Faster 12V USB Charging than original USB ?

PamandJohnUpNorth2 · June 3

The charging through original NuCamp USB outlets connected to 12V system seems incredibly slow in the days of "fast charging". I have a 2018 T@B400 with always-on 12 volt USB outlets, two in the front under the table, two in the back bed "cubby:, and 1 always on cigarette lighter style outlet).
Has anyone suggestions or upgrades they have undertaken that provide faster USB charging using battery power (without using inverter and 120v outlets), or by using a cigarette-lighter style plug-in charger that the original wiring can handle the amperage?
I appreciate any knowledge you might share!

pthomas745 · June 3

12V ports with the cigarette lighter adapters are the easiest work around.

I took out my USB ports. I upgraded the "reading lamps" in the cabin, and they have a USB port that is capable of "fast charging", at least on my phone. Look over this thread.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/116969

PamandJohnUpNorth2 · June 3

pthomas745 Thank you! That's great information! (I had searched earlier and hadn't found that thread - it has great posts, good solutions - and thanks to all who contributed to that thread)

FishDoctor · June 3

I installed a 12V outlet panel in my 2017 T@B 320S that includes faster-charging USB 3.0 and PD-type ports in addition to the 12-volt (cigarette) outlet. It also has an on/off switch so there is no power draw when I'm not using it. The wiring is spliced into the DC wires near the converter that supply the other USB ports in the trailer (so it is on the same fuse). I purchased the console from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CKQJQDT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1).

It took some finagling to get it installed in this location (e.g., drilling holes for the console components to fit into and running the wires through the speaker area of the cabinet). It works great! I use it for device charging and to run a CPAP machine using a 12V converter.

Here are some photos of the installed console.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/nt/pmbi2bokkd0d.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/xr/20yzx5i23qme.jpg

PamandJohnUpNorth2 · June 3

Fish Doctor Thank You. I am looking at what you did -nice clean install. I had no idea that the outlets drew some power even when not in use! I think that could go into a T@B400 replacing and in the same spot as the original cigarette lighter!
And I haven't used my hole saw in a while so it may get some use.

donmontalvo · June 4

Interesting thread! I started do build a panel like @FishDoctor, here are the parts for my use case. Note the plate has a thermal circuit breaker. Unfortunately I got side tracked with other stuff so this moved down my todo list.

[Two] Powerwerx Panel Mount Dual USB Type-C QC4.0 Fast Device Charger
[One] Powerwerx PanelPlateSW2 Blank Panel 2 Position with Circuit Breaker and Harness

When I installed my inverter a couple months ago (one of the things that side tracked me) I added a 120V outlet with three USBC PD3.0 ports that share 65W of power output. I figure I can use this as a backup when I eventually build out the 12V kit above.

Thanks to this thread I moved the 12V kit back to the top of my todo list.

GregR · June 4

From previous experience, if you intend to use the devices - 12V power outlets, USB charge ports, digital readouts, etc - at night as you attempt to sleep, consider if you really want them lighted. Little LED lights shine brightly in small trailers. (Think of your propane detector indicator light.) After plugging a charge cord into your phone, the phone should indicate that it's charging or not, so do you need an indicator light as part of the USB port? A voltmeter is handy, but does it need to be "on" when the 12V power outlet is being used? Perhaps more than one switch is required for your particular needs.

This is not intended to be critical of anything done here, just some advice. When we're wiring things in our campers, it's usually during the day when the LEDs are less noticeable. It's when you're out camping at night that you'll find out just how much light those little LEDs put out. Too much internal light can even render the stargazer window ineffective.

FishDoctor · June 4

GregR said:

From previous experience, if you intend to use the devices - 12V power outlets, USB charge ports, digital readouts, etc - at night as you attempt to sleep, consider if you really want them lighted. ...

Excellent point! I don't really like the extra illuminated voltmeter on the panel I installed. That is also why I ended up putting it where I did. It is less visible from where I typically sleep. If I was buying again I would probably avoid the extra lighting from a voltmeter. The light from the 12V plug can be handy for locating the outlet in the dark, but doesn't show when the rubber cover is on.

SLJ · June 5

These work great and are fast charging. They draw no power when off. Just installed a second pair on my new camper. https://amzn.to/3FJMcrg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/7y/egpwxx1zzdsc.jpg

Bayliss · June 5

@SLJ, can you provide photos of your installation/location? Thanks!

Mickerly · June 5

We got this from amazon. USB A quick charge port and USB C smart ports. In addition, an OFF button when we are not using and not on external power.

The original wiring for the 12volt plug is heavier wire then jumped across to the charge port with thin wire. We spliced into the heavy wire directly and removed the thin wire from the old charge port.

Now, we can charge a phone is less that a weekend. ; )

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/c8/4c5a511hk3ul.png

SLJ · June 5

Bayliss said:

@SLJ, can you provide photos of your installation/location? Thanks!

One next to the door for charging our phones on my T@B and one at the dinette table and over the kitchen counter in my new camper.
My mods/additions are listed here: https://teardropsandtinycampers.com/modifications.htm

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/zs/ft3ba8skv0v2.jpg

elbolillo · June 6

I installed these two USB-C fast charging ports. One at the foot of the bed and the other in the cubby at the head of the bed. I allow installed the 12v lighter plug with the two USB-A plugs. I have changed over to almost exclusively to USB-C charging devices so I rarely use the 12v lighter plugs or USB-A ports.

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