Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: 2017 178

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2017 178 - USB PLUGS

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11004
Printed Date: 29 Jun 2025 at 6:50am
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Topic: 2017 178 - USB PLUGS

Posted By: TEDDY
Subject: 2017 178 - USB PLUGS
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 3:31pm

There are two USB ports on the wall near the TV - they don't seem to charge my phone. Any ideas?

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Teddy

Replies:

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 4:06pm

They make USB testers, 5-15 bucks, Amazon sells, I think WalMart does too.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 4:20pm

They may require 120 volts AC. They do make DC ones that plug into a cigarette lighter

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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod

Posted By: RichC
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 4:24pm

I've noticed that the usb on my Jensen unit doesn't work well. It cuts off. Did I miss something in the manual which I only skimmed?

I also installed the combo 12 v plug, usb port, and battery gauge (which I really like). So, not a major issue.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 4:32pm

I have an older model 178, so I installed 12V plug, USBs and gauge. Works fine. Only comment is my USB ports work off 12V.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 8:08pm

I'll look for a USB tester...... Thanks.

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Teddy

Posted By: RichC
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2017 at 12:47pm

It occurred to me that the USB plug on the Jensen is not for charging but only for media input. Am I having a "D'OH!" moment? Where did I put that manual?

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2017 at 1:39pm

YES - the Jensen USB port is for input - not for charging or output.
I ordered a USB tester from Amazon - Walmart store doesn't carry them (only on-line).

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Teddy

Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2017 at 9:05pm

Teddy: do you have your pod plugged inyo shore power when you are trying to charge with the USB p;igs?

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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2017 at 11:52pm

Yes - shore power. The USB tester should come by Monday so I can check it out.

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Teddy

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 10:55am

Scraped the wires - there is voltage across them per my vm - so I've ordered a replacement from Amazon - hope it fits the round hole. Problem must be with the internal wiring in the USB socket set.

Bummer! I confess, I did not check out the USB charger when I accepted delivery of the 178. My bad.

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Teddy

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 4:38pm

Teddy, got to ask - what was the voltage measurement?

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 4:51pm

About 14 vdc, no load. I suspect it would have been 12vdc or less if there were a load present.

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Teddy

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:09pm

OK, it's battery voltage, seems high but not concerned, you have some options now:) You can use wires to add voltmeter and maybe cig lighter plug in combo along with USBs, make sure they are laptop/IPhone compatible. Good work.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2017 at 4:00pm

Today I replaced the inoperative original equipment USB dual charging port with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6S2SNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Ginsco Dual USB Charger Socket Power Outlet 2.1A & 2.1A（4.2A） for Car Boat Marine RV Mobile with Wire Fuse DIY Kit Blue LED

From Amazon.

Installation was a snap once I determined that:

a) the tiny-gauge wires FR used to feed the original device were short - I got brave enough to pull on them a bit and found that they were wire-nutted to stouter wires just 6" into the hole

and

b) that when I originally wired up the new device I forgot it was DC and had the +/_ reversed. Once I got that right, the new port(s) work well.

I used plastic wire nuts with metal inserts that screw onto the wire ends, and then used electrician's tape to tape the bundles together to prevent the wire nuts from coming loose due to vibration.

Thanks for all the advice/support - this one's put to bed!

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Teddy

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2017 at 4:22pm

COOL, Teddy.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."