Thread: 12V setup for camper trailer.

Good idea on the bedhead Nino, i'm thinking a pair of cigi /usb sockets under side of the trailer just below the bed.
This side is open to the tent so easy to get to, also another pair at the kitchen end for fridge and any other 12V appliances that we might use.

Hi loanrangie and hope you don’t mind if I highjack your thread.

While in keeping with the last few posts, has anyone come across a decent plug and socket that works for RV use.

Cigarette Lighter type power sockets are renown for the plugs to fall out and in too many cases, for the plug and socket to melt.

Merit type plugs resolve the problem of the plugs falling out but they are still susceptible to melting.

I use Anderson Power poles and while they safely handle loads up to 30 amps, and are VERY small, they are only useful when used in an In-Line setup.

They do come with a number of panel type mounts but while you can walk on them and not break them, in the panel mounts, if you bump them from the side, they break quite easily.

So again, has anyone come across decent plugs and socket, that look good as well, for 12v use?

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi loanrangie and hope you don’t mind if I highjack your thread.

While in keeping with the last few posts, has anyone come across a decent plug and socket that works for RV use.

Cigarette Lighter type power sockets are renown for the plugs to fall out and in too many cases, for the plug and socket to melt.

Merit type plugs resolve the problem of the plugs falling out but they are still susceptible to melting.

I use Anderson Power poles and while they safely handle loads up to 30 amps, and are VERY small, they are only useful when used in an In-Line setup.

They do come with a number of panel type mounts but while you can walk on them and not break them, in the panel mounts, if you bump them from the side, they break quite easily.

So again, has anyone come across decent plugs and socket, that look good as well, for 12v use?

Hi drivesafe,

I have been using Merit plugs for 25 years and could offer some observations.

The sockets are usually aluminium and must be capped all the time they aren't used. They corrode fairly easily if unprotected in a damp environment. On that note I've seen brass merit sockets on ebay recently that may help.

10X Merit Hella Socket Flush Panel Mount 12V 12 Volt Accessory Power 12V Fridge | eBay

The original Hella design has all round contacts for the earth side and are less likely to melt. One of my old Engel cables has an original one and it's lasted very well on a 6A motor load. Similar looking to this type:

5X Male Hella Merrit Plug Great FOR Camper Trailer 4x4 4WD Thumper AGM Battery | eBay

Having said that I don't have much of a problem with the single point Narva brand plugs so long as they go into clean sockets. On the other hand the multi fit cig/merit plugs I've sen have been utter crap.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi loanrangie and hope you don’t mind if I highjack your thread.

While in keeping with the last few posts, has anyone come across a decent plug and socket that works for RV use.

Cigarette Lighter type power sockets are renown for the plugs to fall out and in too many cases, for the plug and socket to melt.

Merit type plugs resolve the problem of the plugs falling out but they are still susceptible to melting.

I use Anderson Power poles and while they safely handle loads up to 30 amps, and are VERY small, they are only useful when used in an In-Line setup.

They do come with a number of panel type mounts but while you can walk on them and not break them, in the panel mounts, if you bump them from the side, they break quite easily.

So again, has anyone come across decent plugs and socket, that look good as well, for 12v use?

For years I have been using 6.5mm (mono) audio plugs from Jaycar. Various shaft lengths and even come in right angle versions. see p197 of their downloadable pdf catalogue. I originally used one in desperation when I converted a cheap 12V cordless drill to run off a car battery. Cable was same gauge as used to provide sufficient amps for caravan electric brakes. Drill was used in this configuration to screw 800 stainless steel screws (10g 67mm) into a hard wood deck ...I add this momentous detail by way of saying that the plug never got warm and carried the current easily...
Advantages: they are firmly held in place, are generally robust, will take 15 amps for extended periods..., they are quite cheap compared to Anderson plug prices (for genuine Andersons that is!)
Disadvantages: the plugs protrude somewhat, so a right-angled version may be a lot less obtrusive

Originally Posted by drivesafe

..... While in keeping with the last few posts, has anyone come across a decent plug and socket that works for RV use......

How much do you want to pay?

Hella Mining :: MagCode Power Systems