The most current you should put through a cig lighter socket is 10A. It's also worth checking if both those sockets are on the same fuse, and what it is rated to.
Jaycar Inverter (AAA charger & USB charger) How many watts is the inverter? 150W will draw up to 12.5A
Wildcountry coolbox 6-7A
DVD player. (2 kids = 2 players. ) 1-2A
So that's too much for the rear socket. If you have dual batteries (which would be a very good idea for the trip you're planning), I'd run both the inverter and fridge straight off the auxiliary battery.
BTW, if you're using a cheap double adapter that looks like this, find something better. Those ones corrode and/or melt.
Thanks for that detailed advice, I will check the fuse situation.
The inverter is a 150W model, with '3 pin' and 'USB' outlets. (I assume these are OK, because they are specifically designed to be powered by the ciggie socket.)
The adaptor is a quality one ($18 @ Burson Automotive) not the $8 cheapie. It also has surge protection on 2 outlets (3rd for ciggies?) and a 'low battery' LED which flashes as a warning.
I'll probably get a second one of these for the front as well. (Will certainly steer clear of the 'knuckle duster' design.)
I agree with you about the dual battery, however time and $ have caught up with me this time. (I do have an 'emergency start' battery which plugs in via the ciggie lighter.)
Based on your advice, here is my 'least risk' solution for this trip:
Only intend to use the two surge protected sockets on each adaptor. Or should I use the 3rd - 'regular' - socket for the cooler?
Front outlet
Cooler running full time,
DVD when required.
Rear Outlet
Inverter to charge Nicads / IPod / Netbook. OR DVD when required.
MP3 Player (on the basis that, assuming the Inverter is OK, because it is designed to work on this socket, the MP3 won't cause a problem because it draws virtually no current. )
Will also be carrying a power board for charging at powered camping sites when available.
(Worst case, DVDs go flat and kids watch the 'imax' scenery! :ebiggrin::lol::biggrin
Finally checked the 'fuse box' lid - next to bonnet / hood latch for any who haven't had cause to fid it. 'Cigar' 10A, '12V Plug' 20A. So, I can do a bit more than I had thought!:biggrin:
The inverter wont always draw its max power (current)!
But yes it is a good idea to not use it and the cooler on the same socket. You will likely blow a fuse (which is there job - rather than burn out wiring and have your car go up in smoke)
G'day Barry,
What I did was to remove my ashtray and fit a double metal type cigarette socket. I had to trim/bend the ends of the top of it to make it fit and it is separately fused. Its held in by a couple of small self tapping screws through the top section of it into the plastic ashtray surround. I got carried away and fitted a switch also so I can turn the MP3/FM transmitter off.
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