Club 80-90 Forums

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but if I am not hooked up, can I still use the electrical plugs in my van (to charge my laptop or run an electric heater for example).

I was sure I could but now can't, even when the engine is running. I am now wondering if I am imagining the fact that I could.

Not unless you have some sort of inverter built into your van.

Jason4479 wrote:Forgive me if this is a stupid question

You are forgiven

You will certainly require an inverter. You can buy them cheaply enough & they plug directly into a 12v socket. But even the largest of portable inverters
will only manage a few amps at 230v, not enough for a heater.

It should do your laptop though. I got an invertor from Maplins that goes in the cigarette lighter and will power my laptop. Runs off the leisure battery rather than the main battery.

If all you want to do is run a laptop, you're better off with a 12v laptop power supply - Maplins do a good one.

horns wrote:If all you want to do is run a laptop, you're better off with a 12v laptop power supply - Maplins do a good one.

as do fleabay