Adding extra 12v to older motorhome

[GaryGavlaar]

Hi all,

Looking to add some extra 12v capabilities to this old Bessacarr I've just bought, to keep up with the demands of my kids, charging phones and tablets etc... So a few usb sockets would really help.

On looking at the wiring diagram and comparing to the van, everything looks to be very original with no messing over the years.

Based on the attached wiring diagram, where would be best to tag a few sockets for front and back of van? I was hoping to find maybe a fuse box with some spare ways on it to add my own circuit, however this isn't the case as they are all in use. Then i thought about maybe adding my own 12v fuse box on its own cable run direct from the Leisure battery, but not ideal as it would be outside of any 12v isolation switches that currently exist in the van ie control panel.

I have found the 12v socket and aerial booster circuit, that looked like the ideal circuit to tap into due to easy access to the back of the socket, however on looking at the diagram and the fuse box, this circuit is protected by a 5amp fuse. Not knowing the capability of the cable used in the OG motorhome wiring, im thinking this circuit prob isn't ideal to tag a few extra sockets from around the van, given the amps a phone charger can pull these days.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers all

 

[autorouter]

Then i thought about maybe adding my own 12v fuse box on its own cable run direct from the Leisure battery, but not ideal as it would be outside of any 12v isolation switches that currently exist in the van ie control panel.

I note there is an 'EMC Relay' that cuts off all the habitation circuits when the engine is running. If you're installing USB/12V sockets to charge phones and keep the kids happy that's not ideal. I'd consider adding your own 12V fuse box running directly from the leisure battery, so they will be running all the time. You could add an isolation switch in a convenient place to switch it all off, or just pull the fuse on its supply wire.

I like those fuse boxes with a negative busbar built in, so 2-core wire can be used. It can be difficult to find a chassis point for a negative return in a motorhome bodywork. With a 6-way fusebox you can run enough wires to keep everyone's gadgets fully charged.

Standard Blade Fuse Box With Positive & Negative Busbars - 6 Way

6 way standard blade fuse box with 2 positive busbars & 1 negative busbar. The -ve busbar is useful to common cables back to the battery -ve terminal.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[autorouter]

I don't know how up to date you are with the latest gadgets, but a lot of people don't know there are many types of USB socket, and the older ones are very slow charging the latest smartphones and tablets. Look for USB sockets that are 'QC3' or better. There's an equivalent standard for Apple stuff as well. The older '2.1A' USBs don't cut it with new phones.

Because QC3 USBs were difficult to find, I always preferred fitting 12V sockets, and buying USB adapters which are easier to find. However there are now built-in USBs that are QC3 or better.

These are all the rectangular 'Type A' sockets. If you are going for the smaller USB-C sockets, there's even more choice, you can get PD (Power Delivery) versions that can push out up to 100W and power a laptop.

 

[GaryGavlaar]

I don't know how up to date you are with the latest gadgets, but a lot of people don't know there are many types of USB socket, and the older ones are very slow charging the latest smartphones and tablets. Look for USB sockets that are 'QC3' or better. There's an equivalent standard for Apple stuff as well. The older '2.1A' USBs don't cut it with new phones.

Because QC3 USBs were difficult to find, I always preferred fitting 12V sockets, and buying USB adapters which are easier to find. However there are now built-in USBs that are QC3 or better.

These are all the rectangular 'Type A' sockets. If you are going for the smaller USB-C sockets, there's even more choice, you can get PD (Power Delivery) versions that can push out up to 100W and power a laptop.

Yes I'm aware of power delivery protocol, but didnt realise there were different versions of USB A sockets. I will def keep my eyes peeled for the QC3 markings. Cheers