Faster 12V USB Charging than original USB ?

PamandJohnUpNorth2
PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 147
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
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!
Pam and John
Champlin, Minnesota
2018 T@B400 and a 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport

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Comments

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,527
    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.

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • PamandJohnUpNorth2
    PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 147
    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)
    Pam and John
    Champlin, Minnesota
    2018 T@B400 and a 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport

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  • FishDoctor
    FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
    edited June 2025
    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.
    Downers Grove, IL
    2017 T@B S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

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  • PamandJohnUpNorth2
    PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 147
    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.
    Pam and John
    Champlin, Minnesota
    2018 T@B400 and a 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport

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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2025
    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.

    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. :)
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • GregR
    GregR Member Posts: 12
    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.
    2022 T@B 400 BD, 2018 Toyota Tundra, Palisade, CO
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  • FishDoctor
    FishDoctor Member Posts: 79
    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.
    Downers Grove, IL
    2017 T@B S Max, Blue and Silver -- "The Blueb@rry"

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  • SLJ
    SLJ Member Posts: 644
    edited June 2025
    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

    2021 T@B 320 S Boondock
    2025 KZ Sportsmen 130RD
    2025 Ford Ranger
    The Finger Lakes of New York
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  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,496
    @SLJ, can you provide photos of your installation/location?  Thanks!
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite; 2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    (Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase w/ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Controller; Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor w/ Shunt; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)


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  • Mickerly
    Mickerly Member Posts: 485
    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.  ; )
     
    2018 320CS-S
    "Just Enough"
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  • SLJ
    SLJ Member Posts: 644
    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

    2021 T@B 320 S Boondock
    2025 KZ Sportsmen 130RD
    2025 Ford Ranger
    The Finger Lakes of New York
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  • elbolillo
    elbolillo Member Posts: 549
    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.


    _____________________________________________________
    Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (31,000+ miles) / 2024 Toyota Sequoia
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187


    Monday morning project.
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • PamandJohnUpNorth2
    PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 147
    Donmontalvo That panel with the on/off switch and USB ports looks good. Would you share the brand and where one might find one?
    Pam and John
    Champlin, Minnesota
    2018 T@B400 and a 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport

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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2025
    It is a modular system so you have to pick and choose the modules and plate. Scroll up I posted direct links. Lots of different options.

    I am adding a 15A inline fuse to the positive wire by the busbar and at the panel. They also sell LED modules, Anderson, etc. modules. 

    Excellent brand, great support. I ran a similar panel in my JLUR before I bought the T@B.
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • PamandJohnUpNorth2
    PamandJohnUpNorth2 Member Posts: 147
    Thanks! I see that now!
    Pam and John
    Champlin, Minnesota
    2018 T@B400 and a 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport

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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2025
    Wiring done, tested fine. I couldn’t use the "Hole Dozer" since my accidentally bought the 1-1/8" Hole Doxer with 3/8" hex size, my impact drill is 1/4”. Should have it mounted tomorrow morning.


    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2025

    Lesson learned, go with old school tried and true…$6.

    I will post pics and schematic once this is done.

    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    Done.


    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • cafyrman
    cafyrman Member Posts: 40
    All great stuff. Just adding in that if you intend to power a Starlink Mini, you're going to want to get a USB-C port that has PD (Power Delivery) which can support at least 60 watts.  The actual SL spec is for 100 watts, but people seem to be getting by with less.  I just ordered this one, but haven't installed it yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F62R454C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
    2018 T@B 400
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited July 2025
    cafyrman said:
    All great stuff. Just adding in that if you intend to power a Starlink Mini, you're going to want to get a USB-C port that has PD (Power Delivery) which can support at least 60 watts.  The actual SL spec is for 100 watts, but people seem to be getting by with less.  I just ordered this one, but haven't installed it yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F62R454C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
    Lots of ways to skin that cat, I power my Starlink Mini using my 12V 200ah LiFePO4 battery, by way of a 12V>30V step up converter, with a 10amp fuse between the battery and the step up converter. It's on 24/7, though I set it to sleep at night. My LiFePO4 battery doesn't flinch.

    https://www.amazon.com/RVBOATPAT-Starlink-Adapter-Converter-Conversion/dp/B0DMVFH7BN

    I've had bad experiences relying on a flimsy USB-C connector to power my Starlink Mini, it gets bent or loose over time (where I need it to be connected all the time). I'm fine with USB-C for my iPhone/iPad/MacBook Pro, etc. (where it's connected only to charge).

    The step up converter route gives you reliable hard wired power.

    HTH
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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