Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

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Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

March 24, 2021, 09:16:29 pm

Hi Folks,

I have attached a picture showing the rear interior corner of our 2003 TK. I think at one time there was a cover but that is long gone. There is also a cut out vertical slit that has been covered with some painted thin plywood. Not sure if a previous owner did that or the factory. The only thing I’ve done to date is replace the 120V outlet with one that has an integrated USB power. Works well when connected to shore power and then use an adapter in the 12V when dry camping.

I have no use for the 2nd 12V outlet or the phone jack. I’m thinking of removing these two items and adding a USB outlet. Kind of gathering ideas on how best to update this area. Has anyone remodeled this area in your TK?

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #1 – March 24, 2021, 10:02:43 pm

The piece of white-painted wood covers the slot where the hinge for the flip-shelf was; the shelf was intended for a small portable TV. I removed the shelf in my 2003 TK for likely the same reasons the previous owner of your rig did, i.e., access to the 12V outlet was blocked if the shelf was down. Also, if the shelf was up, anyone sleeping with his/her head at that end risked whacking said head on the shelf. I don’t have a TV, so the shelf was more of a liability than an asset.

YMMV, as always.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #2 – March 25, 2021, 02:46:22 am

Thanks Joan, that makes sense. Just like the counter extension that flips up I suppose.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #3 – March 25, 2021, 01:21:05 pm

I would recommend you keep the 12V outlet, as there are often devices you may want or need designed to work in an automotive or RV environment, and if they need more than 5V, they will have this type of plug. One example would be a small inverter to charge some items without shore hookups, or to power a laptop charger. At the least, you can get some nice multi-port USB hubs that will plug into that socket. That plug will supply up to 10 Amps at 12V, or up to 20 Amps distributed among several USB ports. The phone jack, though is pretty useless.

Steve

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #4 – March 25, 2021, 02:17:59 pm

I agree with Steve, we use mostly 12v powered items in our 98~MB and have added 12v acc plugs through out our LD. Sometimes we use a 12v throw warming blanket, electric fans, household 120v lights converted to 12v etc. Most of the time we are not plugged in so solar recharged 12v power rules in our house.

   Karen~Liam
   98 ~ MB
   NinA

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #5 – March 25, 2021, 02:21:33 pm

Yes I agree. I only plan on removing one of the 12v outlets. I will continue to use one to power a little inverter I use occasionally or a USB adapter when needed.

The top one (12v + cable) I believe supplies less current than the bottom one. It does have the cable outlet that I may or never make use of in the future. It also has a more desirable more flush 12v socket.

The bottom one has a more annoying socket that protrudes into the living space a good one inch. I’m assuming this was done for applications where very little space behind a wall is available.

I have found the TV 12v socket to be tighter than the bottom 12v socket. I have a couple devices that refuse to push into the TV socket but slide in fine into the bottom one.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #6 – March 25, 2021, 02:39:18 pm

We also thought we would not ever use the cable TV.
But one time when we stayed at Mammoth Mountain RV park in a whiteout storm which delivered about 28" of snow for a couple of days which closed down the ski area. We found that the cable TV connection at that park was vary handy, although we have not used it again...

Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #7 – March 25, 2021, 03:53:08 pm

"I only plan on removing one of the 12v outlets."

Steve

I don't understand the need to 'remove' something just because of annoyance! Do you intend to replace it with something else?

Two thoughts: I can't predict the future, can you? And, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #8 – March 25, 2021, 05:01:25 pm

This is pretty low priority for me. My step one is to just gather ideas to see if it’s even worth the effort.

I use a 225 Go Power inverter that will not plug into the tv outlet. Plugs just fine in the other 12v outlet. This made me wonder if the industry has sized 12v sockets differently according to max current they provide. Seems more likely it just a tolerance issue that prevents me from plugging any of my other devices in the tv outlet.

We’ve never watched tv in our LD. Could that happen in the future? Yeah... maybe.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #9 – March 25, 2021, 05:08:30 pm

Also, I have no idea what I would put in place of the unused phone jack and tv outlet that will not accept any of my devices. I just thought I would check in and see if anyone has come up with any cool ideas.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #10 – March 25, 2021, 06:04:02 pm

Quote from: 73gitane - March 25, 2021, 05:01:25 pm

I use a 225 Go Power inverter that will not plug into the tv outlet. Plugs just fine in the other 12v outlet. This made me wonder if the industry has sized 12v sockets differently according to max current they provide. Seems more likely it just a tolerance issue that prevents me from plugging any of my other devices in the tv outlet.

My guess is that the TV socket is damaged, since all my 12V plugs fit ours. Note that that socket also provides remote 12V power to the amplifier in the Winegard antenna, has electronic signal switching from antenna to cable, and a splitter to a second tv jack elsewhere in the rig. As for 12V accessories, we use an EasyBreeze fan, inverter, 6-port USB hub, hand vacuum, and a custom power distribution switch unit for TV, media player, and powered speakers, etc, etc...

Steve

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #11 – March 26, 2021, 12:03:41 am

Could modernize it a bit, replace each 12V outlet with something like this Linkstyle. Have not used this, just found it.

Still have two 12V with 4 USB A outlets. To be fair, USB A is starting to be replaced by USB C.

Re: Updating the power, cable and phone outlets

Reply #12 – March 26, 2021, 12:08:19 pm

Quote from: Dave Katleman - March 26, 2021, 12:03:41 am

To be fair, USB A is starting to be replaced by USB C.

You have to be careful... there is more than one USB-C spec: data cables will have a +5V power line, but charging cables for higher powered devices may also have a +20V @ 5A line too. A USB-A to USB-C cable will carry only the 5V, and can usually also be used for data.

Steve

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