Club 80-90 Forums

Any recommendations on which type of cigar lighter type of socket I should fit in my van. I have a cheapy one on the dash but I want to fit one in the rear of the van for charging the mobiles. One with a USB take off would be good too. I've looked at loads on ebay but can't decide which one would be best. Any advice welcomed.

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/dual-usb-c ... -8amp.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


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A fair bit cheaper from here...http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5V-4-2A-Dual- ... ujKl9cRBpQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should have said: I have several items which need the old type cigar lighter socket but some charger cables which need a usb take off. So I need to have a socket with both take offs. Brickwerks one is great but no big plug socket. And that price is way above what I want to pay. (Not saying Brickie are over pricing it!!!).

I use summat like this..http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-12v-3-Way ... Sw2gxYpYtf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks good Rob. I'd want to hard wire to the leisure battery though. Do you reckon I could remove the plug and wire it via a fuse to the leisure battery?

I dont see why not Keith.Mine is held together with screws.That seems to be screwed at the front..

I'll probs give it a go. Thanks Rob.

You best bet is actually these. USB sockets pack up eventually so if you stick with a regular 12v socket (which won't break) you can plug in any 12v usb adapter. For the record I have six such sockets in mine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-12 ... SwYIhWjqXI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They also cope with larger 12v loads. I keep a 12v tyre pump on board and now there is a socket close to each corner for easy access £5.94 the lot. Just run a good sized cable and run them around like a ring mains - thats how I did it anyway.

Nice as the fancy ones look, once the USB socket dies, the thing is redundant then and if you've had to cut out a square panel to fit it, you'd have to find an identical one to replace it - if still available by then. These ones are almost indestructable, only need a small round hole and two screws to fit, and they handle a lot more than two amps if needed. Just plug in your own 12v/USB adapter as required. I used them extensively over the Summer and they work brilliantly plus you can mount them almost anywhere including interior panels at the back so you can plug in a tablet and watch a movie in bed.

I came up with the idea after watching my son stretch my USB charger leads cos the socket wasn't within reach. Not his fault so I just fitted loads. Three week wait but well worth it.

Thanks for that CovKid. Food for thought. Have to say the description made me laugh: It says it's suitable for GPS and fitting to lawn mowers. My lawn just ain't that big!!

Chinese translation at its best I really don't like inbuilt USB sockets though - even the ones you see on domestic mains sockets. They're simply not robust enough for the long term whereas adapters are cheap and easily replaced. Not tested these sockets with very heavy loads but certainly good enough for 8-10 amps so you're not going to overload them. Trust me, these will outlast all the fandango ones You can also plug in any of those cheap 3-way ones that come with USB sockets.

I carry a jump start power pack. It's more of an insurance against a flat battery, as I have never needed to use it since buying it.

However, it DOES have a 12v lighter socket which I find very useful for extra power for recharging or running usb devices (via adapter).

OK so I have to keep moving it around out of the way, but I am happier knowing I have back up if the starter battery packed up.