Adding 12 V Outlet

[ichn2go]

Want to add additional 12 V outlet(s) to the dash(tilts up) of my 02 Winnie. I know that there is only so much current that can be drawn from the existing outlet...Where would you hook the new wires to get enough 12V to feed the outlets? I know there must be several places to get 12V but where is the easiest and best place?
Thanks

[ichn2go]

Want to add additional 12 V outlet(s) to the dash(tilts up) of my 02 Winnie. I know that there is only so much current that can be drawn from the existing outlet...Where would you hook the new wires to get enough 12V to feed the outlets? I know there must be several places to get 12V but where is the easiest and best place?
Thanks

[smlranger]

Jim:

If I was doing it, I'd just tie into the existing outlet. It is fused, so you'd be protected from overloading that circuit.

Otherwise, I am sure if you poke around with a test light/probe, you can find other sources of 12V then add an inline fuse to your new outlet.

[Hitchhiker]

Another option would be to run another wire from an unused fuse position ( if there is one ) in the 12 volt distribution box to the new outlets, using appropriately sized wiring and fuse for the amperage anticipated.

[bobpie]

I'm going to tap into the cigarette lighter power wire.

[KCE]

When I had my 2000 35 I ran a #10 wire from the battery cable conection on the HWH pump located DR side front and fuse the #10 wire according to your need. I bought a marine grade stainless 12v outlet from West Marine.

[SCVJeff]

Like this?



There's a total of 5 outlets scattered across the rear dash. All series-parallel with 12ga. wire back to the dash outlet that's fused at 20A. These are used for GPS, Brake Buddy receiver, and a few misc. chargers, so there's plenty of headroom.

[skigramp]

Nice job Jeff ...

1) where did you buy the outlets?

2) what did you use to cut the holes?

[SCVJeff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by skigramp:
Nice job Jeff ...

1) where did you buy the outlets? <span class="ev_code_RED">Radio Shack</span>

2) what did you use to cut the holes? <span class="ev_code_RED">I started off with a hole saw and finished off with a Dremel ann small file (they have anti-twist keys. I need to go back and apply a dab pf plastic epoxy to secure them in. The dash is a shade thicker than the barbs.</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[John Hilley]

A good place to pick up the 12 volts for the dash is at the Battery Isolation and Disconnect Solenoids on the firewall. Just run a new cable with an in-line fuse from the heavy cable coming from the coach battery.

[Clay L]

If you open the hood and look up and to the right there is a covered box. Inside there are two unused studs that are connected to 20 amp fused sources. They were supplied by WH for use by the motor home manufacturer but on my rig were not used by Winnebago.
I connected my four outlet box to one of them. I used the big ground stud under the dash at the back on the firewall for the negative connection.
As I recall I used 16 gauge stranded wire.

I found them in the WH service manual CD wiring info.

I got my four outlet box from Harbor Freight.

[PaulC]

At any autoparts store and also at most Walmarts (automotive section) you can get an item called "ADD A CIRCUIT". It is a fuse holder with a wire attached to it. You simply pull any fuse, put the ADD A CIRCUIT in its place, put the original fuse back in the fuse location and the additional fuse that is included protects whatever you add to the wire pigtail that is left. It really works great!!! You can decide if you want a "hot all the time" or "switched" circuit depending on which fuse you tap into. The new circuit does not work through the original fuse so you are not adding any additional draw to that circuit. I have used these many times in the past always with excellent results.

Paul

[lthrnk]

Jeff,

Great installation, very clean and very functional.

[rgrstndgby]

Ken, John and Clay have put you on the right track.. If you tap into any currently used circuit at the fuse panel, you are subtracting whatever additional current you use from the intended load on that circuit..True, the fuse will protect the circuit, but you may blow that fuse, and lose whatever it fed, plus whatever you added, at a time you don't want to..A`separate line, sized, length and gauge, appropriate to the added load, and fused at the source is your best way to go...An added word of caution. New 12 V outlets are not all "created equal".. From a marine supply would be good stuff. I've seen some terrible units, so check em out...rgr...