Stronger USB or More Ports?

mburke79

Hi all,

I'm trying to expand on the 2 USB charging ports on my 320CS.  I have 2 ports in the "charging station" and I'd really like to have 4 or 6 total.  The first thing I did was buy a splitter.  Turns out that while each port can charge a device, doesn't seem to put out enough power to power all 4 ports on the splitter.  Thus, the splitter didn't work (and I'm currently hooked up in my driveway, but typically we're boon-docking)

I guess my questions are: 1) can I swap out the "charging station" outlet for something more powerful and 2) I saw some folks removing their interior TV and putting in a nice shelf...would it possible to put USB charging ports over there?  AKA, can whatever is powering the TV be converted into USB power?

Thanks
Mike 

Sharon_is_SAM

Did you try a splitter in the 12 v outlet?  
Yes, you can swap out a charge station or add one wherever you have a 12 v source.  
Keep in mind, the USB outlets are a source of phantom drain.  You may like just plugging in a 12 v USB adapter.

https://www.lifewire.com/finding-the-right-12v-usb-adapter-534755

https://www.etrailer.com/12V-Power-Accessories/Diamond/DG61030VP.html

mburke79

Correct me if I’m wrong Sharon, but the 12V outlets don’t work when boondocking do they?

Sharon_is_SAM

They work when you are on shore power OR battery while boondocking, but they do not have a phantom drain.  They only draw amperage when you plug something in that is live.  They work from battery as long as your battery switch is turned on.

mburke79

Ok thank you. I was mistaken. I will definitely consider that option!  Thank you!

mburke79

Update.  Still not achieving what I want...

This is the splitter I am trying to use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O0KISQE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the 12V USB charger I am using: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/platinum-quick-charge-car-charger-black/5713024.p?skuId=5713024

All devices work normally (I tested the splitter with my computer)

Ok here is where I am at:

• Plug phone into stock trailer USB port:  phone charges.
  
• Plug splitter into stock trailer USB port: splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone
• Plug 12V USB charger into trailer:  charges phone
• Plug splitter into 12V USB charger:  splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone

So I guess the issue is the splitter.  I think the next attempt would be a splitter that plugs directly into the 12V as suggested earlier.  Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-3-Socket-Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter/dp/B00XP5C3XY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=12v+usb+splitter&qid=1562589528&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Thoughts?

jkjenn

mburke79 said:

Update.  Still not achieving what I want...

This is the splitter I am trying to use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O0KISQE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the 12V USB charger I am using: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/platinum-quick-charge-car-charger-black/5713024.p?skuId=5713024

All devices work normally (I tested the splitter with my computer)

Ok here is where I am at:

• Plug phone into stock trailer USB port:  phone charges.
  
• Plug splitter into stock trailer USB port: splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone
• Plug 12V USB charger into trailer:  charges phone
• Plug splitter into 12V USB charger:  splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone

So I guess the issue is the splitter.  I think the next attempt would be a splitter that plugs directly into the 12V as suggested earlier.  Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-3-Socket-Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter/dp/B00XP5C3XY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=12v+usb+splitter&qid=1562589528&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Thoughts?

Did you check the fuse in the converter?? Or the wiring to see if any had slipped loose?

klenger

This solution will get you either 2, 4, 8. or 8 2.1 Amp USB ports.  Very high quality products. Other combinations of USB and 12 VDC ports, meters, etc. as you can build the panels any way you want to.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4364/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_15A_Circuit_Breaker_2x_Blank_Apertures

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4367/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_15A_Circuit_Breaker_3x_Blank_Apertures

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4369/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_15A_Circuit_Breaker_4x_Blank_Apertures

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1016/12_24V_Dual_USB_2.1A_Charger

ColoradoJon

mburke79 said:

Update.  Still not achieving what I want...

