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08-25-2006, 10:47 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master 
Nipomo
, California
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 629
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Adding a 12VDC outlet outside??
I'd like to add a 12-volt DC outlet on the road side of our trailer. The reason for this is that we have 12-volt air compressor with an 11-foot chord and cannot find a way to reach any of the three 12-volt outlets inside the trailer: under the dinette, on the fridge wall with the TV fixture, and in the bedroom also with the TV fixture.
The 11-foot chord allows us to use the outlet under the dinette to reach the sidewalk side thru the door, but reaching the other side would require passing the chord thru the screen window. That's not easy to do because the 4 wire clip that hold the screen in place are very stiff and require removal from the outside, far to difficult and problematic.
So, it would appear that the best solution would be to put a 12-volt outlet in the space behind the fridge which has a louvered outside door right above the wheels. Now, how to wire this into the circuitry of the Airstream. I'm electrically-challenged but with a little guidance could probably figure out how to do this.
Any ideas, diagrams, alternatives? Thanks in advance.
__________________
Mike Young & Rosemary Nelson
Bowlus Road Chief "Endymion"
BMW X3 xDrive 28D
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08-25-2006, 11:05 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,410
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No Problem!
MIke,
You have the problem 90% solved already by the description in your post. Your refrigerator is fed by a 12 VDC power connection. You can tap into those 2 wires to get the power for your 12VDC outlet.
The benefit is that you don't have to cut the skin of the A/S....just mount it INSIDE the refer door! It will also be out of the way. Be sure to get a weatherproof outlet. www.powerlet.com has lots of those mainly used for motorcycles but will work perfectly for your application. Your local auto parts store might have one also.
At the bottom of the fridge, you will find a white plastic terminal block with 2 wires coming in and 2 going into the refer control board. The 2 input wires should be red and white, with red + and white -. Just loosen the retaining screws and add your new wires for your new outlet and re-tighten.
I would suggest that you pull the fuse for the refer BEFORE doing this to avoid any shorting of the + lead, which would blow the fuse anyway.
Good luck!
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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08-25-2006, 11:14 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
Nipomo
, California
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 629
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Lew,
Terrific help. I'll look more closely at the wires behind the louvered door.
Also, found the link to the Korean site amusing. Don't know what I'll do there though.
__________________
Mike Young & Rosemary Nelson
Bowlus Road Chief "Endymion"
BMW X3 xDrive 28D
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08-25-2006, 11:56 AM
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#4
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Tramp Streamer
Commercial Member
1995 28' Excella
Artist
, at Large
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
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I had the same trouble with my compressor, than I got a cordless compressor/jumper/12V power supply, cost $44.00
at Sam's Club.
I have had it for 18 months and use it all the time
I really like Lew's idea, and might just add it because.
Michael
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08-25-2006, 12:20 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
2008 27' International CCD FB
Boerne, TX /
, Evergreen, CO
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 904
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Lew, the correct link is: http://www.powerletproducts.com/
Good idea on the fridge 12V. I was wondering where a good place would be to mount and accessory plug on the outside, and you suggestion is nothing short of genius! It made me fell so dumb for not thinking of it first! :
__________________
Chris and Christina- Boerne, TX / Evergreen, CO - TAC TX-7
2008 27'FB Int'l Signature CCD
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08-25-2006, 06:42 PM
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#7
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Retired Moderator
1992 29' Excella
madison
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
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Quote:
2 input wires should be red and white, with red + and white -. Just loosen the retaining screws and add your new wires for your new outlet and re-tighten.
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or pink and white!
the end result is the same, colored wire is + white wire is -
john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
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