Weatherproof 12-volt outlet

[ADKzookeeper]

Has anyone ever had a weatherproof 12-volt outlet installed on the exterior of their Escape?Is there any useful reason for having one installed?
Thanks, Howard

[gbaglo]

I came close to having one installed so I can plug in my Sirius satellite radio or my iPod dock.
Only reason I didn't is I'd have to drag the trailer out to Chilliwack and I found 12V extension cords at The Source ( cheap ). Don't listen outside that often, but when I do, I just run the extension cord out the door or out a window.
If I was ordering new, I'd probably get a 12V and a 120V too.

[Stargeezer]

Originally Posted by ADKzookeeper

Has anyone ever had a weatherproof 12-volt outlet installed on the exterior of their Escape?Is there any useful reason for having one installed?
Thanks, Howard

Hi Howard,
I'm getting one installed, but as an amateur astronomer, I need it to drive my 12" telescope!!!

Clear Skies!!!
Larry

[daveandsandyclink]

I can't think of a reason to have one. However I do have a 12-volt inlet for a stand alone solar panel. I charge all my electronics inside. Maybe to watch your 12 volt TV under the awning?

[Dave Walter]

I thought about an external 12v outlet but didn't go through with it. If I was to consider it further, I would install it just inside the rear hatch such that it need not be entirely weatherproof but is still accessible from outdoors.

[Donna D.]

I'm surprised we haven't heard from Jim ( cpaharley2008 ) yet... but in PMs I've had with him discussing possible solar I might want to consider (suitcase style), his suggestion was to have one like this installed on the rear area of my 5er: Marinco 12V Receptacle - Watertight sealing cap

[cpaharley2008]

When my batteries was in the front box I installed an outlet for ease of access. If you have a 12v compressor or any other 12v accessory, they are nice to have.

[ADKzookeeper]

Originally Posted by daveandsandyclink

I can't think of a reason to have one. However I do have a 12-volt inlet for a stand alone solar panel. I charge all my electronics inside. Maybe to watch your 12 volt TV under the awning?

Hi, what type of 12-volt inlet did you install for your stand alone solar panel? I've only seen clamp to the battery style add on for add on solar panels. Thanks, Howard

[cpaharley2008]

You can use the item referred to in post #6 above to have an access point thru your hull, inside you will need to attach the wires to your controller/battery, outside to your solar panel. The outlet mentioned is merely a way to connect and disconnect everything via a waterproof connection. Here is another one Amazon.com: Perko 1190DP0CHR 12V Marine Watertight Deck Connection: Sports & Outdoors

[ADKzookeeper]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You can use the item referred to in post #6 above to have an access point thru your hull, inside you will need to attach the wires to your controller/battery, outside to your solar panel. The outlet mentioned is merely a way to connect and disconnect everything via a waterproof connection. Here is another one Amazon.com: Perko 1190DP0CHR 12V Marine Watertight Deck Connection: Sports & Outdoors

Hi Jim, thanks for the info! Is this something Reace would be willing to install during our build for us? Howard

[cpaharley2008]

You need to ask him that, but I'd be surprised if he did not. Once you drill that first hole in your new trailer, it is all downhill from there.

[Stargeezer]

Originally Posted by ADKzookeeper

Hi, what type of 12-volt inlet did you install for your stand alone solar panel? I've only seen clamp to the battery style add on for add on solar panels. Thanks, Howard

For a portable solar panel connection, one could just use a TV female seven pin connector on the solar panel cord and plug that into the trailer seven pin male connector.
Larry

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Stargeezer

For a portable solar panel connection, one could just use a TV female seven pin connector on the solar panel cord and plug that into the trailer seven pin male connector.
Larry

This is what I did. Works great.

[daveandsandyclink]

Hi Howard,

Jim's has a good solution. Or you can do a search for DIY Solar Installation Question and your will find my pictures on reply #40 on the 4th page.
That thread has a lot of good information.

[Zardoz]

I had the 12v outlet installed outside to accommodate an inexpensive compressor to inflate the tires up to specs. Also use it to power a small MP3 amplifier w/plug-in inverter.

[Ellentob]

Originally Posted by daveandsandyclink

I can't think of a reason to have one. However I do have a 12-volt inlet for a stand alone solar panel. I charge all my electronics inside. Maybe to watch your 12 volt TV under the awning?

Hi Dave--

What is the difference between a 12v outlet and a 12v inlet?

Harris

[Jim Bennett]

Harris, the inlet is for attaching the feed from the solar to, whereas and outlet is for attaching 12V devices, and is typically a cigarette lighter type as far as I know. I didn't have need for an outlet to date, and for my solar inlet, I just connect to the trailer plug for now.

[FishBioGirl]

Paul aka cadmaximus has an external 12v next to the 120 outlet. Reace installed it.

[bpjod]

I went back and forth on this one on my build sheet more than probably any other item. I finally figured for the relatively low price it wasn't worth agonizing over so we are getting one. I'll likely use it for an air compressor for filling the kids' water toys (although the outlet in the tow vehicle would work just as well) and maybe to have an electric cooler for keeping drinks cold and more accessible. Also leaves more room in the fridge for food for two parents and two growing boys. I'd rather have it factory installed and never use it than not and regret not having it installed initially.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by bpjod

I'd rather have it factory installed and never use it than not and regret not having it installed initially.

Me too!