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Old 02-24-2018, 10:31 AM   #1
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12V Connections in Black Rock Trailers?

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and RVing in general. Went on my first RV shopping trip last weekend to get a first glimpse at what's available. I told the salesmen what I was looking for and, among others, one of them showed me a couple 2018 Outdoors RV Black Rocks. I followed up that visit with some online research of my own, and am interested in giving these trailers a closer look.

One thing I did (or didn't) notice while on the dealer lots last weekend was that there were no USB or 12V outlets (the cigarette lighter type). So my question is, how would I charge a laptop or phones or use other small 12V appliances (12V crock pot, fan, etc.) directly from the batteries without having an inverter or without being connected to external power?

I plan to have some solar power and a couple 6V batteries (this is why the Black Rock appealed to me), but would probably not have an inverter right away. Is there REALLY no way to access battery power directly in these trailers? Maybe I overlooked something?
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Old 02-24-2018, 10:38 AM   #2
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I would be surprised if your TT did not have a USB outlet or two. If not, they are easy to install. One place to look for an outlet is by the bed, or next to the TV. Good luck on your search!
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Old 02-24-2018, 10:44 AM   #3
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The Black Rock trim is minimalist. The next step up is Creek Side, and they have more outlets. Pay more, get more.
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Old 02-24-2018, 10:49 AM   #4
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Check the stereo, Brochure says there is a USB outlet there.
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Old 02-24-2018, 11:01 AM   #5
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If the Black Rock meets your needs and price point but doesn't have USB ports in the desired locations, the dealer can likely add them for you fairly inexpensively (depending upon location).
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Old 02-24-2018, 11:33 AM   #6
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The Black Rock also comes without a TV antennae or booster and may not have cable hookups, not sure about that. They are mainly focused on off grid camping where cell service and TV reception are not really available. Look at a Creekside and it will have several USB and at least one 12 volt cigarette lighter style outlets. Mine has several.
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Old 02-24-2018, 01:53 PM   #7
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I bought the 2018 Black Rock 23BKS in Dec 17 and it did not have any USB or 12V charges installed. That is about the only thing I wish was different at this point.

Adding them is relatively easy. I've added one USB / 12v in the center nook near the stereo tapping into the stereo power. I added another set of USB ports beside the breaker box beside where the slide goes out as it was easy to tap into the electrical system. This suffices at this point.
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Old 02-24-2018, 04:58 PM   #8
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I have a 2018 250 RDS Black Rock there’s a usb at the stereo, one on each side of the bed and cigarette lighter outlets at both TVs .
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Old 02-24-2018, 05:29 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by RVTooth View Post
Adding them is relatively easy. I've added one USB / 12v in the center nook near the stereo tapping into the stereo power. I added another set of USB ports beside the breaker box beside where the slide goes out as it was easy to tap into the electrical system. This suffices at this point.
I'm thinking about a 12V outlet somewhere near the kitchen sink/counter and then one available for a 12V fan or two in each bunk (I'm mostly interested in the 23BKS), then USB ports maybe on each side of the queen bed.

If it's really easy, I don't mind doing it myself. Do you know of a blog post or video that shows how?

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I have a 2018 250 RDS Black Rock there’s a usb at the stereo, one on each side of the bed and cigarette lighter outlets at both TVs .
I haven't seen that model in the Black Rock. If you are talking about the Blackstone, that is in a totally different league than what I'm shopping for , but thanks for the reply.
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Old 02-24-2018, 05:44 PM   #10
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Check the stereo, Brochure says there is a USB outlet there.
Do you think the stereo USB port could be used to charge a laptop USB-to-USB?
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Old 02-24-2018, 07:00 PM   #11
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Opps , yes it’s a Black Stone.It works for us iPads,phones, laptop.
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Old 02-24-2018, 10:42 PM   #12
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Not sure about the stereo usb for charging but probably slow if it worked. There is nothing easier than adding a USB port or 12V though. Cut a hole to mount it in and connect 2 wires to a nearby 12 volt device. Done. Search youtube for dozens of videos.
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Old 02-25-2018, 12:40 AM   #13
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You are probably not going to find 12V outlets in RV kitchens - but it is now hard to add one to most TTs. I also think that you would probably do better with the next model series up - the Creekside - They are little bit bigger, but offer way more standard features than the Black Rock. Also when it comes to solar - both rigs have the same amount of pre-wire - and they usually come with 2 batteries - dealer installed so perhaps you could either get them to install 6V instead of 12V. Also the metal pan and/or plastic box for holding 4 batteries will work on almost every model - not just the Black Rock.

It would also help us if we knew what kind of camping you tend to do the most. Not that ORV trailers are exclusively designed for any given style of camping - I happily boondock in my Timber Ridge 25RDS, it is also at home in a full hookup campground.
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Old 02-25-2018, 08:17 AM   #14
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It would also help us if we knew what kind of camping you tend to do the most. Not that ORV trailers are exclusively designed for any given style of camping.
I plan to avoid RV parks whenever possible . Asphalt dry camping at casinos, Walmarts, etc. to avoid hotel costs on the way to and from various destinations. Weekend camping in National Forests, BLM lands.
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