We decided to modernize a USB outlet in the living area of our 2018 Pleasure-Way Lexor van to support USB-C.
It’s an easy project, so give it a try. We documented our process in case it might be helpful for you.
Here’s the original USB Outlet. It even has a marine style cover in case you spill a drink in the van.
We opted for an unlit outlet this time because the blue light in the original (above) always bothered me at night.
Some of our devices still use USB-A cables, so the new outlet has one type A and one type C outlet. There are lots of options out there, so find one that works for you. We haven’t yet decided what we are going to use to replace the matching dual outlet in the other ottoman.
Replacement Steps
Turn the power off
Unscrew the 4 Robertson style screws on the Spyder Circuit Breaker Panel. There is one at each corner.
Gently Lift the Panel Out. It can be set here like this without undoing any wiring from the panel. The back of the USB outlet is circled in yellow.
Unplug the two wires from the old USB port.
Note which wire is plugged into the + side. It should be red.
Unscrew the retaining ring. Use pliers if needed. Pull the old unit out from the front.
Insert the new unit.
Secure it with the retaining ring.
Attach the power (red to + and black to -)
Gently place the Spyder circuit breaker panel back in the opening.
Secure it with the four Robertson screws.
Turn the power back on.
Test your new USB outlets. Plug in your electronic device(s) and see if they charge.
Congratulations on upgrading your USB system!
Measuring Power Delivery
If you want to know more about USB power, read on.
Pleasure-Way Connected the outlets on both sides of the van to a 12 volt, 5 amp circuit. 12 x 5 =60, so there are only 60 watts available between the four outlets. If you plug four high powered devices in and charging is problematic, now you know why.
The photo above shows my iPhone 15 Plus using 23.5* watts while plugged into the new outlet . *(8.12 volts x 2.89 amps = 23.5 watts)
If you need more power, consider separating the two dual plugs (one is in each ottoman) and wiring one to a free circuit on the Spyder panel. On our Lexor, Breaker 39 isn’t used, so could deliver 10 amps at 12 volts.
A handy chart is printed on the circuit breaker panel showing the amps available (all at 12 volts) for each circuit. Our Lexor doesn’t have a power step or an outside entertainment system, so circuits 39, 42, and 44 are currently unused. I wouldn’t use circuit 44 because, at 30 amps, it is a higher amperage than needed for USB power delivery and could overheat the wires.
Cables
Did you know that cables are rated to deliver different amounts of power? Our local Macintosh User Group had a demonstration of differing cable types at a recent meeting. Based on member recommendations, we decided to get some new cables that support charging at 60 watts.
A unique feature to these cables is the addition of a magnet on one end. Being able to attach a cable to any ferrous metal makes it easy to keep the cable end accessible. We clip ours to the side of the window so they stay up when we convert the couch to a bed at night.
Cables are $17.95 on the Function 101 web site. We’ve seen a few 30% and 40% off sales, so watch their site for a discount if you are interested. They also make Apple TV remotes, cable retainers, and cables with built-in power meters.
Note: We aren’t associated with Function101 and don’t receive a commission or discount from the company.
Please leave a comment and let us know if you upgrade your USB outlets.
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