adapters, chargers, etc. for me to risk my laptop.
I'll buy certified Apple, knowing that it will work and won't destroy my gear.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Never buy accessories from Apple, too many after market suppliers, here is a 12v Mac Pro charger, $25 https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Charg...ok+pro+charger

I used that very charger for several weeks last year. Until it melted.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

... here is a 12v Mac Pro charger, $25 https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Charg...ok+pro+charger

Nice and compact ... maybe too compact for heat dissipation.

The specs confirm that the Mac Pro for which this is intended does not run on 12 volts (and so this is a voltage converter, not just a cable):

Output: 14~20V/3.5A

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by emers382

I don't like the expensive Apple stuff but the quality is certainly there, as I said the cord had lasted seven years, but finally at the end with mag attachment to computer wire broke inside.

I've never seen a laptop power supply run as hot as the ones that came with our PowerBook and our MacBook Pro. The Apple units are small and glossy white, which fits Apple's "it all about the look" philosophy, but dissipate heat poorly. Two genuine supplies for the PowerBook cooked themselves in the time we used it (which, granted, was more than two years and thus outside of Apple's typical time before trade-up).

Failure at the MagSafe connector seems pretty common, judging from our experience and that of a couple of my family members.

[gbaglo]

My MagSafe cord crapped out briefly when I sucked it into the upright vacuum cleaner. I wrapped the cord with gaffer tape and it's still good four years after.

[onetim]

I’ll recommend both 120v and 12v external plugs on the rear passenger side. This way you can set up a table (desk) under the awning and work outside. Even being able to plug in a small lamp or radio while sitting outside is a nice luxury.

Extra insulation not only helps moderate temperature but blocks noise. Well worth it.

The external propane connection is also worth it. Cooking on a small stove or grill outside frees up a lot of space inside. With your work spread out inside you’ll appreciate doing more routine stuff (like cooking) outside. Retreat/work inside only when necessary.

[sleepy]

we have the counter option to the right of the door- we call it the desk because it's a great height to stand at, and place things on. Plus these things:
Spray foam- protects the bottom of the trailer, and helps keep our feet a bit warm.
Bathroom window- light and ventilation.
Extra reading lamps above the table.
Outside shower- we use ours most trips.
Pop up side wing to the counter- just inside the door- makes it easy for us to pass things in & out.
Stainless range, sink and fan- easy to clean up, and won't chip.
---------------------------------------------
We didn't get double pane windows nor the extra insulation. Doing it again I'd add the extra insulation.
I'd also add a light switch at the door that turned on the main ceiling light.