Installing a 12 volt Cigarette Lighter Style Adapter on 2017 International

[interstateflyer]

My 2017 International Serenity for some inexplicable reason does not contain a 12 volt cigarette lighter style port.

I have several 12 volt accessories that require the 12 volt cigarette lighter style port. The generous number of usb ports is cool but won't meet all of our 12 volt needs.

Is there a way that I can install a 12 volt cigarette lighter style port in the trailer?

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

Is there a way that I can install a 12 volt cigarette lighter style port in the trailer?

I replaced one of the double USB outlets with a regular 12v outlet. (You can always use one of the USB adapters in the 12v outlet if you need the extra USB plug in.)

[interstateflyer]

My USB ports are not removable so can't insert a cigarette lighter adapter.

I found this on Amazon. Looks like it depends on the USB port's output.

How might I determine the output of the USB port?

https://www.amazon.com/ARECORD-Cigar...volt+converter

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I found this on Amazon. Looks like it depends on the USB port's output. How might I determine the output of the USB port?

https://www.amazon.com/ARECORD-Cigar...volt+converter

Interesting adapter. Max output is only .8 amps - not much compared with a regular 12v outlet which is usually 15 amps.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Interesting adapter. Max output is only .8 amps - not much compared with a regular 12v outlet which is usually 15 amps.

Thanks. Wish I'd realized that before I ordered two. Just cancelled.

My Wilson WeBoost needs 6V 2000mA which equates to 2 amps.

Airstream really blew it by not including at least one cigarette lighter style 12v adapter....like I had on my 2014 International. This makes living off the grid/dry camping more difficult.

[HiJoeSilver]

As long as you can find a 12v circuit to tap off of you should have no problem installing a 12v outlet. May even be able to tap the wire feeding the USB outlets already there. Blue sea systems makes some nice marine rated 12v outlets.

[tinbender]

Atwood makes a decent one also.I get them for about 8 bucks at WalMart. Foot bracket mount will come off so you can do a flush mount.



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[interstateflyer]

Does anyone know how to determine the amperage of the Airstream USB ports?

[HiJoeSilver]

Unless it says on the outlet they are likely 1 amp max.
That's a normal capacity.
Remember that's 1 amp at 5 volts. (5 watts not much)

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

Unless it says on the outlet they are likely 1 amp max.
That's a normal capacity.
Remember that's 1 amp at 5 volts. (5 watts not much)

OK thanks. My WeBoost4GX needs 6 volts at 2000 mA. So need a "conventional" 12 volt cigarette lighter type outlet.

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

Unless it says on the outlet they are likely 1 amp max.
That's a normal capacity.
Remember that's 1 amp at 5 volts. (5 watts not much)

I wonder if that is a function of the USB port and not the wiring to the port?

I have just the opposite issue. No USB ports anywhere and only 1 12v outlet.

[Cowbell]

I have a 30' with twin beds in rear. On both sides of the center nightstand there are USB jacks. We removed the nightstand drawer to access the wiring and tied in a 12v
jack on the wiring. Simple. The wire runs out behind the nightstand and has several feet of cord. Many options available on Amazon.

[HiJoeSilver]

Originally Posted by mrprez

I wonder if that is a function of the USB port and not the wiring to the port?

I have just the opposite issue. No USB ports anywhere and only 1 12v outlet.

Function of the USB outlet. Most USB outlets are 1 amp or less. There are high output USB outlets that will handle 2 amps but I doubt AS is using them. They are starting to become more available. There are adapters you can get to plug into the 12v outlet that have 2 USB connectors where one is 1amp the other is 2amps. Walmart by the car radio has some. Online too. I think Amazon actually has one with two 2 amp outlets. They are bigger to dissipate heat.

[beachbouy]

Not know how many amps the USB ports supply I decided the best thing for me was to purchase AC adapters for the two items that require a lighter style socket. Doing that I know that my items are actually receiving the correct voltage and amperage.


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[m.hony]

They no longer have the Winegard TV antenna signal strength amplifier with the 12 volt power port?
Maybe the ole Winegard signal strength amplifier is outdated technology, too?

[greghoro]

I've added a 12V cigarette lighter port to each corner of my trailer underneath the cabinets, right next to the reading lamp. No USB ports in my year trailer, so I also purchased a high grade cigarette lighter to USB adapter to provide me with these, (2) 2.1A USB ports.

Remove the speaker grill to get access to the 12V wires feeding the reading lamp.

Note, while the reading lamp itself has a very thin wire, the wire it ties into is very substantial and there is no concern of overloading it.

I used household wire nuts and taped them to combine all of the wires together (Lewster would not approve). The area near the radio was the most challenging due to the radio encroaching into the area where the wires are.


Greg

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

OK thanks. My WeBoost4GX needs 6 volts at 2000 mA. So need a "conventional" 12 volt cigarette lighter type outlet.

I'd like to use the WeBoost 4Gx cell booster with any of the 3 power supplies: AC shore power, AC inverter and 12 volt.

Airstream needs to be more aware of dry camping power needs. 12 volt uses much less battery capacity than running the AC inverter when dry camping.

[rocco52]

I replaced one of the USB ports in my night stand with a 12V socket from West Marine. The USB port is attached from behind with a large plastic nut. The 12V Marine plug was almost identical and fit in the same hole. Do not use the wires that are plugged into the USB port, they will not handle the load. They are attached to heavy 10 gauge wires that are color coded. Make note of which one is attached to the "+" on the back of the USB port and connect the 12 volt port accordingly. I did the same thing at the other end of the trailer in the cabinet next to the DVD player except that I kept the USB port and added a 12 Volt port.

[rocco52]

Here is a photo. The mounting plate comes off and is not needed with the correct hole which the AS has. Below is also a link to the item.

http://www.westmarine.com/search?Ntt=12%20volt%20socket

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by greghoro

I've added a 12V cigarette lighter port to each corner of my trailer underneath the cabinets, right next to the reading lamp. No USB ports in my year trailer, so I also purchased a high grade cigarette lighter to USB adapter to provide me with these, (2) 2.1A USB ports.

Remove the speaker grill to get access to the 12V wires feeding the reading lamp.

Note, while the reading lamp itself has a very thin wire, the wire it ties into is very substantial and there is no concern of overloading it.

I used household wire nuts and taped them to combine all of the wires together (Lewster would not approve). The area near the radio was the most challenging due to the radio encroaching into the area where the wires are.


Greg

I've been eyeing that location too. We rarely use those lights.