Fitting an "External" USB Charging Point

[DBK]

While sitting under the awning using our tablets the availability of a USB charging point under the awning would be useful. But how best to add one? You can get waterproof USB charging sockets but these would mean drill a hole in the MH body so I looked at how this could be done without drilling any holes.

I recently fitted a couple of PC fans to the fridge. In the photo below you can see the in-line fuse holder and the black ground wire next to it which run to the fan controller. These were perfect for supplying the USB socket.

This was the socket I bought.

2PCS 3 Ports 12V RV USB Outlet 90W, Dual PD3.0 Type-C Quick Charge 72W & USB QC3.0 18W Panel Wall Mount, Automotive Car Socket Charger Adapter for RV Marine Boat Bus ATV Motorcycle Truck

£15.99

View on Amazon

And here it is fitted.

The connections are made with two Wago 221-431 connectors.

This is how I plan to use it, just running the cable through the lower vent which can be removed and replaced in seconds.

I've ordered a couple of short (30cm) USB C extension cables which I'll fit once we park up and then we can connect longer charging cable when required.

So it isn't a truly external charging point but it is easily accessed from outside. Of course this will only work if your fridge vents are on the awning side.

 

[cyberyacht]

If it's warm enough to sit outside, use a USB extension lead through a window. Alternatively a suitably sized power bank which can be recharged inside at your convenience(not that one)

 

[suavecarve]

Alternatively a suitably sized power bank which can be recharged inside

Solution !

 

[Treskelion1959]

25K powerbank for me ... or I lug the Bluetti AC180P to charge trike batteries (sans EHU), usb with charge pad for phone on top. Whilst having a beer (1st early evening of 2 at every stop like clockwork after 100-160km ride ... I must have alcohol dependency ).

Mont Gebier de Jonc, Ardèche April 2026, source of the Loire.

 

[olley]

Drill a hole and fit a proper one.

 

[Lenny HB]

If it's warm enough to sit outside, use a USB extension lead through a window. Alternatively a suitably sized power bank which can be recharged inside at your convenience(not that one)

Charge rate goes down in proportion to the length of lead, so best to keep the USB lead as short as possible.

 

[Two on Tour]

Charge rate goes down in proportion to the length of lead, so best to keep the USB lead as short as possible.

I plug my phone into my 3 metres usb cable, and my phone still says "Turbo charging", so not not much of a drop on that cable.

 

[StillGoing]

Is that a SOG venting into your awning area?

 

[Lenny HB]

I plug my phone into my 3 metres usb cable, and my phone still says "Turbo charging", so not not much of a drop on that cable.

If you check the current you will be surprised how much it has dropped.

 

[Jon Stuart]

If you check the current you will be surprised how much it has dropped.

Especially with the cheaper cables... Too thin by far.

 

[Two on Tour]

If you check the current you will be surprised how much it has dropped.

Will I need to sit down first, Lenny.

 

[CV20Bobby]

You could have put it on the SOG vent …… ok maybe not

We use our Nocu for outdoor USB , but nice job and convenient for your use.

 

[Lenny HB]

Is that a SOG venting into your awning area?

I was surprised it was a door mounted SOG on a new van, I thought they went out with the Arc.
They could have at least sprayed it to match the van.

 

[carolyn]

We’re on our 4th van and none have had the fridge on the awning side so will have to stick with my small power bank I suppose. Mind you the compressor fridge is so good in the heat I don’t need to worry about vents and fans or the lack of anymore.

 

[LostInSpace]

just running the cable through the lower vent which can be removed and replaced in seconds.

Good luck with that. Not had a vent off since the vent broke many vans ago.

Although it was a pre loved owned van.

 

[DBK]

Good luck with that. Not had a vent off since the vent broke many vans ago.

Although it was a pre loved owned van.

They are almost too easy to remove. I'm tempted to try and work out a way of locking them in place somehow.

 

[DBK]

Is that a SOG venting into your awning area?

It is but as we are so virtuous we never produce pongs.

 

[DBK]

I was surprised it was a door mounted SOG on a new van, I thought they went out with the Arc.
They could have at least sprayed it to match the van.

It was fitted by the dealer and not very well either but I've sorted it now.

 

[Lenny HB]

It was fitted by the dealer and not very well either but I've sorted it now.

Convert it to a roof vent, you know it makes sense.

 

[DBK]

Convert it to a roof vent, you know it makes sense.

Too late now but I empty the cassette every day and there is no significant smell from it. For those who can make a cassette last a week it might be different.

 

[Manic]

I’ve got a couple of those usb’s in my van.
I just find it odd that they don’t make provision for surface mounting with out crushing the cable.
One I fitted with double sided tape to give clearance for the wires.

 

[DBK]

I’ve got a couple of those usb’s in my van.
I just find it odd that they don’t make provision for surface mounting with out crushing the cable.
One I fitted with double sided tape to give clearance for the wires.

Thanks, I'd forgotten about that issue.

I modified mine to make it flush fitting. Not difficult with a sharp knife. In the middle photo the oval shaped hole is where the wires came out. The now come out of the side.

 

[Manic]

Thanks, I'd forgotten about that issue.

I modified mine to make it flush fitting. Not difficult with a sharp knife.

View attachment 1237629View attachment 1237630View attachment 1237631

Mine must have been a cheaper version as the wire comes out in the middle and no chance of making it flush fitting like yours
This is what I ordered

JIZZU 2Pcs Dual USB Car Charger Socket with Switch, 55W PD USB C Charging Socket, 36W QC3.0 Charging Socket, Type C Motorhome Sockets 12V / 24V for Boat SUV Caravan RV Truck Marine

£12.99

View on Amazon

 

[Brains]

We just use and extension cable through the window.
We have one with power surge protection that has 2 x USB and 4 x 3 pin sockets.

During the pandemic when we were 'working from home' we had had two laptops, two monitors, a printer, and two mobiles all running outside under the awning.

And we also had one of these attached to an EHU splitter if we needed more power.

 

[Andrewhr]

If we are on EHU we have a schuko USB charger plugged into the EHU coupler

 

[DBK]

If we are on EHU we have a schuko USB charger plugged into the EHU coupler
View attachment 1237667

That's neat - but the EHU on ours is on the opposite side to the awning.

 

[Treskelion1959]

I was surprised it was a door mounted SOG on a new van, I thought they went out with the Arc.
They could have at least sprayed it to match the van.

I resemble that remark ... French dealer fit in 2018.