Community Forums

brandss · 01-15-2021, 12:59 PM

Like a lot of us I have an ipad running diagnostics, my tpms system, and gps that run while we are driving the coach. I would like to clean it up similar to what another forum member (picture attached) did and have a question or two.

I would like to run one power source to the left side of the steering wheel and then have the 3 devices plug into that one source. I would assume I need to put an inline fuse for each individual device based on it's recommendations and size requirement vs one fuse for all. Also, anyone have any pictures of what they have done?

Any thoughts appreciated.

bpu699 · 01-15-2021, 01:01 PM

I added 2 USB ports on either side of my dash run off the cigarette lighter. Cost $20. Soldered it myself, drilled them into the console covers.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 01-15-2021, 03:22 PM

brandss-

It would help if you could list the details for the power requirements of each device. That is:

Port type/form factor
Volts
Max amps

You should check the GPS, to see if it charges on a generic USB connection. I have had some Garmin units "gripe" when not powered from a Garmin OEM power source, 12V or 120V. If you are able to get a generic USB charging connection to work, great.

I power our coach's GPS off a Garmin 12V power supply hard-wired to a 12V ignition-switched circuit. For the TPMS monitor and the other stuff I five-port USB power supply, plugged into a 12V "cigarette lighter" port on the dash. You could easily cut off the "cigarette lighter" and wire that to a 12V ignition-switched circuit, too, if you wanted to get away from installing a port on the left side of the wheel.

Dutch Star Don · 01-15-2021, 05:28 PM

I run a laptop, just like you posted on the left side of the dash. Attached to the lower front corner of the laptop is my TPMS. Just in front of that is my dash cam.

Since my main power bay is under the driver's window, I ran a fused line under the dash. I created a block that had USB and 12 volt cigarette lighter plugs. I also made some of them always hot and some ignition hot. I used some generic plugs from Amazon and a relay for for the ignition hot, which powers the dash cam and TST only when the coach is running. I incorporated a metal arm into the unit so I could bolt it down under the dash.

On my coach, I was able to drill a hole in the side of the dash, big enough for the largest plug end. The hole can only be seen through the window from outside the coach. This kept everything on the dash clean.

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brandss · 01-15-2021, 06:00 PM

Thats some good stuff Don, thanks so much. It will also address the issue of different devices needing different amps and protection; will be able to use the original plugs and avoid potential issues the previous poster spoke of.

Now to decide how to make it all look decent.

Dav L · 01-16-2021, 06:08 AM

I integrated the functions together into one display that can be changed to view the needed info. Important alarms can also change the display automatically to bring the detail of that alert into focus.

Examples of alerts are Diagnostic trouble codes, overheat, security system violations, camera motion (when set for those modes / driving modes).

There is also control over all the media functions throughout the coach (all zones).

It's a hobby so it's never done

Fiesta48 · 01-16-2021, 07:08 AM

I run 6 cameras, on 3 monitors, a GPS/radio combo, a Scan Guage D, compass, altimeter, brake buddy monitor, over 50 switches/controls. I'm a engineer.
I was a pilot so multiple controls and monitors are a norm. Helps with boredom of driving.
These could be a distraction but flying/driving safely always come first.

brandss · 01-16-2021, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone. Have any of you built a "case" or something to make them look as one...not sure that makes sense. If I still had my woodshop I could make something really nice but full timing makes it a bit harder to do. May go with a series of ram mounts and go from larger to smaller from top to bottom.

This stuff is kind of a hobby for me as well. I like to tinker and learn new things. I am currently looking for a reason to buy a small 3d printer. If anyone can help me with that as well it would be great, lol.