Early on, we had tried to listen to the dash radio/tape deck/CD while boondocking. We discovered that the ignition needed to be turned on. I wondered why not just have the dash radio and power plugs (cigarette lighter) wired off the house batteries rather than the vehicle battery. "No problem" said the technicians I talked to.
The original article resulted in several responses. And some carried it further than I had envisioned.
Under the dash on the left is the primary 12 volt electrical box with connections and fuses. One half is reportedly assigned to the vehicle battery and the other half to the house batteries. One writer actually disconnected his vehicle battery under the hood to make sure he was taking power off the house system. Once you identify the house circuit you wish to use, it is a simple matter to run wire to those extra power plugs on the dash, to the dash radio, or even to other parts of the coach (though picking up 12 volt power where you want the extra power plug is easier).
John writes
We never have enough outlets for 12 volt appliances when are boon docking. Now we do. I added one in the kitchen, under the cabinet and as long as I was in the panel above the microwave we added a low voltage light. Cost under $50.00. Approx. 2 hrs to complete. The glow ring on the power plug unit provides a nightlight.
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Keep in mind that if you like such an idea, your local RV technician can do this for you, and it should not be very costly.
Doug and Linda
Jack Dailey [jack.dailey@sbcglobal.net] added one in the bedroom.
Yes they do make 12 volt electric blankets.