Installing USB Chargers and 12V Sockets

Everybody has more than one device these days, so to facilitate ease of charging we decided to hardwire in Quick Charge 3.0 USB chargers and 12v sockets. And, by hardwiring and installing USB Chargers and 12v sockets in each corner of the van we can be sure there will always be a spare USB to plug into.

Installing USB Chargers and 12V Sockets In Our Van

12v Cigarette Lighter Socket VS Hardwired 12v USB Chargers 

When deciding what type of auxiliary outlets we would install there were really only two options. 12v auxiliary power outlets otherwise known as cigarette lighter sockets. Or, hardwired 12v USB Chargers.

With the 12v cigarette lighter sockets you have the ability to plug in a multitude of plug-in accessories. Accessories like fans, low-wattage inverters, lights, and more! The negative side of this is you always have to remember to bring them as well.  The best thing about hardwired 12v USB Chargers is the convenience. You always have USB charging available, you only need a charging cable.

The Best Plugin 12V Accessories For Your Van

• 12v Air Circulating Fans 
• 12v – 120v Inverters 
• Lights
• USB Car Chargers 
• Heated Travel Mugs 
• Thermoelectric Coolers 
• 12v Fridges
• FM Transmitters and Bluetooth Accessories 
• Sirius Receivers

Quick Charge 3.0 USB Chargers 

Devices these days have extremely high power requirements. Larger screens and larger battery capacity means charging is slow if you are restricted to a standard USB 5V 1.5A supply. Quick Charge 3.0 USB Chargers can charge your device up to 4 times faster than conventional USB charging. This means less time waiting for your device to charge and more time doing what you love!

How Many USB Chargers and 12v Sockets Do We Need In Our Van?

This is pretty easy, the more the better. We plan on adding one USB charger and one 12v socket in each corner except for the passenger B- pillar. One thing to keep in mind though. Some USB Chargers will use some power even when there is nothing plugged into them. You don’t want to add unnecessary load to your battery bank.

• Pro Tip – Add a switch to all USB Chargers

Now for the fun part. Keep reading to see……

How Easy It Is To Hardwire USB Chargers And 12V Cigarette Lighter Sockets In Your Van Conversion

Tools and Materials 

• Drill Driver
• Hole Saw 
• Wire
• Split Flex Loom
• Terminal Spade Connectors
• Quick Charge 3.0 USB Chargers 
• 12v Auxiliary Power Outlets 

Step – 1: Pulling Wire From The Fuse Box

We pulled a separate circuit for each charger and power outlet, six circuits in total. Check out this simple wiring diagram for more details.

• Pro Tip – You could run multiple loads on one circuit. But having separate circuits will make future troubleshooting much easier.

Step – 2: Mounting The Charger and Socket Housings 

For the front control panel, we cut out a piece of ¼” Baltic Birch plywood. This panel includes a USB Charger, power socket, three switches, and our gasoline heater temperature controller.

We used a hole saw to cut out the mounting holes in the rear corner trims.

• Pro Tip – There are components mounted within the rear corner pillars. Watch out for these if you use the corner trims as I have.

Step – 3: Connecting All Wiring 

Connecting up the wires is pretty simple, the switches at the rear require a neutral as they have a signal light to let you know when they are on. 

Step – 4: Relax And Recharge

Installing USB Chargers and 12V Sockets – Summary

As far as van conversion projects go, this has to be one of the easiest. I am happy with how they turned out and it will be very convenient to have USB Chargers and 12V Sockets in all corners of the van! 

What’s Next

Fuse Box and Electrical

We will base our basic power distribution system around Blue Sea Systems. The different loads will include… Lights, 12v Auxiliary Power Outlets, Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charging Outlets, a 12v Fridge, and a Gasoline Heater. 

Wall Panels and Tie Down Track

The majority of the internal wiring is done, so now we can go ahead with the Wall Panels. It will be great to give the van more of a “finished” look. 

Roof Rails and Roof Ladder

It would be a waste of space to leave the roof bare. I plan to utilize this valuable real estate to mount a solar panel and a rooftop storage box. Along with this, some type of sitting area, 

You Are Going To Need Some Type Of Auxiliary Power Source 

• Simple 12V Auxiliary Battery Setup
• Dual 6V Auxiliary Battery Wiring Diagram 
• Easy DIY Portable Solar Generator / Power Station
• The Best Portable Power Stations For Van Life
• Renogy 500A 12V Battery Monitor Install

Here Are Some Other Van Electrical Systems We Have Installed

• Installing A Webasto Copy Gasoline Parking Heater
• Van Roof Vent Installation
• Conversion Van Battery Isolator 
• LED Campervan Lights 
• Van Electrical System

Lastly, if you have any questions, post a comment below, we would be happy to help.

Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!

Weekender Van Life – Van Life Blog – weekendervanlife.com