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Topic: 12V lighter socket (Read 515 times) previous topic - next topic

12V lighter socket

Good afternoon Folks;

Can anyone tell me what the power (Watts) is on the two lighter sockets on the dash of a U270?

I will be getting an iPad Air shortly and plan to get the RM App for it. I would like to know if there is enough power there keep the iPad batteries up on long drives. The iPad is a gift from our son who works for Apple.

I did read recently that there are people out there using the iPad as GPS. I guess I will attempt it also. Not sure of the term but when you are in the follow mode it really sucks up the battery.

Thanks
Norm

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #1 –
You should have a outlet behind the drivers seat.  You can use that and the inverter while running down the road. That is how I power my laptop with Silverleaf. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #2 –
I'm not sure of the power rating, but I can tell you that I've been running my iPad through the dash socket with this 2.1 A / 1A combination 12v adapter used with the USB cord.  It keeps up with the battery fine.  I got this one at Frys for about $10.  It's the smallest, most minimal one I could find that would charge an iPad and iPhone at the same time.

While running the GPS, which is always on, it will charge an almost dead iPad in about two hours, and once it's at 100%, it stays at 100% until I unplug it. 
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #3 –
I believe the lighter plug is on a 20a circuit @ 12v. A usb cigarette adapter comes in 1a & 2 amp versions. Get the 2A versions since it will let your items charge faster.  The usb adapter is at 5v so if the IPad is using 2 Amps it is still less then  1 amp at 12  volts
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #4 –
Quote from: turbojack –
I believe the lighter plug is on a 20a circuit @ 12v.

That matches our 12V schematic (for the U320 it's the B-2179 drawing, not sure for the U270).  Our driver area and passenger magazine rack 12V auxiliary outlets share a 15a circuit. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #5 –
that works great - the outlet behind seat on investor -

FWIW, lots of AMPs to the 12V outlet too, but for laptop I have a "power Squid" in the outlet left of drivers seat, run a few things off that…..
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: 12V lighter socket

Reply #6 –
Thanks everyone for your assistance.

Norm