Exterior 12v outlet for fridge

M

Matt Rogers

Novice
Has anyone installed a 12v outlet outside/under their trailer on the cooler stand side? I have been to every auto parts and boat supply store looking for a GOOD weatherproof outlet that can be surface mounted under trailer. Ideally I would like to completely close galley hatch at night and leave fridge on cooler stand or inside side tent (for theft reasons). I found a 12v weatherproof outlet but it looks like the little cover will Blow open or off when on the highway. Any thoughts?
 
Cary,
I purchased the one you'll use for the solar connection. I was planning on installing it right next to the solar input. But after pulling the battery out I realized you are the master of space efficiency! There is no place to put it. So now the plan is to install one underneath trailer. It's too nerve wracking to drill into side of trailer because the wires that are routed thru the wood sides are a mystery location to me. Any suggestions?
 
Matt,

Perhaps up in the upper kitchen cabinet instead. You could easily tap in the wires off of the back of the cabin DC outlet also.

Cary
 
Matt,

Good point. If you want to do it there pick the area in that wall you want to do and run it by me. I can check to see if that part of the cabinet will be clear of wires. I went and looked and there are two wire channels in the wall that run by that area. But, they can be missed easily enough.

Cary
 
Cary, I think it would work fine to install outlet so it's backside is in the lil kitchen cabinet. Then tap from cabin outlets (which I already tapped for an additional cabin outlet). In relation to solar controller, where would be a safe place to drill and avoid hidden wires behind aluminum? Could you specify in inches?
 
Matt,

As I said before, give me where in the cabinet you want to put it and I will check it for clearance.

Cary
 
Matt,

In that corner of the cabinet you have about a 4" by 4" area clear of wires. Drill from the inside near the metal electrical cover just inside the cabinet door and just up from the countertop.

Cary
 
It worked! Looks and works great! I sweat a lot as that holesaw cut away! Once the arbor popped thru, I finished drilling from outside. The wires for the galley outlet had enough slack that tapping then for new exterior outlet was easy. Thanks for the help Cary! I may order the matching plug (like you included with solar kit) it appears to be a tighter fit than the one currently on the fridge. But, now the galley can be shut completely and fridge can be kept on cooler stand or inside side tent.
 
Do you have pictures? Sounds like it would be a great option. I would never dream of drilling holes but then again, I am not 'handy.'
 
I will need Evans help posting pics since I do everything on iPhone. This is something I have wanted since the first time I used the camper. If you have the fridge, you NEED this!!!!
 
Matt, buy FTP On the Go from the app store. You can use this to upload pictures to the Camp-Inn FTP site. Then you just paste a link into your post.

Of course, if you are stuck you can email the files to me and I can upload them - but I'm camping at the moment so it could be a few days...
 
Ok Matt I have a question - I guess I'M confused - I thought that I could plug the fridge in with the galley closed with the current plug that's in the CI. Please tell me that's true!

We bought the fridge a few months back but haven't used it yet - have the hockey stick and everything's ready to go and we're headed out west in a few days. I've gotta get my act together pretty quickly - we won't be doing what you did for sure tho. If it can't be duct-taped or glued we can't fix a thing! (And Bill takes that as a compliment! :) )
 
YOu prob can. But the idea of the cord being pinched in the hatch bothered me. I like to leave fridge on cooler stand and close the hatch at night. With the exterior outlet, it also frees up the galley outlet. I guess this is only an issue if you don't have an electric site. I camp a lot just using the 12v system and solar panel.
 
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