Plug sockets, usb?
- Thread starter susarich
- Start date
wildebus
Forum Member
In my camper I maybe fitted around 20I am wondering how many plug/usb sockets people have, I am thinking the only thing I really have to charge is my phone and tablet. So surely just a couple of usb sockets would be fine.
But I hate trailing leads and not being able to plug something in where you want to use it.I would suggest the following:
Picture yourself at each place you will be settled in the van, and what you might have with you. And fit enough sockets at each of those places to satisfy what you need there, ignoring what you might have somewhere else.
So for example, in Bed at the pillow end .... probably want a USB for a Phone Charger AND maybe a Tablet plugged in. So that is 2 USBs. 12V socket? probably not there, so just the USBs. Then go to next location and so on....
other thing to consider is fittings. The basic most common plug styles do the job and cost you the littlest, but don't give much flexbility if you find you want to change. Use something like the Italian CBE modular system and you can chop and change as your needs change and it will be seamless and still look like it was meant to be. As an example of what I mean, here is a picture of two groups of sockets in my Van - they were installed around 13 years apart - which one is the older and which is the newer?
wildebus
Forum Member
Actually, could be handy listing likely/possible devices ...
When I bought my Motorhome, it has ZERO USB sockets, and two 12V (one for each TV).
I have added some more for:
USB - Torch Charger
USB - 4G MiFi Unit
USB - Phone Charger
USB - Tablet Charger
USB - Security Camera
12V - Alexa Echo
Added a 12V to USB plug-in adapter in the Cab for Phone Charging while driving. I do really need to change that to a proper Twin-USB adapter.
I have a battery jump starter but until you listed that I forgot about it! and have no neat 12V socket to use with it.
SquirrellCook
Forum Member
I don’t have any, let alone in bed!
trevskoda
Forum Member
Still running old style electric heater/bulbs, led are the must have.
linkshouse
Forum Member
I just wish you could get USB sockets without either LED voltage or lights. It's amazing how much these light up that van during the night. What with the diesel heater controller, an inverter controller, and several USB sockets there seem to be little lights all over the place!
wildebus
Forum Member
I get asked quite a bit for lightless USB sockets. Not found any. The 12V plug in USB sockets are as close as you can get as usually not illumination on them. Belkin do a nice double one that is very close to flush and has no light.
Deleted member 4404
I fit a switch alongside mine, so they are not on when not needed
linkshouse
Forum Member
That wouldn’t help me as I tend to use them to charge my devices during the night (especially my watch).
dr1960
Forum Member
Yes bulbs or light fittings are on the list to be replaced.
Tookey
Forum Member
Why David, thought LED was the way forward?I replaced two LED bulbs with Halogen ones a couple of weeks ago
I was in the van yesterday doing stuff and noticed I get to get shot of ANOTHER LED bulb that is failing. So that will be another Halogen going in (bought a pack of 10, so another 7 spare
dr1960
Forum Member
The bulbs shown in my previous post R5Ws are 50p each and equivalent led £2 plus each. For the length of time that the bulbs are used if at all its not worth the expense of replacing them.
SquirrellCook
Forum Member
I’ve found the expensive ones ok, but the eBay specials are rubbish.I find LEDs generally unreliable
Which output port to use depends on the device I guess. I use 1A for things like a MiFi router, Security Camera, etc. 2.1A for devices with batteries - Tablet, Phone, etc.