If that device that Jim recommended is as good as the syntax of its
description, it may not be worth much.  Just sayin'.

mcneely

On Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 12:54 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> So many fun ideas.
>
> Dennis and I talked and as he had not yet put in my USB ports in the back
> we will do the GFIC update below and add USB ports and a outlet where I
> think I will find them very helpful.  Perhaps a picture will arrive in the
> not too distant future.
>
> Eric
>
>
> > On Dec 30, 2020, at 1:24 PM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM> wrote:
> >
> > This fits where the rear seat ashtray is:
> >
> >
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JOUFLO6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00
> >
> > WAY more useful than gum/candy wrapper receptacle.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >> On Dec 29, 2020, at 10:35 AM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Dennis,
> >>
> >>       Good point about the battery USB not being a issue if hooked to
> shore power with my new set up.
> >>
> >> I agree the outlets on the floor is not a good placement.  I actually
> think near the upper square refrigerator vent would be most useful and
> practical. I was considering a GFI in the existing floor outlet and a
> outlet maybe with the two USB ports  eventually by the vent on the side
> wall of the kitchen cabinet.
> >>
> >>
> >> Heidi and I usually have about 4 devices to charge at night, but there
> will be some USB on the front dash as well as in the rear.  Still more and
> more of my devices use USB rather then plugs.
> >>
> >> Wish I could see the pics to consider the options.
> >>
> >> It would be nice to not have to use the lower outlet unless looking for
> a easy temporary place to plug in the car vacuum.
> >>
> >> eRic
> >>
> >>
> >>> On Dec 29, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Getting more features into a receptacle device is much more involved
> that just adding buttons or sockets. Both require components to make it
> work. Since the cabinets are wood it is actually quite easy to add more
> boxes or even replace the existing with a double gang. In you case since
> you now have the battery/charger power supply when you are connected to
> shore power you can use the USB socket being installed near the table. Do
> you want more than 2?
> >>>
> >>> As for upgrades I think that outlet is actually in a bad spot. Stuff
> is always placed in that area especially when the bed is open making it
> both difficult to reach and when the vehicle is in motioned heavy items
> tend to damage plugs and the outlet when things are left connected.
> >>>
> >>> Here is a link to some pictures of outlet options.
> >>>
> >>> https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqaEiIhKCAKbkfIU7aqJGyFHsjlMqg?e=Ba0Azg
> >>>
> >>> Dennis
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Eric Caron
> >>> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 2:17 PM
> >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >>> Subject: Re: Van Upgrade idea your thoughts?
> >>>
> >>> Kim you are probably correct, at least for now,
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> But, who would have thought two USB ports, would fit into the same
> space as a standard outlet?  It is already a nice space saver. If they made
> the buttons smaller on a GFCI versos, or changed the placement who knows?
> Might even be a USB C version that takes up even less room then standard
> USB and would work the same for me.
> >>>
> >>> Or a GFCI version that has one outlet and one area with two USB
> slots.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> It seems like often once I think of something and ask I find it is out
> there somewhere.
> >>>
> >>> Even just replacing the shore outlet with a unit that is the same size
> with two additional USB seems a nice upgrade for the space.
> >>>
> >>> I think a GFCI  in the cabinet would be a improvement, or I will still
> need to research a GFCI short extension cord to use outside the van between
> shore and van.
> >>>
> >>> But, the more compact and space and weight saving the better.
> >>>
> >>> Having it built in would be ideal for safety and convenience.
> >>>
> >>> I was planning to put a GFCI outlet in the current position but am now
> tempted to put the standard outlet with the two USB ports there.  The combo
> would have address all areas.
> >>>
> >>> I’ve got time to contemplate the options.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Eric Caron
> >>>
> >>>> On Dec 28, 2020, at 1:54 PM, KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@mac.com> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> There is only so much space, and the buttons needed for GFCI testing
> (and reset) occupy a lot of the space that any USB ports would.
> >>>>> On Dec 28, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> So, Anyone know of a source for  a good GFCI outlet that also has
> USB ports?  A perfect space saver for a vanagon.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Eric Caron
> >>>>>> On Dec 28, 2020, at 11:30 AM, Dennis Haynes <
> d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Generally speaking Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) is
> required anyplace appliances-tools can be used where a ground path can also
> be present. This includes but is not limited to basements, garages,
> kitchens, bathrooms, etc. The Vanagon is both outside and you can be
> standing on the ground with hair dryer in hand and you have the kitchen.
> I'm not sure when but many of the 90-91 I've worked on have one from the
> factory hidden in that cabinet rear of the fridge.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Now in theory, if you are connecting to nay properly installed
> outlet outside or in your garage GFCI protection should also be there.
> However we know that often campground equipment is not as it should be.
> Also many campgrounds have 30 or 50 amp receptacles and an adapter may be
> used to connect the standard cord. This is why there is the requirement for
> over current protection and hence the circuit breaker in our vans.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> When selecting a GFCI outlet look for the better ones. They are
> exposed to temperature changes, moisture and sometimes abuse. Look for a
> "Pro" or "Commercial" grade.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> GFCIs are interesting devices . The concept is to compare the
> current on both the hot and neutral legs and if there is a difference
> assume a ground fault and open the circuit. As such they will work even if
> a ground wire is not present. If you have an older home with only a two
> sire system a GFCI can be used to provide protection.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> When modifying these systems as simple as they appear it is
> extremely important to pay attention to polarity, it does matter which wire
> white/black goes to which wire on devices/appliances and that there is a
> full understanding of the difference of the "grounded" connector, (neutral,
> current carrying, white), and the "grounding" connector, (bare, green,
> non-current carrying except faults), and the limited places these 2 get
> tied together.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Dennis
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
> >>>>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf
> Of Eric Caron
> >>>>>> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 9:13 AM
> >>>>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >>>>>> Subject: Van Upgrade idea your thoughts?
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Hi folks,
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>   I was pondering my van and thought of a possible upgrade that
> seemed simple and helpful. I wondered if there was such a thing as a
> electrical outlet that also had usb built in.  I thought that would go
> nicely in the stock position, or anywhere someone put in a standard outlet.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>   I looked on Amazon and it does look like such a thing exists.  So
> If it exists and fits the van then in the same space you would have the two
> outlets and two USB ports.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Has anyone done this?  And  am I right in that the outlet exists?
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Even better would be if there is a GFI version then I could replace
> the original 35 year old outlet with a GFI with USB ports.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Your thoughts?
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Eric Caron
> >>>>>> Dreaming about his van’s return
> >>>>
>