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Retail6 · 09-14-2015, 11:50 AM

I have this at home and love it. Was wondering if anyone else has tried to retrofit into an airstream outlet?

martin300662 · 09-14-2015, 12:03 PM

I have something very similar/could the the same, that was supplied and installed by Airstream NE. It wasn't a retrofit, it was an install in a new location. They are pretty deep compared to normal outlets.

msmcv51 · 09-14-2015, 12:05 PM

Have never seen an outlet like that. Where can they be bought. It might be something Airstream could start using at the factory.

KJRitchie · 09-14-2015, 12:09 PM

Here is my install

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f366...ts-127043.html

These receptacles are too deep to put into the exterior walls so I just put two in, one on the fridge wall by the TV and the other in the nightstand next to the queen bed.

If you charge iPads, make sure the USB ports are rated to charge larger devices.

If I were to do it again I might look into this easier solution
http://www.thingcharger.com/

Kelvin

jpons · 09-14-2015, 12:26 PM

I've tried installing one of those outlets but as has been discussed they are too deep to go into one of the exterior walls. Plus most outlets are lower to the ground making it not very ideal for connecting and disconnecting the USB cords.

What I use is this: Maker Aluminum 3 USB Car Charger With Smart Sharing IC I have a couple of these in the airstream on the 12v outlets. These outlets are generally more accessible and have power if you have shore power or not, making it deal to charge your devices no matter where you are.

-J

gandttimes · 09-14-2015, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msmcv51

Have never seen an outlet like that. Where can they be bought. It might be something Airstream could start using at the factory.

Last time I was in Costco ( BC)they sold them by the pair for about $27.

George

martin300662 · 09-14-2015, 12:38 PM

I guess I am lucky as everywhere I had mine installed was into cabinetry so being deeper wasn't an issue.

Retail6 · 09-14-2015, 12:39 PM

I agree, Thingcharger looks easier to install and cleaner looking. Thank you.

Violet2060 · 09-15-2015, 11:57 AM

I mounted 2 panel mount USB charging ports in the side of each nightstand by the bed (See attached picture). The nice thing about these is they are hooked directly into DC power so when not hooked up there is no need to run the inverter to charge.

The only downside is all of these have LED lights inside of them. BUT, when there is a cable plugged in or small piece of electrical tape over the port the light goes away

Here's the one I bought but you can find these all over the place: Amazon.com: Poly-Planar USB-PM Panel Mount USB Charge Port - 12V: Sports & Outdoors

Violet2060 · 09-15-2015, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Violet2060

I mounted 2 panel mount USB charging ports in the side of each nightstand by the bed (See attached picture). The nice thing about these is they are hooked directly into DC power so when not hooked up there is no need to run the inverter to charge.

The only downside is all of these have LED lights inside of them. BUT, when there is a cable plugged in or small piece of electrical tape over the port the light goes away

Here's the one I bought but you can find these all over the place: Amazon.com: Poly-Planar USB-PM Panel Mount USB Charge Port - 12V: Sports & Outdoors

Apparently I don't know how to add a photo

Hopefully this works...

PaulnGina · 09-15-2015, 12:36 PM

I really like the thingCharger! What a simple solution. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

If I were to do it again I might look into this easier solution
thingCharger

Kelvin

greghoro · 09-15-2015, 01:17 PM

In my 2013 FC, I installed a cigarette lighter outlet in each corner, next to the LED spotlight. Tapped into the LED light for 12V power. Used a common hole saw to drill the cabinet for the outlet and removed the speaker to gain access to the LED spotlight wiring.

Gives me 12V and with an inexpensive USB car charger adapter, I can have 5V as well. And not dependent on being connected to shore power. The stock wiring leading up to the LED lights is very substantial, so no worry about overheating the circuit wire.

Greg

mwernke · 09-15-2015, 02:49 PM

Our '81 Excella has four or five cigarette lighters, so we just used the USB adapters for cars. Did find some cig lighters didn't work as well with certain adapter as others, but many adapters have two or three outlets available coming off the adapter, including regular outlets for lamps, etc.

switz · 09-15-2015, 03:14 PM

Reports of the failure of the built in dual USB port fittings in Airstreams may imply a 1.0 amp rating on each port. Thus a newer iPad that draws 2.1 amp could toast the fitting.

switz · 09-15-2015, 03:20 PM

The outlet in post #1 is also available at Home Depot

msmcv51 · 09-15-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Here is my install

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f366...ts-127043.html

These receptacles are too deep to put into the exterior walls so I just put two in, one on the fridge wall by the TV and the other in the nightstand next to the queen bed.

If you charge iPads, make sure the USB ports are rated to charge larger devices.

If I were to do it again I might look into this easier solution
thingCharger

Kelvin

The thing charger looks like the best way to go. Thanks.

DavidsonOverlander · 09-15-2015, 07:50 PM

Here are a couple of other plug-in options.

RCA White USB Wall Plate Charger with 2 USB Ports and Single Standard Outlet
PRIME 3-Outlet 900 Joules General Use Surge Protector with Usb Charger Usb Charge

Devananda-E9 · 09-15-2015, 08:50 PM

I have found there are so many small devices that plug into the cigarette lighter outlet that are handy and easy to use: Why go to all the trouble of installing an outlet?

BoldAdventure · 09-16-2015, 10:47 AM

I just installed one yesterday. Planning on installing two more. The key is install them onto things. In this case, the end of the bed or the end of the couch. Things other than the aluminum walls.

switz · 09-17-2015, 08:59 AM

Make sure you read the fine print on the power being generated at the USB ports. Some device will generate only 5 Vdc @ 1.0 amp (5 watts) which is okay for a phone but not enough for any recent iPad that requires 5 Vdc @ 2.1 amp (10.5 watts). Those fixtures with two or more USB sockets may be limited to one high power device or two low power devices. I have seen a few products rated 5 VDC @ 3 amp which could fail with a device at 5 VDC @ 1.0 amp and a device requiring 5 VDC @ 2.1 amp.