USB technology vs old style cigarette receptacle - which do you prefer?

Michigan_Mike · December 2015

I know that the factory still installs the "cigarette style receptacles" in their trailers but am curious as to how many of you are actually using the cig ports or if you feel they are needed? The only time I ever use or have used the cigarette receptacle was for my LED plug-in style volt meter and for my former 12V DC TV, so there are applications that require it. I eliminated the need for this by installing a permanent LED meter in my trailer and previously had converted the charging center (with Cig style port/USB combo) to a volt meter/dual USB port in my former Silver Shadow and basically tossed the cig receptacle. I have a USB fan, portable shower head, laptop, iPhone, blue tooth speaker, etc. so I consider the cig style port obsolete for my personal usage. I also understand that 12V DC volt meters are in some of their 2016 models now.

I recently installed a 120V AC/ dual USB port style receptacle (below) into my trailer (for shore power use) and also installed two, dual 12V DC USB ports at the rear (above the new receptacle) of the trailer for cell phone charging/other device uses, etc. so all 12V DC needs are covered. I just wanted to take a straw poll of sorts and see if people are actually using the cigarette style plug-in port and get some feedback as to whether you actually are using it or believe they should discontinue installing this style port in future trailers. I will share any feedback with Little Guy and the factory as they do listen and do incorporate your ideas into their trailer designs.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5016350/uploads/editor/1a/9rhiw5zwr01q.jpg

jkjenn · December 2015

I do still use the cigarette style outlet for charging my Goal Zero stuff and my camera batteries.

Nomad · December 2015

Still need the cig plug - Do wish the cig plug down next to the AC outlet was a combo cig/usb like the one above the kitchen counter though. Also wish there was a DC - cig/usb - outside next to the current AC recepticles. Computer and camera batteries are AC so use an inverter when I don't feel like hauling out the generator.

Mouseketab · December 2015

My one and only 12V socket has the battery meter in it. I rarely boondock. I have a 10-spot USB charger module plugged into one of the interior electrical plugs. With two cell phones, ipad, and ecig batteries, I have lots of USB charging needs.

My Canon T3i camera batteries charge in a charger on standard 110 power. The laptop plugs into standard 110 power.

ChanW · December 2015

I use the cig style plug. Good for anything automotive, of course, and I'm able to take out the USB adapter when I'm not using it.

Something that we need to consider is that a USB port is actually putting out regulated 5V, so the 12V must be converted. A 12v USB port is usually always on because of that, and I've measured from 150mA to 250mA draw when the USB port is idle, and nothing is plugged into it.

So the 'phantom draw' is a real downside to 12V USB ports.

I've seen some 120V USB outlets that have a little mechanical door type thing that switches the power off when not in use, but nothing in 12V like that. I'd be wary of the mechanism failing on it though.

Ratkity · December 2015

My tire air compressor uses a 12V cig plug and the cord isn't long enough to reach the T@B tires if they need inflating. It's plenty long to reach all the pickup truck tires. I run the compressor cord to the inside 12V cig outlet (via front window) in the T@B and have plenty of cord to reach both tires. I do have an adaptor that plugs into a 120V AC outlet and its output is a 12V DC cig plug.

Interesting about the phantom draw, Chan!! Good info.

wizard1880 · December 2015

If we remove the cig plug, that removes direct access to the 12v system. Makes it far more difficult to boondock. Myself and many others directly relt on it for charging laptops, air pumps and countless other items. Please leave the plugs.

Photomom · December 2015

I plan to install a couple of the old style 12v outlets on or near the rear shelf. That will give the most flexibility since we can use USB adapters for iphones & iPads and an inverter for my DSLR and laptop. With no phantom draw.

Verna · December 2015

I charge my camera batteries with the 12V plug/outlet. Also, since I haven't installed my new inverter yet to the battery, the old one needs to plug into the 12V outlet.

ChanW · December 2015

I have to agree with Wizard.

