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Old 10-13-2015, 04:19 PM   #1
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2017 30' Classic
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Converting USB to 12 V lighter plug

I have a 2015 FC 30 and previously a 2007 Classic. When camping without power hookups or generator, I have used a 12V lighter type plug to run my CPAP machine, the new Flying Cloud has USB plugs next to the bed instead of the lighter type plug. I am trying to find out if there is a reverse USB to lighter plug available and if so, would it provide the same amount of power as the regular lighter plug. There are many lighter to USB converters out there but I haven't found the opposite.

Has anyone had this issue and if, how did you resolve?

Thanks in advance!
Mike
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Old 10-13-2015, 04:36 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Mldun View Post
I have a 2015 FC 30 and previously a 2007 Classic. When camping without power hookups or generator, I have used a 12V lighter type plug to run my CPAP machine, the new Flying Cloud has USB plugs next to the bed instead of the lighter type plug. I am trying to find out if there is a reverse USB to lighter plug available and if so, would it provide the same amount of power as the regular lighter plug. There are many lighter to USB converters out there but I haven't found the opposite.

Has anyone had this issue and if, how did you resolve?

Thanks in advance!
Mike
I have not seen the adapter your looking for. Not to say it's not made, I just haven't seen one. You could reverse engineer the plug. Convert it to a 12v lighter plug and then purchase a single/double 12v USB charger, that will plug into the 12v lighter plug. The opening for the 12v lighter and USB should be very close in diameter. If not, either enlarge the hole to size or make a plate with proper size hole to cover the larger hole. Good luck.
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Old 10-13-2015, 04:42 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mldun View Post
I have a 2015 FC 30 and previously a 2007 Classic. When camping without power hookups or generator, I have used a 12V lighter type plug to run my CPAP machine, the new Flying Cloud has USB plugs next to the bed instead of the lighter type plug. I am trying to find out if there is a reverse USB to lighter plug available and if so, would it provide the same amount of power as the regular lighter plug. There are many lighter to USB converters out there but I haven't found the opposite.

Has anyone had this issue and if, how did you resolve?

Thanks in advance!
Mike
Great question; I have been looking for this as well!!
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Old 10-13-2015, 05:49 PM   #4
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I believe the U.S.B. Plug voltage is around 5 volts so therefore nothing will convert , I have a 2015 16 sport and have ran into the same problem ,so this is what I did . I wanted a 12 volt plug ( cigarette plug) to run a small inverter 75 watt ,to run my t.v. When boon-docking , so I remouved the t.v. Amplifier switch and replaced it with a t.v. Amplifier switch and cigarette plug combo, no modifying anything just two screws and two wire connectors and done in five minutes. Not sure if this helps you as it depends on we're you have a tv amplifier wall plate, the plug is rated for 12 volts and up to 8 amps . All depends on the gauge of the wires in your airstream ,mine were ok .
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Old 10-13-2015, 06:18 PM   #5
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Best test would be to put a VOM meter on the power wires that support the existing USB connection (on the back side) looking for 12v. Most USB chargers have the electronics built in to reduce the voltage from 12v to 2.5 to 5 volt, depending upon your requirements.
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Old 10-13-2015, 06:47 PM   #6
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I added a combination 12v cigarette lighter + two slot usb outlet to our 2014 EB. As other posters above note, USB is a 5v standard. The most output I've ever seen in USB is 2.1 amps. I'd be surprised if you find an adapter to step up the voltage, provide the physical connection and deliver much amperage without replacing the existing USB outlet.

However, many USB adapters, including the one I used take a 12v input. In fact, the adapter I used requires 12v input to deliver 5v at the USB connections.

I think tsunami in post 5 above made the right call. Pull the USB adapter, check the input voltage. If it's 12v (I'd put money on it that it will be 12v) you can take your pick of single, double, combo, etc outlets.

Here's a link to the one I used Five Oceans - Marine Equipment

A quick Google search will show you dozens of options.
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Old 10-13-2015, 07:33 PM   #7
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For sure it will be 12 volts supplied to the U.S.B. ,because your trailer is hooked up to a 12 volt battery, but did airstream put heavy enough wires to take the amperage that you require ,like others have said USB outlets are for low amperage and five volts,but the original question was (is there a adapter that plugs into the U.S.B plug that converts to 12 volts ). The answer is no, but maybe if you pull the U.S.B. Plug out and check the wire gauge you might be capable of putting in a wall plate with a cigarette plug instead of USB plug outlets.
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Old 10-14-2015, 05:54 AM   #8
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What an awesome group, thanks for the ideas!
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Old 10-14-2015, 07:53 AM   #9
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Scamp, I also have a 2015 16 Sport and have been looking for a way to power the television via the 12V system. Your solution seems perfect! What inverter do you use and how much drain does it put on the batteries? I have two GRP 24 batteries and a 100W portable solar panel, would I have enough capacity to run the television a couple of hours per day ( say one movie's worth). Also, on our trailer when playing a DVD the sound only comes out of the speakers in the front bulkhead. Is this your experience also? Thanks for everyone's help!
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Old 10-14-2015, 01:12 PM   #10
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I don't think any USB powered device wants 12Volts....could be wrong but USB is typically 5 Volts...Get a volt meter and check it. The USB probably has a small IC in it to reduce and maintain 5 volts. Your CPAP will probably over current the device.....Check the Volts first.
The Five Oceans unit looks like the proper answer here
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Old 10-14-2015, 08:57 PM   #11
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There is no device to step up from USB to 12v, period. However, it is fairly simple to upgrade the socket to be either use. Here is a product that meets your need for 12v cigar plug connection and comes with the USB insert plug as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Astra-Depot-Ca.../dp/B00LULJIW4
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Old 02-23-2019, 11:22 AM   #12
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I have a couple USB to cigarette lighter adapters. They will up convert the voltage from 5 volt DC to 12 volt DC, but... very low amperage. What I did was to purchase the cigarette lighter sockets, in-line 15 amp fuses (and holders) and wire them directly into the AS 12v electrical system. One thing that I found was that back behind the AS installed radio is an open 12v DC power cable available.
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