No 12v sockets in new Motorhome (1 Viewer)

[carolyn]

Ours had one 12v socket now has 3 the original one is in a position that's never used, its by the TV but the TV has its own 12v supply, makes you wonder about designers.
Had 5 mains sockets now only has 4 replaced one with a BMV, only occasionally use one of them.

I am relying on you to translate all of this into English at Old Sodbury! You electrical people keep telling people things are easy. I keep making lists of things for you but then I don’t understand my lists....

 

[Spriddler]

You electrical people keep telling people things are easy. I keep making lists of things for you but then I don’t understand my lists....

Probably because you have trouble reading what you've written.

 

[Lenny HB]

but then I don’t understand my lists....

Please keep it that way.

 

[RobbieBobby]

The USB sockets will be fed off the 12V system so it should be easy to fit a 12V socket of your choice near to a USB one and take the 12V feed from the back of the USB socket. Check cable sizes though, re your expected current draw on the 12V socket. (USB sockets are low current).

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

And, remember for 12v systems only , Blue is + Brown is -. Tends to White is + and Black is - for fittings , but best check the polarity if you're able to as I have seen other variations.
Mike

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[Pausim]

Our Compactline has one as standard on the left hand side of the dash near a USB socket. I am surprised they have left it out on the E Line.

 

[Pausim]

Just had a look at the 2021 details and it shows that there should be 2 x 12V sockets. If present they will be the continental type sockets which are better than the cigar lighter type used by some manufacturers. If they are missing the dealer should rectify the omission.

 

[Folkranger]

I fitted a 4 way 12v / usb / voltmeter / switch in my van.

Cheers James
View attachment 521817

And ignored the usb socket and plugged a USB adapter into the cigar lighter.

 

[Carolina]

We have one 12v socket in a two of our top cupboards. Presumably they are for TV or satellite which we don't have. I would like to charge our phones etc using these sockets. I have cigarette lighter to USB adapter but don't want to have phones charging from dash. Can this be used somehow or do I need adapter without the pointy bit? Thanks

 

[Folkranger]

We areok for12v ciggy lighter type sockets, but only have 2x240 mains sockets, last van had 7 or 8, didn't notice till after we got it, have bought an extenion lead, surge protected which also has some usb points so will be giving that a try next week.

Easily missed. You have greater priorities than sockets when buying new. Ours has 6 but none where I need them so busy fitting more. And ignore the officianados it's only easy when you know how.

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[scotzsue]

The 2 we have can easily be changed to double sockets, but would like another at the opposite side of the van, think there must be another one somewhere as we have a aftermarket microwave, it was there when we bought the van, would love to switch it off as the constantly on light is irritating. Would love to investigate further but other half wants me to ‘leave it alone’ can be a bit hamfisted sometimes so understand his reasoning.

 

[Casper46]

Just had a look at the 2021 details and it shows that there should be 2 x 12V sockets. If present they will be the continental type sockets which are better than the cigar lighter type used by some manufacturers. If they are missing the dealer should rectify the omission.View attachment 522728

Thanks for that, I'll have another search before I check with them.

 

[cyberyacht]

About the first mod I made to my Carthago Compactline was to fit 3 usb/Ciggy combi sockets. Feed was taken from leisure battery, load terminals of solar controller and a couple of spare leads labelled "satnav" in the panelled space above the freezer. All suitably fused.

 

[Hoovie]

if there is one thing that can be guaranteed with Motorhomes, it is:
1) there are never enough 12V and USB Sockets fitted
2) they are never in the right place.

In mine I had 2 12V - both in use with TVs, and zero USBs.
From memory, I added 8 USBs and 4 more 12V ones (as well as 2 more 240V)

 

[nickw22000]

We have just paid stupid money for a new Carthago E Line. We don’t have kids, so are not spending their inheritance.
As well as no individual sun blinds and sliced fingers due to sharp edges on the shelves, we have just realised that there are no 12v sockets anywhere In the habitation area.
There are a couple of usb sockets in the bedroom area but that’s it. The dealer wants silly money to retrofit one, are there any options please as my Fantastic fan needs a 12v socket.
Many thanks

Our 2019 moho was only 6 months old when we bought it and I was surprised to find that the only 12v socket was positioned for the tv. We only needed one other, easy to wire into the circuit powering the numerous USB sockets. USBs are 5v, the step-down from 12 is built into the socket itself.

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[corconx]

Why didn’t you by a van with all those things you wanted. And easy to retrofit 12 sockets

Is it? It is if you understand these things but sadly not all of us are. We have a cigar socket fitted in under the so called jump seat in an l-shaped lounge. Large fitted fixed table/bed base - so getting to it is useless. We have one of those cigar fittings with two sockets to plug in and use usb ones with long leads for iPhone/iPad. Dealer should be shot for putting it there raise it up to above would be easier

carol

 

[gpat]

We were looking at a £135k carthago at chelston yesterday. Based on merc. Lovely....but plastic wheels trims...come on!

