12V outlets wanted

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   I have and use a CPAP every time we go podding.  We stay in locations with electricity so I can use the 110v outlet right on the side of my bed for it.  I wouldn't even consider using it on 12 volts.

The average CPAP is consuming 20 watts ... to know for sure what yours does then look on the bottom of it for the sticker that has the Amperes number and Volts number and multiply the 2 together.  Remember that if you are also using a humidifier on your CPAP you need to add that in as well because it contains a separate heating element in it.  Using it all night, set up on a deep-cycle battery, has shown that it will drain the battery usually after 4 nights of usage.  That is not including any other additional loads you would be putting on the battery, especially if you are boon-docking it.  

Of course, if you are only out for 1-2 nights you can risk it with less of a chance of draining your battery, or if you have doubled-up your batteries you will definitely be better off.

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P&M Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Aug 2012 Location: Spokane, WA Online Status: Offline Posts: 454	Topic: 12V outlets wanted Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 11:01am
	I have and use a CPAP every time we go podding. We stay in locations with electricity so I can use the 110v outlet right on the side of my bed for it. I wouldn't even consider using it on 12 volts. The average CPAP is consuming 20 watts ... to know for sure what yours does then look on the bottom of it for the sticker that has the Amperes number and Volts number and multiply the 2 together. Remember that if you are also using a humidifier on your CPAP you need to add that in as well because it contains a separate heating element in it. Using it all night, set up on a deep-cycle battery, has shown that it will drain the battery usually after 4 nights of usage. That is not including any other additional loads you would be putting on the battery, especially if you are boon-docking it. Of course, if you are only out for 1-2 nights you can risk it with less of a chance of draining your battery, or if you have doubled-up your batteries you will definitely be better off.
	P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500

waterflaws Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Location: dENVER Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 11:01am
	We plan on quite a few trips where there will be no electric hookups. We have 2 of ResMed's 12V converters. I'm guessing that battery output will decrease as the temperatures get colder?
	r-pod 2013 177 TV 2002 Sport Trac *The Pod Couple*

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 10:28am
	I don't know what the load of a CPAP is, but I would pull a stand alone 12v circuit from the box. On ours we have 3 open 12v slots, if I remember correct. 12v is very straight forward, a positive and a negative. Pulling from the box, the positive wire will be anchored next to the fuse slot you want to use, and the negative will come back to the ground. Look at any other 12v circuit in the box and copy it. From your description, the wires you found under the sink are on the 120v circuit and are fused links. (that's what I found under mine) We added 2 12v outlets in our 177, one on the front street side bench and one next to the bed. I just tapped into the power sources for the propane detector and the heater fan motor. But, I am not plugging in medical equipment, if I was, as I said, I would pull a new circuit.

Jdub Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 17 Mar 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 94	Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 9:32am
	Terry, just how do you tap into those lines for the 12v? Red goes to what??? Black to ???? After a recent extended trip I realized how nice it would be to have 12v outlets in the pod...the 178 doesn't have any.

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950	Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 4:04am
	I use a CPAP also. On my Pod the bed is directly under the TV/radio combo. The TV amplifier runs on 12v so I taped into that for the CPAP. I have no idea what those wires are for that you found. There will be people checking in with other suggestions. I take it that you are planning on camping without hookups because the CPAP runs on 110v AC with its power cord. Terry
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waterflaws Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Location: dENVER Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 12:29am
	We'd like to add some 12V receptacles. I was looking for the water pump, and when looking behind (breaking through, actually) the cabinet under the sink, I noticed some red and white wire pairs. Are these 12V lines? Is red "hot"? Would I be able to tap into those for a 12V receptacle? How do I fix the "walls" of the cabinet (hah!)? We got two deep cycle batteries for our two CPAP'S (which we have been hooking up directly to the battery via cord). So far, it looks like one machine only uses around 25% of one battery (or 1/8th of both). Hopefully we'll have plenty of power for lights and appliances. I DO wish the AC would run on 12V!