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Old 10-07-2020, 09:20 PM   #1
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Stealing power for 12V USB Outlet

So we're boondocking in our new (to us) 19 and there is only one 12V outlet located under the front dinette, which is awkward to get to. The stove hood has a light that works on battery but is useless with how little light it throws, so decided to steal power from there and used the wires to attach an RV usb outlet that we got from amazon. Works great, but over the stove is not the best location.

I would like to remove the awkward stove hood and relocate the 12V light wires and outlet to the cabinet above the bed. I would put a spice rick or some kind of cabinet where the back of the hood is to cover the cut lining. Has anyone ever done this? And does anyone know if I need to relocate the light switch that is currently powering the USB outlet? As it stands right now, I need to turn that switch on to power the usb outlet but would like to make it so that it is always "live" when I relocate the wiring to the bed area, like a regular outlet.

Thanks for any advice
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Old 10-07-2020, 09:29 PM   #2
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I replaced the hood light with an LED and now it's a well-lit counter top. I'd tap into 12V somewhere else to add your 2nd outlet.
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Old 10-07-2020, 09:34 PM   #3
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I replaced the hood light with an LED and now it's a well-lit counter top. I'd tap into 12V somewhere else to add your 2nd outlet.
I did the same and I agree. There are plenty of places to tap into 12vdc in Escapes.
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Old 10-07-2020, 09:44 PM   #4
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I agree, there's lots of other places to get power aside from messing with the range hood.

I also agree that the 12 cigarette plug in the 19 is in a very awkward location. My solution was to make up a table mounted shelf that among other things contained a 12 cigarette receptacle and a double set of USB outlets. It is handy to be able to be seated in the dinette and use devices while they're plugged in.

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Old 10-07-2020, 10:02 PM   #5
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And, spices are supposed to be stored in a cool, dark place.
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Old 10-07-2020, 10:08 PM   #6
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So I'm hearing that there are better places to access 12V power. Could someone please tell me where that is?
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Old 10-07-2020, 10:23 PM   #7
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That would be model and load specific.

If the load is light then look for a nearby supply wire and just tap into it.

If the converter panel is in the same end as where you want power there's lots of unused fuse terminals that you can use. Add whatever size fuse is suitable for the wire and load.

Even if the converter panel isn't nearby and if you want a dedicated circuit it's usually still possible to run a wire from the panel to where you want power.

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Old 10-08-2020, 08:34 AM   #8
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Where did you get the top rail for that little cabinet
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Old 10-08-2020, 09:30 AM   #9
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Why not put the 12V receptacle & USB ports where ever you want them & run wiring to the load center? There are many empty fuse positions available...
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Old 10-08-2020, 11:07 AM   #10
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Where did you get the top rail for that little cabinet
David
It's a marine store item. It's used on boat shelves to help keep things in place.

I had some leftover from building my last boat.

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Old 10-08-2020, 02:02 PM   #11
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Why not put the 12V receptacle & USB ports where ever you want them & run wiring to the load center? There are many empty fuse positions available...
Was looking for a quick, easy fix as we are in the boonies right now. I don't know anything about rewiring from scratch but knew enough to steal from an existing receptacle as it only involved twisting wires together. Wiring from the converter and figuring out how to route and hide the wires is above my skill level but will probably hire someone to do it when we get home.
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Old 10-08-2020, 02:29 PM   #12
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Thanks Ron . Been looking for this. Years ago when I built mobile homes we put this on top of all our cabinets. We got it in 12 ft lengths. Just wish I could find it down here in Texas, so far no joy.

David
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Old 10-08-2020, 05:14 PM   #13
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Thanks Ron . Been looking for this. Years ago when I built mobile homes we put this on top of all our cabinets. We got it in 12 ft lengths. Just wish I could find it down here in Texas, so far no joy.

David
It's called a pinrail (marine) or spindle galley rail.

If you want it in teak:
https://www.amazon.com/SeaTeak-Pinra...0042A55SQ?th=1

This is in maple:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Waddell-...-MPL/100549056

Oak:
https://www.amazon.com/Waddell-Manuf.../dp/B000LNNSY6
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Old 10-08-2020, 07:26 PM   #14
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Great idea!
Where did you run the wires to hide them? And is the shelf attached to the table to keep it in place when traveling.
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Old 10-08-2020, 09:27 PM   #15
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Thanks Ron . Been looking for this. Years ago when I built mobile homes we put this on top of all our cabinets. We got it in 12 ft lengths. Just wish I could find it down here in Texas, so far no joy.
David
On my first boat I didn't have a source for one so I set up my metal lathe and cranked out little spindles by the dozen. Trust me, buying one ready made is the way to go.



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Great idea!
Where did you run the wires to hide them? And is the shelf attached to the table to keep it in place when traveling.
The shelf attaches to the table with 2 "L" brackets. In my 21 version they're white. Wires to the solar controller are attached to the underside for strain relief and wrapped with cable wrap. They hang in a loose arc to allow for table movement and head for the area of the converter panel.

This controller has USB outlets so I didn't install any additional ones.

Ron
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