Do you wish your RV had more electrical outlets or USB receptacles? Most RVs fall short in this area forcing us to run cables everywhere. Here’s how to add more outlets where you need them.
The lack of power receptacles is often a complaint we hear from RV owners. Do you have an abundance of electronics that require USB charging? We do. The problem we face is the shortage or complete lack of USB plugs.
The other main gripe we hear a lot has to do with the location of existing AC outlets. Why are AC outlets in such strange and inconvenient locations?
A prime example of this are the outlets in the kitchen. The outlets in our RV are mounted underneath the kitchen cabinets. So it is quite common to have several power cords hanging from the cabinets in our kitchen. This is especially annoying when you want to plug in something that sits on the floor like a portable space heater.
The good news? You don’t have to live with what your RV came with. Take control of your own RV and consider installing new power receptacles where YOU need them.
Once you’ve used your RV for a while, you should have a good idea of where you want more outlets.
Parts You’ll Need For This Project
Tips For Installing USB Plugs
- Pick a location for your USB plug (Can you drill a hole there?)
- Locate the nearest 12 volt power source (positive and negative wire) to splice into – perhaps a nearby RV light fixture.
- Run a positive and negative wire from the power source to the plug location
- Splice wires into the positive and negative wires at the 12 volt power source
- Install the USB power receptacles
- Connect the positive and negative wires to the back of the USB receptacle
Tips for Extending a120 Volt AC Electrical Outlet
- Pick a location for your AC outlet
- Choose an existing outlet to extend
- Find a path through the walls and cabinets to the AC power cables
- Cut a hole where you will mount the new AC receptacle
- Shut of power to the circuit you will be working on
- Remove the existing AC outlet to access the wall/cabinet cavity behind it
- Pull a power cable between the two locations
- Wire up the outlets using standard electrical wiring guidelines
- Finish assembling and installing receptacles and faceplates
- Turn the power back on to the circuit
- Test both outlets using an electrical outlet tester for proper wiring
SAFETY NOTES
Be sure to follow proper wiring practices and electrical codes. Know your limits and get help from an electrician if you need it. Also keep in mind that you may be overloading the circuit if all outlets on the circuit are in use.