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Old 10-21-2014, 09:41 AM   #1
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USB Charging Receptacle

I know most are using a 12v to 5v USB adapter to charge their mobile devices in the trailer, but I've been thinking about having ETI install a couple of these instead:

2-Port USB Car Charger, 2.5A, 12V

Or perhaps replacing one or two of the 120v receptacles with one of these:

http://www.trailerlife.com/camper-tr...charger-ports/

What do you think?
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Old 10-21-2014, 10:10 AM   #2
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IMO these are only good for USB plugs. The 12V sockets are good for a wider range of uses with the correct adapter.
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Old 10-21-2014, 10:11 AM   #3
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is that hard wired? hard to tell but I guess it must be as it has a face plate. looks good!

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Old 10-21-2014, 10:14 AM   #4
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I replaced the 120V receptacle on the short cabinet at the end of the 21s bed with a 120V receptacle that also contained two USB ports. For dry camping, I plug a USB adapter into a regular DC port. This leaves the DC port for other uses when needed.
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Old 10-21-2014, 10:18 AM   #5
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The 120V receptacle indicated in the thread looks like the one I put in our 21. I got it at Home Depot, but I don't think it was near that price. Check around, I think you can do better then $50.
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Old 10-21-2014, 11:26 AM   #6
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I think it reads
1-$11.00 each
10- $9.35 each
50- $8.25 each

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Old 10-21-2014, 03:54 PM   #7
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I replaced a duplex outlet with one that contained two USB ports in the bedroom at home. It was a bit of a struggle because it was physically larger than the outlet being replaced, and there were outgoing wires as well as incoming wires in the box. What I thought would take 5 minutes ended up taking 20. It works well and looks neat not having an extra adapter to plug in, and I would consider replacing one of the 110v outlets in the Escape also. However, I agree with J Mac and Tom. I would just get a two port USB adapter for the 12v outlet. They fit flush and are easily removed, allowing the 12v outlet to be multi-purpose. A dedicated 12v USB outlet, as good as it may look, is restricted in its function.
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Old 10-21-2014, 04:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C&G in FL View Post
. A dedicated 12v USB outlet, as good as it may look, is restricted in its function.
I guess it all comes down to how many electronic toys you travel with. For us, the list is long; multiple cameras, phones, radio, tablets etc. We couldn't have too many USB ports inside. We don't actually have any need of the traditional 12 volt outlet.

I'd love to have at least two of the 12 volt type mounted to the table top under the window. That'd be a really convenient place for devices while they charge.

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Old 10-21-2014, 04:33 PM   #9
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Yeah, I didn't really mean "instead of" 12v receptacles, but in addition to.

Maybe the 120V receptacle with USB would be a wiser choice because it would use the same wiring, and it could do both. With the Inverter and the transfer switch, it'd always be available.
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Old 10-21-2014, 05:22 PM   #10
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I'd be concerned that a 12v->USB plug would be a vampire draw when not in use. I might hard-wire some in, but they'd be in series with an LED and a switch, so I know when they're on and can easily turn them off.
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Old 10-21-2014, 06:24 PM   #11
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With the Inverter and the transfer switch, it'd always be available.
Given that the inverter isn't 100% efficient I'd still rather have some 12 volt USB outlets.

Ron
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Old 10-21-2014, 06:44 PM   #12
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We don't actually have any need of the traditional 12 volt outlet.

I'd love to have at least two of the 12 volt type mounted to the table top under the window. That'd be a really convenient place for devices while they charge.

Ron
Actually, 99% of the time I am connected to the grid and charge devices with 110v. And I have no 12v devices that use the conventional cigarette lighter type plug, so I have no need for the conventional 12v plug in the camper, either, although those in the TV see heavy use. That being said, I would still rather use one of the small plugs with USB outlets that plug into a conventional 12v outlet. When not in use, they can be removed and there is no chance of a phantom draw on the battery. Still, each of us has to install that which we find aesthetically pleasing. If we all thought the same way, we would all be camping in stickies......YUCK!
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Old 10-21-2014, 06:53 PM   #13
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I wouldn't bother with USB ports that work only with shore power or the inverter, leaving 12V power as my preference.

My concern with built-in units (instead of the cheap and readily available adapters for accessory sockets) is obsolescence: if I had installed 500 mA ports and later needed to upgrade them to handle more power-hungry recent devices, I would be annoyed... but maybe at $11 per device it would only be a minor annoyance. Who knows what is coming next... but it will probably be available as a cheap adapter for an automotive accessory socket.
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