Skip to content

Off-grid phone charging woes solved by this do-it-yourself project in a caravan

Easily accessing a phone charger during a caravan trip is a straightforward method to improve your experience, according to Nigel Donnelly.

A homemade project provided the needed solution for our dilemma of powering two phones in our...
A homemade project provided the needed solution for our dilemma of powering two phones in our caravan while disconnected from the grid.

Off-grid phone charging woes solved by this do-it-yourself project in a caravan

Nigel Donnelly, a lifelong caravanner, has shared his latest DIY project on Twitter @nrdonnelly. In this endeavour, he aimed to install two sockets with a shelf, ideally within reach of the bed, for charging phones in his 1998 Bailey caravan.

The project began with the search for the perfect sockets. Nigel found surface-mount accessory sockets, with a double socket being chosen for the job. These sockets came with right-angled crimp terminals, and additional flag terminal crimping pliers were necessary for the installation.

The sockets were placed to the right of the centre chest, on the front shelf, and USB-C and USB-A adaptors were added for phone charging convenience. However, the cables were run under the curtains instead of the intended route underneath the unit, necessitating careful drilling for a suitable exit point.

A fuse was added to the setup, and the sockets were tested, which lit up, indicating they were functioning correctly. The power supply for the sockets was not specified in the given paragraph, but the cable chosen was 2.5mm2, which can handle up to 16A, to accommodate the potential 3A draw of the sockets and prevent voltage drops.

The three-way lever-lock connectors allowed for the joining of the 12V feeds for the sockets to the 12V supply from the battery, as well as for the earths. These connectors proved useful, providing a secure and efficient method for wiring the new sockets.

A disclaimer was provided, stating that the information in the article is provided at the reader's own risk and that readers should exercise their independent judgement and take appropriate safety precautions.

For those considering off-grid travel, a guide to caravan solar panels might be a useful resource. Nigel's DIY project serves as a practical example of how additional accessories can be added to a caravan to enhance its functionality and convenience. The cables were clipped back and the surface mount screwed down, preparing the setup for use.

In conclusion, Nigel Donnelly's DIY project of installing additional sockets in his 1998 Bailey caravan is a great example of how caravanners can customise their vehicles to better suit their needs. With careful planning, the right tools, and a dash of DIY spirit, caravans can be transformed into comfortable, functional homes on wheels.

Read also:

Latest