12 volt outlet at dinette

JeffroNC

We just finished 11 weeks in our TAB 400 with a mix of dry, water-electric, and full hook ups. When dry camping, we found the location of the only 12-volt source aggravating because it is behind the sink. We had a number of devices which needed to be charged and due to the temperatures, we prepared almost all of our meals inside. We resorted to using a power bank at the dinette table.
I really want to install an outlet like the one in the kitchen on the driver's side of the dinette bench.
Has anybody routed power to the front along the left side of the 400? Is there another route that I can take?

pthomas745

If you are just looking for charging duties, your 12V "cigarette" plugs will work with an inexpensive inverter. This one is pure sine wave, rated at 300 watts, for about 45 dollars.  There are many more 300 watt models that are not pure sine wave that are less expensive. 

I use these for all the small charging duties in the trailer, or running my laptop, etc. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQ4Q2L5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

JeffroNC

@pthomas745 Thanks but this is for when we are dry camping. I have 12 volt chargers for all of our gear, including my laptop. I wanted to install one of these so I need a 12 volt source up there.

DenisP

@JeffroNC I added a 12 V outlet under the dinette when I moved the USB outlets.  The USB had broken so when I replaced it I put a 110v outlet in its' place under the dinette table and relocated the USB outlet.  Since I was at it I added a 12V socket.  I tapped into 12V already in the area.

Denny16

Nice, another area you could easily install a 12VDC power point panel is where the inverter 110VAC outlet is, on the corner panel behind the fold down galley ext. counter.  This is a close run to Battery connections, since it has its own fuses, you could connect to the backside of the battery switch too.  I am thinking of adding one here.
cheers

There are several USB power points too, if your devices will charge off a USB connection?
Also, you could replace the USB point in the front table area with one of these panels, if it has 12VDC connections for the USB power point (which it should).
cheers

JeffroNC

@DenisP Awesome, so there is a 12 volt wire near the Cool Cat?

DenisP

@JeffroNC Yes I found a 12 Volt wire in the CoolCat area. The modification was pretty easy.

Sharon_is_SAM

@JeffroNC, be aware that many of the USB ports have a continuous draw on your battery.  Members have elected to use a 12 volt USB adapter instead of adding/replacing the USB.  Might save you a headache.  

cottonmouth

Here's how it's set up on the 2021:

JeffroNC

@Sharon_is_SAM great point, thanks for the heads up.

Denny16

Their are two types of USB ports, a 12VDC that does not have any load unless you plug in to it, and the original 5.5 VDC auSB that has a DC to DC power converter that does add a small draw.  Not sure which type the TaB 400 has, but my bet is they are the newer 12VDC ports.
My Gictron Battery Monitor is showing a very low static draw with everything turned off.
cheers

Sharon_is_SAM

@Denny16, the Victron BMV display itself has a continuous, minor draw.

JeffroNC

@Denny16 do you have an example/link of the newer type?

JeffroNC

Maybe I will go with the deluxe version.

Verna

@JeffroNC, I owned a T@B S Max for over 3 years and be sure to buy extra USB outlets. I had to replace mine like what you have in the above photo about every 6 months or so. I finally started putting the 12V sockets in with the plug-in dual USB’s and I’ve not had to replace any of those. 

Why? I don’t know. I replaced with some inexpensive ones and some that cost closer to $20, and they all lasted about 6 months. 

Sure, they’re easy to replace, but the plug-in USB plugs are easier to replace. 

JeffroNC

@Verna thanks. Simple is better. LOL

Denny16

No, just have read about the new power standard for USB, and saw some references about it.
The 12VDC standard is part of the USB-C setup.  Older USB devices may still only want the 5.5VDC voltage.  Good to have both, unless all your devices are the newer ones.

Do you have a link for this 12VDC power panel?  I have a marine 12VDC plug, I fond in my boat gear locker, so going to install this up front, not sure where yet, or perhaps back by the Inverter plug.  Your combo panel would be nice in the dinette driver’s side shelf area, where you could keep camera and phone chargers handy, but out of sight.
cheers

Denny16

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@Denny16, the Victron BMV display itself has a continuous, minor draw.

Yes it does, along with the Jensen radio/TV and the USB DC/DC power supply, all total, less than one amp, which the solar system offsets even on cloudy dark days.  So not a real issue for us.  The solar keeps the battery charged, when not on shore power, and also powers the small load during the day.  
Cheers

JeffroNC

@Denny16 here you go
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Cigarette-Splitter-CHGeek-Waterproof/dp/B07QR3C8N2

JeffroNC

Started working on the 12 volt sockets under the dinette and I found battery voltage at this pair of wires. They are joined together and run to the back along the floor. Does anybody know what the circuit is and if they would be suitable to tap?
I will be charging devices through 12 volt socket to usb adapters.

Denny16

You could put a meter or other 12vdc power indicator, and pull fuses one at a time to find out.
cheers

DenisP

@JeffroNC I believe that is the circuit I used for my 12v outlet. 

JeffroNC

@Denny16 I checked the voltage at those wires while removing fuses. They go to the USB/12 volt outlet by the sink. Perfect!

Denny16

Grand, thanks for the update.  This makes a perfect place to connect the new USB port.
cheers