[klp]

What is everyone using for 12v outlets? USB seems like the best bet, I am having trouble finding decent quality outlets with good output. Most of the ones I am finding are 2.1a split on two outlets. I would love to find a 4.8a dual outlet or even a single with decent output.

Traditional 12v outlets (cigarette lighter style) seem so old fashioned and you need to carry a bunch of adapters with you. There are plenty of high powered cheap USB chargers available for these though.

Anderson Powerpole are something I have seen around but not researched much. Seems they can carry a lot of current but I don't know if I even need that.

https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution

I would love some input on what others are running - bonus if you include a link. I will soon have a battery setup with nothing to power, I am anxious to hook some stuff up!

 

[ranxerox]

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1129

 

[asdrew]

I put one like this in our dash tray (click for link)

4.2A total

 

[surly Bill]

There are a lot of things made for hard-wired installation of DC stuff; you can find them in the boating world.

I agree that the 12vdc automobile powerpoint is an antiquated style, and is dangerous; a person can stick their finger in to receive a surprise! But, we've arrived at this configuration over the years and there are too many accessories that rely on it to do an abrupt change. A dual plug similar to home electronics would be ideal, but obviously not the SAME so you don't plug the wrong thing into the wrong voltage.

However, now a lot of things run on 5vdc (phones, tablets, GPS, etc) so you can install a panel mount 5vdc powerpoint like asdrew pictured above. I'll be putting one like that in the overhead shelf; except without the digital readout because I don't want the light. Those can be found in a variety of styles on Amazon/Ebay. I'm still using an adapter in the 12vdc port on the cupholder, but when it fails I'll replace the port with a built-in like pictured above. The only things I have that plug directly into a 12vdc port are a small inverter, compressor, and crappy heat/cool fridge.

 

[MikeQBF]

As already said - stick with the "cigarette lighter" style for 12V, it's universal.

This is the second time I've read you saying something about "USB for 12V". Is that right, you actually want to use USB-style connectors to supply 12V, or am I miss-reading your intention, you just want regular USB 5V for phones, etc? USB outlets are for regulated 5VDC only. The "12V" scenario: buddy rides along, pulls out his phone and charge cable, plugs it into your "USB" outlet... and destroys his phone.

About PowerPoles... I've been using them for 30 years or more. They're reliable, easy to work with, and there's just something satisfying about the "Lego block" nature of building multi-point connectors. Heck, there's even a cigarette-lighter to PowerPole adapter! The PowerWerx line of power taps is great, provided you're into hacking a new plug onto everything. If you seriously pursue PowerPoles, then buy the proper crimp tool.

MFJ... those of us in communications quip "Mighty Fine Junk". They have improved over the years, but for the price, your best bet is PowerWerx.

 

[klp]

Thanks for the replies all!

Gypsy do you use your 12v socket for anything other than USB/5v chargers? I can't think of another use for them - maybe inflating air mattresses? Some of the better 5v chargers are designed for a socket but I am wondering if I can use the socket for anything else or maybe should just skip it and put in 5v and be done.

I don't really need dual 5v outlets and most of them don't offer full power in both anyways. Anyone know of a single port 5v charger?

 

[klp]

USB 5v Mike. Sorry I am electric illiterate.

 

[MikeQBF]

... I can't think of another use for them - maybe inflating air mattresses?... Anyone know of a single port 5v charger?

Single-port USB chargers that fit into a cig lighter socket are everywhere - our local Walgreens must have two or three different styles. Can't vouch for quality, however. I'd go to a phone store and pay a few bucks more for a product they would stand behind.

Oh my goodness... there is a ton of stuff that uses 12V outlets! Vacuum cleaners, "emergency" tire inflators, flashlights, coffee pots, even small ovens. At one time I had a cig-lighter adapter for my laptop instead of trying to use an inverter for the stock 110VAC brick. Just go to a truck stop store and see what they have for the trucker market. A lot of it is junk, but only then do you get a full view of the hidden world of 12V appliances.

 

[surly Bill]

I would always have at least one cigarette lighter style port, because as Mike states above; there are times when you NEED one. I installed a panel mount 12vdc port in the back of my driver seat base, connected to the battery. That's my go-to for when I need to run my compressor, and I also have my 400w inverter mounted there that I plug into it. On the dash, meh. I have nothing that needs 12vdc, everything is 5vdc USB. I have had a problem with my life accomplice with a panel mount USB port that I installed to my radio (to play thumbdrives or connect phone for playlists), and she keeps thinking it's a charging port.

The wire used in USB cables is such that anything above 2-3amps continuous would probably have too much resistance and get hot or maybe melt the housing.

 

[klp]

Looks like 12v outlets is the way to go! I will put a few in and buy some quality 5v converters.

 

[as3ffd]

Anderson Powerpoles are common in the ham radio world. This site has all kinds of Powerpole connectors, and quite a bit of other 12v stuff as well.

https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors (Edit - saw you posted that link already....)

Also for a Powerpole 'hub', use this: http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php

USB is not the best bet due to it's limited current (amperage) capacity. Powerpoles have no such limitation, but their sizes do change for the high (45+) amp versions.

 

[Mobileempire]

Anderson power plugs are also available , really nice 12 volt connector

 

[jethaden]

For USB charging ports, I have been using https://www.bluesea.com/products/1045/Fast_Charge_-_Dual_USB_Charger_Socket_Mount (4.8 amp). Maybe a bit pricey. Has low parasitic draw. Plus several Blueseas cigarette plugs for generic 15 amp use.

 

[Bez]

You can't get electrical shock with 12V so sticking a finger into the cigarette lighter socket shouldn't harm you.

I will keep several 12V sockets inside my van instead of wiring USB ports. Reason: these sockets are universal while USB standard changes all the time. If you have a phone or tablet with quick charge feature you will want a quick charger which dynamically changes supply voltage - initially at 9V for quick charge then 5V later on in the charge cycle. That's how I understand it works. And then there're already newer quick-charge standards that will require a different adapter. So I keep my age old 12V socket and just swap out plug in adapters.

 

[asdrew]

I have 5 12v sockets and 4 double USB sockets + 2 more ports on my inverters, and they are placed conveniently around the wagon, best off both worlds.
I almost never use the 12v sockets, but they're there and available.
Most of the USB ports get used regularly.

I don't think USB type A ports for 5v charging have physically changed, and the sockets are very cheap to replace if there is some modification.

 

[Hoosier 45]

I can across this.

https://www.howtogeek.com/214300/st...gers-and-start-using-a-universal-usb-charger/

 

[klp]

Yup those Scosche chargers look sweet. Provide a true 2.4a to each port - cheapie chargers are 2.4 total, not ideal for two port use.

I just bought four of these, gonna start with a couple 5v chargers for now.

 

[surly Bill]

You can't get electrical shock with 12V so sticking a finger into the cigarette lighter socket shouldn't harm you.

Ok, I'll just wet my finger and use it to clean out the dust, then. Thanks!

 

[stevigee]

Im thinking of installing 12v sockets throughout the van and then use these dual 2.4a usb ports or maybe others like these.

https://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/usb-car-charger-dual-port

 

[SierraHiker]

Ok, I'll just wet my finger and use it to clean out the dust, then. Thanks!

And then you can light your cigarette with your finger.