Anyone added 12v charging station to their trailer?

[Merlin]

Not sure if voltage in wires.  What volt tester would I use for that?


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Any simple digital voltmeter from your local hardware or big box store will work. Get one with auto-range. Hook up the meter leads to the wires and see if there's voltage present when the circuit is supposed to be on. Don't worry about getting the + and - correct for the test; if you get it wrong the meter will just read a negative number. If you need specific help, post a photo and someone will respond with a "how-to".

[tbwrench]

You could use a digital multimeter or even a test light.

https://www.amazon.ca/Tivolii-Digital-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Ohmmeter/dp/B07K2N4CZ5/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1541354062&sr=8-15&keywords=digital+multimeter   

https://www.amazon.ca/DealMux-Motorcycle-Continuity-Voltage-Circuit/dp/B072K7WRBC/ref=sr_1_18?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1541354217&sr=1-18&keywords=automotive+test+light

Both can be either expensive or cheap depending on the quality.  If you are not gonna use very often I will get the cheapest. Your local Walmart or automotive store would carry both. If you're running on battery power, you would expect 12.6 V or so, and if you were plugged into shore power,  you would expect around 14.4 V or so.

[dlb53151]

Both the cig lighter and USB are connected to the same main wires.
I got the tester and the end wires that went to the usb are not powered.  However the main wires have power.
My assessment is the end wires are too thin.  I am gong to get some heavier gauge (same gauge as main wires) and patch to usb with wire connector caps - I expect it will work.  Camper is in storage now for winter so will finish in spring.




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[DavidM]

Thin gauge wires might result in low voltage to your usb outlet but not no voltage. If you have zero voltage that is more than likely a wiring or a connection problem.

David

[dlb53151]

It has to be the thin wires - the USB works when connected to main wires.  Not sure why LL would use 18 gauge wires to tap into the main 12 gauge wires for the USB....


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[DavidM]

That "thin" 18 gauge wire isn't your problem. 18 gauge wire has an ampacity, ie capability of carrying current, of 20 amps DC. That USB connector typically uses only about 2 amps. The voltage drop at 2 amps even if 10' long is only 1/4 volt.

Go back to where the 18 gauge splices to the 12 gauge wire. Open the connection and measure the voltage. I suspect you have a bad connection there or at your USB connector or there is no voltage at the 12 volt splice.

David