12V outlets on Escape 19

[sporkman]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing the final build sheet and would like everyone's ideas for adding 12V or 12V with USB capability on the Escape. Please send me your ideas for added 12V outlets. Please describe the place to add an outlet and the reason for having one added.

Thanks, Greg

 

[Greg A]

On our 19 we have the standard one at the front dinette and we added 12v USB on the drivers side bed above the added extension table to power the TV located there and recharge devices. We mostly use the portable battery rechargers for devices so we don't have a lot of need for outlets. Depends more on how you feel you need to configure and use.

 

[denjess]

We have one just like Greg added, in the same place, and also added a regular 12v outlet under the sink counter extension, and one outside, by the 110 v exterior outlet . The sink one is in case we want to plug in a fan for the kitchen/ table area, and the outside one is for possible fan use or air compressor for tires . We figured it's better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have em . ( and ETI could do it so much easier and better than I could ! )

 

[hughharden]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing the final build sheet and would like everyone's ideas for adding 12V or 12V with USB capability on the Escape. Please send me your ideas for added 12V outlets. Please describe the place to add an outlet and the reason for having one added.

Thanks, Greg

I put an extra 12v with USB next to 120V outlet number 1 (next to sink) to use with the fold down table for charging electronics

 

[Dave Rosebaugh]

We also put one next to the sink for running a 12V crock pot driving down the road. Also handy if you want to monitor battery charge.

 

[Marry-ESC]

On our build sheet we requested one on the bottom of the upper cabinets. This way it's not in view, can use it on the counter for 12v appliances and the cabinet (open) will serve as a shelf to charge phones etc.

 

[cpaharley2008]

I do not think they can be mounted on the bottom of oh cabinets, only in the corner vertical sides have been the location in the past.

 

[Jim Bennett]

On our build sheet we requested one on the bottom of the upper cabinets. This way it's not in view, can use it on the counter for 12v appliances and the cabinet (open) will serve as a shelf to charge phones etc.

I have seen some manufactures do this with the 120V outlets in the kitchen space. The negative with this,is that their is then the junction box in the cabinets. With 12V there wouldn't be one though. Not a bad idea.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Actually the 12v is more susceptible to damage due to the exposed wires and bare connection ends whereas the 120v outlets are encased in code boxes, 12v are not.

 

[Jim Bennett]

That is why the underside of the cabinet is a good idea. All the wires are hidden an protected by inside the double layer of panelling, just as the light fixtures are.

You can also easily use a small junction box for any low voltage wires if you wish, it just isn't code to have to do it.

 

[cpaharley2008]

The 12v outlets Escape uses are about 4 plus inches deep....

 

[cpaharley2008]

here is a picture of the rear

 

[Jim Bennett]

Ah, yeah. The cigarette lighter plug. I was mostly thinking of other low volatage, like we use in homes which can even be surface mounted. I guess a junction box would be needed to protect the wires.

Which brings up another thought. Why the heck are we still using these antiquated plugs? The cigarette lighter is almost 100 years old, and rarely put into vehicles now, other than for power points. There are plenty of other 12V connectors that would work. I think the problem is that there are so many consumer products that still use these cigarette type connections. Hmmmm..... something new to add to the list of things to consider.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, I'm going to have both types in Prairie Schooner, the old and the new....

 

[Jim Bennett]

Does Escape have a new type of 12V plug? Have to look into it later, as I am on my phone now.

 

[LeonW]

Jim and Jim, by 'new' do you mean USB style plugs? I bought a couple of the 12 volt outlets that just have USB charging. But they don't work for things like our 12volt TV or the 12 volt chargers for our laptops. I haven't installed my USB outlets yet, but will install them somewhere in the dining area for charging phones and tablets.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Yes they offer the newer USB style for $75 vs $50 for the older style. You get one as standard in your new unit, the newer style that is.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Leon, I was not referring to the USB ports which are lower voltage (5V?). II was wishing for something newer, more compact than the cigarette lighter style. Heck, I quit smoking 30 years ago.

If Escape now has something, I am keen to see what it is. Progress must be made, dammit! ;D

 

[rbryan4]

I'd like to see the Merit Engel type sockets replace the cigarette lighter type. They have much better contacts and are only about an inch deep. they make surface mounted ones too that would not require clearance behind a panel. Of course, in North America, they don't make alot of 12V devices with that type of plug.

 

[Jim Bennett]

I'd like to see the Merit Engel type sockets replace the cigarette lighter type. They have much better contacts and are only about an inch deep. they make surface mounted ones too that would not require clearance behind a panel. Of course, in North America, they don't make alot of 12V devices with that type of plug.

I have used their plugs for both 12V and USB, but the 12V is still the cigarette style connection. Do you know of another 12V connection they have.

The surface mount units would work good under upper cabinets.