This is the splitter I am trying to use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O0KISQE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the 12V USB charger I am using: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/platinum-quick-charge-car-charger-black/5713024.p?skuId=5713024

All devices work normally (I tested the splitter with my computer)

Ok here is where I am at:

• Plug phone into stock trailer USB port:  phone charges.
  
• Plug splitter into stock trailer USB port: splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone
• Plug 12V USB charger into trailer:  charges phone
• Plug splitter into 12V USB charger:  splitter turns on, but won't charge my phone

So I guess the issue is the splitter.  I think the next attempt would be a splitter that plugs directly into the 12V as suggested earlier.  Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-3-Socket-Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter/dp/B00XP5C3XY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=12v+usb+splitter&qid=1562589528&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Thoughts?

You cannot power a USB splitter off of a USB port intended for charging.  The USB ports intended for charging only output 2.1A.

You will need to use the 12V (cigarette lighter) socket, or hard wire in a USB charging port, similar to what @klenger posted, or something similar to what is already installed.

klenger

Here's one fully populated with 1 12 VDC port, 2 USB ports, and one DC volt meter.  

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4368/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_12V_Socket_2x_2.1A_Dual_USB_Chargers_Mini_Voltmeter

mburke79

@klenger that populated one looks awesome. Is wiring one of those difficult?  Can I just replace the stock “charging station” with that (understanding that I’d have to cut a slightly bigger hole)

klenger

All you need to do to hook it up is to connect +12VDC power and ground.  The rest of the panel is pre-wired.  Many of the BlueSea products are available on Amazon, otherwise you will need to find a supplier from the Blue Sea website.  I've been using these devices for many years and have never had one go bad.  Lot's of other really cool stuff on their website if you like to mess with RV electrical systems. 

Cbusguy

The solution that I have seen that sort of future proofs the install is to remove the usb outlets and replace them with a cigarette lighter type connection then use appropriately sized chargers.   such as this one link

BrianZ

@mburke79, I agree with @Cbusguy that you should convert the USB ports to 12V sockets and then use an appropriate plugin adapter to support the devices you want to charge.  Anker is a good brand with a variety of models to support specific charging protocols used by specific models of cell phones, tablets, etc.

For example, I replaced our blown USB ports with a new 12V socket & the following adapter to charge our Samsung Galaxy Note8 phones..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07H4LH6P7

It specifically lists our almost 2-y/o model in the description and the exact dual voltage/current levels used by the device's fast charging protocol..

Protocols often get updated with newer phones & then new chargers to support them.  Read the details to make sure your specific devices are supported if you want fast charging at full power.  Voltage/current outputs should be listed on the 120V AC wall charger made for a specific phone, or in its specs.

Here's my install writeup & photos..
https://tabforum.nucamprv.com/#/discussion/8902/rear-usb-ports-dead-replaced

PS:  Here's a good article about fast charging & how it's implemented on various types of devices, Apple & Android..
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-does-fast-charging-work/?amp

Trailpixie

one note about devices that aren't charging. IOS phones and iPads will report that they aren't charging if they don't get enough power, but they are still charging, just really slowly. So if you don't mind waiting, many of these underpowered ports will eventually charge your device.

davel4wa

I'm not sure what size fuse is in the converter for the 12V sockets but if we assume 10A then you have 120W available possibly shared with lighting. Somehow I doubt nuCamp used the latest available USB ports and subsequently provide only USB2 charging current. Use a USB multi port splitter from the 12V port and check the specs to see what the maximum total output current is. This current will be split between all of the devices plugged into the splitter on most devices. That is, all of the current can be supplied on a single output if necessary and the device plugged in can actually accept that. USB is actually smarter than you think. The charging device can determine from the device plugged in what current level to supply. In any case try for a splitter that is capable of the new 'fast charging' level on each port. As you plug in more 'fast charging' devices the splitter will adapt to prevent an overcurrent situation by dropping the outputs to a lower charging level. The USB specifications over the years have associated maximum current limits. USB-C, however, doesn't necessarily imply the highest charging capability but has more to do with the new physical connector.