Community Forums

lthrnk · 07-30-2007, 02:50 AM

I would like to install a laptop adjacent to the drivers area so that I can use it while travelling with an installed GPS system, such as Delorme map system. Would need to wire it in for electrical system and mount it so convenient but not a distraction. Any help on mounting, wiring, etc. greatly appreciated.

Mike

lthrnk · 07-30-2007, 02:50 AM

I would like to install a laptop adjacent to the drivers area so that I can use it while travelling with an installed GPS system, such as Delorme map system. Would need to wire it in for electrical system and mount it so convenient but not a distraction. Any help on mounting, wiring, etc. greatly appreciated.

Mike

Doc Mark · 07-30-2007, 03:03 AM

Try a Jotto Desk. I had one in my Kountry Star & it worked great.

Jotto Desk

SeeTheUSA · 07-30-2007, 03:05 AM

Here's some ideas for mounting your laptop:

http://tinyurl.com/2mn35f

lthrnk · 07-30-2007, 02:04 PM

Thank you both for your responses. Both are good info. I appreciate it very much. Any thoughts on power to the laptop?

Bill Adams · 07-30-2007, 03:06 PM

If your coach does not have a plug nearby or your computer manufacturer does not sell a 12V adapter, you can buy a small inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and it will keep your 'puter up and running without a problem.

journeylad · 08-02-2007, 04:55 AM

I've also got the Jotto desk -- it's the only way to fly!!

And I use something called a Cyber Power converter -- it just plugs into the 12v plug, and converts to AC. It's worked well for a number of years.

Cruzer · 08-02-2007, 05:51 AM

I place my laptop on the dash, which is huge and fairly flat. It can be in the center, cocked so that I can see it, or it can be by the copilot - either on the dash or on the slideout workstation.

I run Street Atlas and don't like a mess of cables so I mounted the GPS head up in the front cap behind the TV (it sees through fiberglass very well, but not steel). I then ran the USB cord down behind the windshield pillar trim and under the dash to a central location. Now all you see is a short USB whip, which can be laid unobtrusively against the base of the windshield when not it use.

I also did a similar thing with the power supply. I installed a 12 volt power socket underneath the dash. I then plugged in the 12 volt laptop adaptor to that outlet and fished the output power cable up through the dash in the same manner as the USB cable. I also installed a rocker switch in the dash to control the 12 volt socket so that I could eliminate any power drain when boondocking.

On my last RV I did a similar thing except I connected an AC power adaptor to the backside of an inverter fed outlet (and added a switch) in that area.