Adding 120V outlets

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Adding 120V outlets

May 19, 2015, 09:49:10 pm

We bought a 2002 U295 and would like to add some 120v outlets Most motor home don't have nearly enough. Anyone have this done and how much hassle was involved?

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #1 – May 19, 2015, 09:55:57 pm

Shouldn't really be an issue.

Where do you want additional outlets and how many amps/what do you want to be able to run from them?

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #2 – May 19, 2015, 10:47:12 pm

Outlets are easy to add - its the getting the wire to where you want them that can be tough.

You can use an old work box, run the romex cable into the box and connect a standard duplex outlet. Most RV manufacturers including FT use an outlet that is crimped on the the three wires in the romex cable. The connected outlet fits into a smaller hole using fold out ears that tighten up using screws from the front. They're available in white, ivory and brown.

http://tweetys.com/outlet-dual-w-cover-plate-brown.aspx

Be sure you understand 110v wiring. Get a three pronged tester to verify that the wiring is correctly connected. If you have your FT user manual there should be 110 v wiring circuit descriptions that describe what loads are on which circuits. Most have a bit of extra capacity. The microwave circuit does not. Some circuits are land line only. If you want to plug in a big heater or something with a high load you probably need to add a circuit.

If you are not sure about anything, talk to a qualified electrician.

I've added several outlets in places where they add better access and switches to turn outlets on and off. Some were much easier than others.

Roger

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #3 – May 19, 2015, 11:26:43 pm

I have the same coach as you and find that there are plenty of outlets-
lets see
1 behind Driver--1 under couch--1 on side of cabinet--2 in kitchen--1 under dining table and1 on side of small table.
There are 3 in bedroom and the one in Bathroom.
JohnH

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #4 – May 20, 2015, 03:24:30 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – May 19, 2015, 11:26:43 pm

1 behind Driver--1 under couch--1 under dining table

I wish I had any one of those outlets. My slide appears to be outlet free.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #5 – May 20, 2015, 07:34:40 am

I have not added any 110v outlets in the slide. I don't see an easy way to get 110v wiring in there and am not sure about having the fire flex. I did add a 12v dual port USB charger outlet near the front end of the slide and a 110 volt outlet near the floor on the pantry wall just behind the back end of the slide that is accesible even if the slide is closed. Power for this came from the GFP outlet in the bathroom, a challenge. Also a switch and duplex outlet on the forward end of the kitchen cabinets, new res refrig outlets and switched outlets for the electronics in the forward overheads.

Other than those there are plenty. Roger

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #6 – May 20, 2015, 08:21:30 am

I haven't found not a one in the bedroom on my 91GV.Thats gojng to change soon.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #7 – May 20, 2015, 08:23:24 am

Stump, Have you looked under the bed skirt ? Since most FT's have block heaters the 110 outlet is right at the foot of the bed and there is usually one or two outlets on each side of the bed.
Gary B

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #8 – May 20, 2015, 08:51:47 am

Quote from: Tom Lang – May 20, 2015, 03:24:30 am

I wish I had any one of those outlets. My slide appears to be outlet free.

Tom - not sure of your dinette/table configuration, but we have outlets on the dinette table support just below the table top.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #9 – May 20, 2015, 10:20:07 am

My '03 36' 270 has

. Lots in entertainment cabinet.
. One down at floor level by drivers left foot.
. One beside pass seat.
. One at aft end of little table behind pass seat.
. One at forward side of galley cabinet, next to wall, just below counter top. Would like to relocate to floor at end of cabinet.
. One under table on fwd side of support.
. One at cadenza.
. One beside stove.
. One on bathroom cabinet.
. One under foot of bed. For engine heater.
. One (added) behind bedroom TV.
. One under bed skirt head of bed at both sides. One may have been added.
. I've found quiet a few in the walls, no covers, I figure they were used during construction.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #10 – May 20, 2015, 11:33:49 am

Thanks for all the help My biggest need is in the Kitchen area It is more of a location issue. I don't like having the plug location being so close to the stove burners I would like it on the sink side. I was also able to find a couple more outlets thanks a bunch

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #11 – May 20, 2015, 12:08:26 pm

The one on the front of the cabinet isn't very handy, should be out at the end, instead of against the wall in front of sink. It will be jumper end off with a new, handier outlet.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #12 – May 20, 2015, 12:48:33 pm

You could use surface mount "wiremould". Sold at the big box stores.

Here is a vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRducG5V4Uc

Keith

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #13 – May 20, 2015, 06:00:32 pm

I added the ivory one with a switch at the front end of the kitchen and the brown one near the rear end of the couch on the pantry wall. Roger

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #14 – May 21, 2015, 10:38:44 am

We have 2 duplex outlets at the "foot" end of the bed platform, one on each side. Not very useful. I got a couple of these "power strips" in black, with a 6' cord and "right angle" swivel plug. Plugged one in on each side, tacked the cord to the bed base (up under the mattress platform), and mounted the outlet strip at the "head" of the bed. Invisible, unless you get down on the floor and look up. Gives each of us 6 outlets exactly where we need them, right next to our "night stand" tables. Very handy...

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector, Black - Walmart.com

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #15 – May 21, 2015, 02:31:12 pm

Quote from: Michelle – May 20, 2015, 08:51:47 am

Tom - not sure of your dinette/table configuration, but we have outlets on the dinette table support just below the table top of.

Same here.

Re: Adding 120V outlets

Reply #16 – May 21, 2015, 02:47:55 pm

Quote from: toyman – May 20, 2015, 10:20:07 am

My '03 36' 270 has
. Lots in entertainment cabinet.
. One down at floor level by drivers left foot.
. One beside pass seat.
. One at aft end of little table behind pass seat.
. One at forward side of galley cabinet, next to wall, just below counter top. Would like to relocate to floor at end of cabinet.
. One under table on fwd side of support.
. One at cadenza.
. One beside stove.
. One on bathroom cabinet.
. One under foot of bed. For engine heater.
. One (added) behind bedroom TV.
. One under bed skirt head of bed at both sides. One may have been added.
. I've found quiet a few in the walls, no covers, I figure they were used during construction.

From memory, in addition to the above, I have:
One in upper right cabinet, above microwave
One behind the drawers under the passenger side bedside table (used to power the Bose unit)
One behind the living room TV
One in cabinet behind bedroom TV
One under dash
Two in the main basement cabinet
One in the Maniblok cabinet
One in the utility cabinet