I've never been a big fan of cigarette lighter plugs. They're a kluge from the past. If they don't fit in there all the way they tend to get hot. That's what they were designed to do. But in today's plastic world, things melt.
I have several electronic devices along with a cooler that use cig plugs. If I hook up the cooler to the cigarette lighter it does fine. But if I use a 3-way adapter in order to join up all my electronic devices, sometimes the weight of it all pulls the cigarette lighter splitter loose and then it gets hot.
My idea is to use the power poles that are provided on the dash for the CB radio. Im thinking they are capable of adequate amperage.. I don't use a CB anymore. I drive a 2017 Volvo day cab. I was thinking of taking a USB docking station and connecting it to the CB power poles. Then I was going to create USB connectors for all of my electronic devices, splicing in fuses of course. This will keep the cords tidy on the dash and not scattered..
The cooler can probably stay plugged into the cig plug. Although I would consider converting to USB if it would work safely.
I don't want to hard wire if I don't have to. I've had this truck since new for over 5 years and am expecting a new one very soon.
Am I on the right track here?
Devices are:
phone
dash cam
GPS
tablet(dash mounted) for weather radar, Google maps, Drivewize and load info.
Accopower Lion Cooler
LION COOLER SPEC'S
Refrigerator Capacity: 50 Liters / 52 Quarts
Rated Current for DC: 3A Freezer
Car charging Input: DC 12~36V/ 10A
Doing away with cigarette lighter plugs.
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by MooneyBravo, Jul 31, 2021.
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MooneyBravo and AModelCat Thank this.
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Wire the cooler with a fuse onto the cb power. Everything else use the cig plug.
Last Call, 86scotty and MooneyBravo Thank this. -
Most of what you listed can operate on USB ports. There are adapters with multi USB’s. Only your cooler might require the antiquated 12V outlet. Your CB pole is likely only good for 10 amps.
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Sounds like I need to create a USB junction that can be hardwired into the fuse box.
I have 2 cigs. For the time being, I have a 3 way cig lgtr splitter that I mounted on top of the dashboard with velcro coming out of 1. One of the 3 way powers a 4 way USB. The fridge is running in cig lgtr 2. Since the weight from previous setup is no longer pulling it down it seems to be fine.
Just not a fan of them. I can't believe they are still munufactured vs USB ports. -
The cigarette lighter is cheaper and more versatile. You can easily convert a cigarette lighter to a multiport usb. You can't do the reverse.MooneyBravo and 86scotty Thank this. -
Also, if you run a dashcam, see if it plays well with all of this other stuff before you commit. My dashcam flickers unless it has it's own dedicated power wire. I'm on my 2nd of the same brand and same issue.
MooneyBravo Thanks this. -
12v cigarette lighter plugs can also vibrate loose. If it's something that's basically a permanent fixture of the truck, I would find a way to wire it direct with a fuse rated for the appliance. Underneath the steering wheel and on the left hand side behind the foot pedals is another place you can get power from. There is a positive and negative stud you can get power from, although I'm not sure how much. You can run the wires up the left hand side and then across the dash to wherever you might need them.
MooneyBravo Thanks this. -
What you need is something like these that are basically drop in replacements to convert the 12v outlet to USB for the electronics side.
https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Charge-Waterproof-Charger-Motorcycle/dp/B089SNPYFL -
Thankyou
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