 

[KimSteve]

Perhaps not exactly what you're looking for, but on a temporary basis, would a mains plug in 12v cigar lighter socket work, [ available on Ebay for £8.00].
On a longer term, you'll need to locate a switched/ permanent 12v feed as local to the end user equipment as possible.
Mike

Would it be an idea to buy a portable hook up? Then you can use an extension to get the power where it's needed?

 

[Clarky]

We were looking at a £135k carthago at chelston yesterday. Based on merc. Lovely....but plastic wheels trims...come on!

You have to remember that EVERYTHING on a Carthago is an option.

Richard.

 

[Conrad J]

Why didn’t you by a van with all those things you wanted. And easy to retrofit 12 sockets

Not very helpful comments.

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[Pausim]

We were looking at a £135k carthago at chelston yesterday. Based on merc. Lovely....but plastic wheels trims...come on!

Steel wheels are stronger than alloy and not always on option on heavier motorhomes. I noticed from one brochure that they were an option on the twin axle version of the motorhome but not the single axle version, which suggests the rear weight load ruled out alloy wheels.

 

[Solwaybuggier]

Just had a look at the 2021 details and it shows that there should be 2 x 12V sockets. If present they will be the continental type sockets which are better than the cigar lighter type used by some manufacturers. If they are missing the dealer should rectify the omission.View attachment 522728

Might it be worth asking the dealer where the 2nd socket is? Our C class Carthago has a 12v socket cunningly placed in the side edge of driver's side settee, behind the driver's seat - you would never find it unless you knew it was there. It must be original equipment - no-one would ever add it there otherwise!

 

[Ian Bosman]

IM

Just had a look at the 2021 details and it shows that there should be 2 x 12V sockets. If present they will be the continental type sockets which are better than the cigar lighter type used by some manufacturers. If they are missing the dealer should rectify the omission.View attachment 522728

O

You have to remember that EVERYTHING on a Carthago is an option.

Richard.

IMO Hella type sockets are more secure than the cigar lighter variety as they have a latch holding them in whereas the lighter type have a spring in the centre pin which can lead to them being pushed out thus losing contact. They are rarer than those usually sold with 12 plugs however

 

[rh172]

We have just paid stupid money for a new Carthago E Line. We don’t have kids, so are not spending their inheritance.
As well as no individual sun blinds and sliced fingers due to sharp edges on the shelves, we have just realised that there are no 12v sockets anywhere In the habitation area.
There are a couple of usb sockets in the bedroom area but that’s it. The dealer wants silly money to retrofit one, are there any options please as my Fantastic fan needs a 12v socket.
Many thanks

Ditto with Carthago C Tourer. This is extreme money saving in my opinion at the expense of customer satisfaction. I have found one Hella port in the cab - and just ordered some leads for it. I hope it's live.

 

[Ian Bosman]

The USB sockets will be fed off the 12V system so it should be easy to fit a 12V socket of your choice near to a USB one and take the 12V feed from the back of the USB socket. Check cable sizes though, re your expected current draw on the 12V socket. (USB sockets are low current)

You can purchase 12 volt sockets combined with a Mains 13amp socket ie double gang like as in the mains double gang size. I have no idea which you have in your van. mine has two double gang mains.12volt albeit not the Hella type which i know are less used on purchase equipment but the Hella type plug also comes with an adapter to use int he 12 volt cigar type as used in the UK

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[Pausim]

In my Carthago Compactline the Hella socket in the cab works from the leisure battery and is live when the 12V habitation electrics are switched on. I use an adapter for the 12V cigar lighter socket plugs. If I ever get a bad connection it is always the in the cigar lighter connection never in the Hella socket. The fuse for mine is not in the CBE distribution panel but just below it in a small fuse block.

 

[Guigsy]

I found a 12v supply running though the back of my high level internal lockers. I tapped into to add a usb and 12v socket to the underside of the lockers. I 3d printed the enclosure to get exactly the right shape for an awkward spot, but there are plenty of boxes on eBay for adding low voltage sockets.

 

[chaser]

So what happened Casper46 ?
Did you find them or fix some more?

 

[Ernesto]

Why not treat yourself to a usb fan?

I guess smoking is become a very niche sport these days and a socket that designed around cigarette lighters, is on borrowed time

 

[Vintner]

Possibly I'm missing something but aren't USB sockets just a newer and better version of 12v cigar lighter sockets? I get you might have a few bits of kit that have 12v socket type leads for which you can get adapters such as these:
Amazon product ASIN B0B49Q775C

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