Lighthawk
Weekend warrior
We like to travel with electronics: two phones, a tablet or laptop, and camera battery charger for starters. I've managed to purchase 12v or USB chargers for all our devices. 
This post is about how I successfully installed a 12v and a dual USB charger. If you are interested in learning why polarity matters, then refer to my unsuccessful attempt posted here: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8217-too-many-amps/
Our Hawk came with one 12v receptacle, conveniently located right in front of the stove/sink counter directly on top of a drawer. We decided I should build a charging station.
My first step was to install a wood shelf where the bed pullout normally would be used. We use the stock 48" width of the bed happily, and never carry the cushions or the pullout. I had a piece of solid alder at work I cut to size and hung it off the side of the little sliding cabinet that runs above our rollover couch.
I have to credit XPMarc for setting me up with the correct color coded wire and the two devices, plus an inline fuse (made in the Netherlands!). In return, I got involved in helping his friend tear down a VW Syncro at the shop, so it was both fun and productive. Maybe the beer just made me feel productive!
Here's the install:
Tie directly into house battery, using color coded wire. Note 15A fuse installed on positive conductor.
I opted to wrap the jacketed wire in corrugated loom protection. I had to drill next to the couch hardware, but otherwise used all existing screw holes for the cable clamps.
I used the twin-tang blade connectors from XP to jumper wire from the 12v device to the USB device. Plus goes with plus and Minus goes with minus!! Who knew?
I had to drill out the previous cheapo installation, so these are not perfect, but they are very functional.
View of wood shelf
Voila! The laptop charger in action!
We're looking forward to field testing the install starting next Saturday as we head towards DV and points beyond!
This post is about how I successfully installed a 12v and a dual USB charger. If you are interested in learning why polarity matters, then refer to my unsuccessful attempt posted here: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8217-too-many-amps/
Our Hawk came with one 12v receptacle, conveniently located right in front of the stove/sink counter directly on top of a drawer. We decided I should build a charging station.
My first step was to install a wood shelf where the bed pullout normally would be used. We use the stock 48" width of the bed happily, and never carry the cushions or the pullout. I had a piece of solid alder at work I cut to size and hung it off the side of the little sliding cabinet that runs above our rollover couch.
I have to credit XPMarc for setting me up with the correct color coded wire and the two devices, plus an inline fuse (made in the Netherlands!). In return, I got involved in helping his friend tear down a VW Syncro at the shop, so it was both fun and productive. Maybe the beer just made me feel productive!
Here's the install:
Tie directly into house battery, using color coded wire. Note 15A fuse installed on positive conductor.
I opted to wrap the jacketed wire in corrugated loom protection. I had to drill next to the couch hardware, but otherwise used all existing screw holes for the cable clamps.
I used the twin-tang blade connectors from XP to jumper wire from the 12v device to the USB device. Plus goes with plus and Minus goes with minus!! Who knew?
I had to drill out the previous cheapo installation, so these are not perfect, but they are very functional.
View of wood shelf
Voila!
The laptop charger in action!We're looking forward to field testing the install starting next Saturday as we head towards DV and points beyond!
