12v outlet/3-in-1 adapter Question

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by X-Country, Jul 12, 2014.

  1. X-Country

    X-Country Medium Load Member

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    I got assigned to a new truck today, that only has one 12v outlet on the dash. I need 3 ports.

    I had a cheap flimsy 3-in-1 adapter, it worked good for about 5 minutes then it melted, lol. Found out why though, the fuse was only 7.5 amps. my three devices use a total of 12 amps combined.

    the fusebox for the cigarette lighter outlet has a 20 amp rated fuse.

    I stopped by the T/A today and got a quality heavy duty 3-in-1, but it had a 10 amp fuse. I grabbed a pack of glass tube fuses, and replaced it with a 15 amp fuse.

    I should be ok to run the 3-in-1 with the upgraded fuse now, as the fuse will now supports the 3 items I want to run correct?
     
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  3. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    what 3 items are you running? they make a plug that has 3 usb ports. although, 1 and 2 are the more commonly sold items.

    simple plugs, no fuses.
     
  4. X-Country

    X-Country Medium Load Member

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    rand mcnally 520
    go-pro dashcam
    igloo 40 qt 12v cooler
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2014
  5. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Is it a 12v outlet or the cigarette lighter your using ? Big difference between the two. Do not use the lighter to power your electronics unless you like replacing those gadgets. I use a small 400w inverter up front(12v) that has two usb ports on it and use one of the electrical plugs to charge my phone or laptop use. The two usb plugs, one for the tablet(gps) and the other for either phone or charging my headset.

    IMO, Use the plug in the bunk for your cooler.
     
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  6. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    the colman cooler i sould find anohter place to plug it into. is your truck a day cab or a sleeper? if sleeper is ther a plug in the back?
     
  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    the cooler is your problem. it needs it's own power source.
     
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  8. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    yep snowwy nailed it
     
  9. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Yep, look behind the driver's seat in the fridge covey hole on the floor should be another 12V plug-in Use that one for your cooler. You can find a couple 2x4's, lay them on the floor and put your fridge on top of that. Then you can open the door. Or if you insist the fridge be close to you the cord will still reach there.

    Some of them roadpro crap plugs won't stay plugged in. I found if you cut about 1/2" off a small cable tie it will help hold the plug in place.

    Depending on the truck you should have another outlet in the bunk area and one in the TV area. Leave the front one for a GPS and dash cam. The fuse panel has vacant accessory slots. Create your own.

    You'd think the manufacturers would catch on.


    Make sure the cooler is fused for the cooler. I had one melt on me. It about killed me. :)
     
  10. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    First off, there is a reason the fuse is rated at 10 amps. It rated that way because anything over 10 amps will fry the wire. Putting a 10 amp fuse in frys the fuse prior to frying the wire. Putting a 15 amp fuse is is unsafe and gets rid of that safety measure. This is how truck fires start. Also, the 20 amp on the cigarette lighter itself....what does the truck say its supposed to take. Most trucks max at 15, not 20.

    Simply put, make sure no one used a bigger fuse on the cigaret lighter and if so replace with correct lower size.

    On your 3 to 1s...dont use a bigger fuse. If you do, you risk wires melting and potentially a fire.

    Fuses are there for a reason, you cant just go around putting bigger fuses in to get more power.
     
  11. X-Country

    X-Country Medium Load Member

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    First off it's a 2010 Freightliner Columbia. So its a super single truck.

    one 12v outlet up front (it's not a cigarette lighter, just a 12v outlet)...didn't realize there was a difference.
    there is a 12V outlet in back in the sleeper.

    In the rear, my 400w power inverter is already plugged in for my laptop and my cell phone charger.
     
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