Install an inverter?
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14828
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 8:49am
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Topic: Install an inverter?
Posted By: 2hotchilis
Subject: Install an inverter?
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2021 at 2:16pm
So, I thought we had an inverter in our pod but we don’t. 😟 so I want to be able to charge phones and tablets in the pod. Should i install an inverter or do some other work around? Constructive advice is most useful. Thank you,
By the way, I appreciate all the answers I have received and seeing people’s mods here in the forum.
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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Replies:
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2021 at 3:22pm
You do not need an inverter to charge phones. On a 2017.5 I know for sure r-pods started coming with usb plugs to charge phones. Not sure if you have a 2017, or a 2017.5 model. Either way, you can add a 12v plug, not an inverter. An inverter is to make a/c from dc
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2021 at 6:06pm
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You could add a small inverter for the purposes you mention but as suggested, a 12v outlet and 12v usb chargers may be easier and less expensive. You can also use them in your tow vehicle. Based on your other thread, you really shouldn't think about getting an inverter to power the ac outlets. An inverter that large would be very expensive and pull the battery/batteries down very quickly if you tried to use a hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, etc. You might also consider a generator.
TT
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 8:48am
Agree. If you want to power more then your TV, you need a generator. A decent 2000 watt inverter, that could power a hair dryer, costs $400 - $800 and could drain the standard battery in 15 minutes.
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John
'16 R-Pod 180
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Posted By: Gualalapod
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 10:03am
I have a 2015 179. No 12v plugs it seems. Wondering if anyone knows if some of the plugs are 12v? Also, would you install a 12v plug or usb? We just used our Rpod for the 2nd time with no shore power. Solar charged battery well. Our propane had a slight smell (outside) so we used the battery for the refrigerator which lasted fine during the day but by about midnight there was no more battery power for the fridge. I really would like to be able to charge devices during the day when the solar is strong or at least overnight with 12v. Any examples of someone adding this inside their pod?
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Gualalapod owner
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 10:22am
I would seriously get that smell addressed. Is it just an exhaust smell? Or a propane smell. If it's gas, there is a fire danger. If it's just exhaust it should not smell much at all, unless you sit right in front of the exhaust port. Running the fridge on straight battery is a losing battle. I personally think installing usb ports is good enough for charging stuff, others might disagree. None of the plugs are 12v, they are a/c only, and require shore power, or a genny.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: Gualalapod
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 11:08am
Thanks for the tips. We are checking on the propane smell. It is only right by the tank on the outside but needs addressing for sure before our next adventure.
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Gualalapod owner
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Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 2:44pm
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Remember -= propane is heavier than air and sinks to the ground. I had a burn patient one time that had an (old time) pickup camper like a lot of us used to have, and they all came with a built in oven. By the time they got the oven lit, all the propane on the floor lit off and blew the poor person out the back door. Propane leaks are very dangerous. Don't dally in getting it fixed.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 2:51pm
Originally posted by Gualalapod
Thanks for the tips. We are checking on the propane smell. It is only right by the tank on the outside but needs addressing for sure before our next adventure. |
Use a mix of water and dish soap. Spray, paint, or drip it on all connections. If it bubbles, there is your leak. We once had an exchange tank where it was leaking where the tank connected to the valve. Someone did not check that tank when it was exchanged and filled.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: 2hotchilis
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 10:55pm
Thanks. I haven’t seen any USB plugs. I changed one of the 110 outlets to an outlet with USB.
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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Posted By: 2hotchilis
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 10:59pm
I will look 👀 into installing a 12v outlet. That would be sufficient. Is there any diagrams for doing that in an RPod?
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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Posted By: 2hotchilis
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2021 at 11:05pm
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will be installing 12v usb ports somewhere. If you have done this please let me know how you did it.
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2021 at 5:41am
I would suggest leaving the existing 120vac receptacles alone.
In the 179 a simple option is to pull out the audio box so you can access the wires and the side wall, then tap the 12v supply to the audio box to supply a combination 12v power port (aka cigarette lighter port) and USB port. Install that through the wall near the TV.Then reinstall the audio box No wires will show.
That way you have power to run a dual voltage TV as well as your devices. I attached a little shelf up there as well so I could put our phones on it while charging so they wouldn't be in the way.
There isn't a wiring diagram for rpods, probably because there are so many variations that it would be very difficult for the factory to keep them up to date. To add to the confusion there are two wire color code standards used on 12V systems in RVs. The automotive (red +12v, black neutral) and the Electric Code (black or red +12v, white neutral). And then if you aren't the first owner who knows what the previous folks did.
Not to worry. Buy a multimeter so you can confirm you have the right wires, voltage and polarity before you make your connections.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2021 at 9:06am
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Like wise on leaving the AC plugs and circuits alone. Remember - you are camping in a fancy tent. Take your 12 charging station to the TV - there are 12v plugs there. If you do not understand how electric things work don't try to cobble something together in the pod. The majority of RV fires are related to the 12volt system. An RV fire will consume the RV in a matter of minutes. From talking to 2 folks who survived such a fire, there was barely enough time to get out the door.
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Posted By: Gualalapod
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2021 at 9:16am
There are also a few youtube videos on how to do this. Look for the easy way one. Or..you can have an electrician do it for you.
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Gualalapod owner
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Posted By: 2hotchilis
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2021 at 11:58pm
Thanks for the help. As I was pondering today about my choices for places to mount a 12v outlet and USB outlet, that is exactly what I thought of. Then my husband reminded me that we have a small charging station that has a 12v and 110 v outlets. No fuss no muss. We’ll use it for charging phones.
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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Posted By: 2hotchilis
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2021 at 1:16pm
Well I went ahead and installed a USB 12v charger. I got power from the radio as suggested. It was easy peasy and I learned how to use a voltmeter to boot. Yeehaw!!!
Thanks for all the suggestions.
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Darla
2017 R-Pod 179
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