I think the "cig" plug can be considered a 'standard' for 12V power outlets. I too depend on it for many 12V devices, and like Photomom, I would like two more of them in the rear shelf area. Maybe one near the a.c.unit too.

Photomom · December 2015

ChanW said:

I have to agree with Wizard.

I think the "cig" plug can be considered a 'standard' for 12V power outlets. I too depend on it for many 12V devices, and like Photomom, I would like two more of them in the rear shelf area. Maybe one near the a.c.unit too.

I looked into having the factory install them but I can DIY for much less cost. When our T@B comes (4 months with any luck) I'll document the project and post.

jkjenn · December 2015

I have a 12v outlet splitter that takes one outlet and gives you 3. Works great when I need it and no phantom power draw to worry about it. I only need it once a while as I get pretty great battery life out of my Canon DSLR batteries and try to charge the GZ stuff while driving or via solar.

JandJ92010 · December 2015

My wife uses the USB port to keep her phone charged, I used to use the 12v cig port for a plug in volt meter, but now have two hard wired volt meters installed. One is down by the carbon monoxide detector,(makes a nice nightlight) and the other one is out side on my battery box. I also mounted a 12 volt cig outlet outside under the 110 volt outlet for our portable fridge.

RZRBUG · December 2015

If I didn't have the 12V plug, I'd be looking to install one.

KyBawpaw · December 2015

As others said, I use the "cig plug" with an inverter for < 150 watt applications. Namely my laptop.

jbug10 · December 2015

I need and want both. I use the cig plug in for my camera battery charger and my 12v battery meter and use the usb port on the media center for several devises and chargers that need a usb.

Dalehelman · December 2015

You can easily adapt a cig outlet to a USB but not the other way. Nice to have both. If I could only have one it would be a 12 volt cig.

John_and_Kris · December 2015

We use the one cig plug in our MaxS 2016 for a volt meter device. Wish there were 2 USB's in the rear. We have a 110 USB Hub with 6 inputs that at night we charge our 2 phones 2 ipads and Beats Bluetooth headphones. We use the the 110 plug that is next to the Cig Plug in the kitchen.

ChanW · December 2015

Yeah, I find that outlet over the kitchen sink to be hard to use, much of the time, because of its location.

Here's a suggestion for LG: Two more cig outlets in the back shelf area, in either corner, with two plug in USB adapters to go with them, or two switchable USB outlets in addition to the cig outlets.

That would solve the problem of phantom draw, and satisfy all needs...

Photomom · December 2015

ChanW said:

Yeah, I find that outlet over the kitchen sink to be hard to use, much of the time, because of its location.

Here's a suggestion for LG: Two more cig outlets in the back shelf area, in either corner, with two plug in USB adapters to go with them, or two switchable USB outlets in addition to the cig outlets.

That would solve the problem of phantom draw, and satisfy all needs...

I was quoted $200 for the factory to install two 12 volt outlets on the rear shelf. If they were standard it might cost less though.

I think charging my expensive gadgets next to the sink is a bad idea...

markath · August 2017

So? many of you talk about wanting to install cig style 12V plugs on back shelf. How did you finally do it. What was your power source? Photo? Looks like Charging Center outlets like the one over the S Max sink are about $24 on Amazon and some with combinations of volt meters, on off switches, cig style and USB for about the same or even cheaper. My big question is your power source?

Dalehelman · August 2017

This is a copy of my earlier thread.Someone posted somewhere they were quoted $200 to install 2 outlets in their rear cabinets. The following pictures show the steps and parts needed. Cost a little more $5 per outlet plus some wire and a few wire connectors. I located my outlets inside the cabs to avoid dangling wires when in use. You will need a 7/8" hole saw or equivalent and drill. I purchased the outlets at O Reilly's auto for under $5 each. Remove speaker grill by rotating it counter clock wise. Remove speaker. Locate white and blue wires (color may very) that power reading light. Determine which one is power and which one is ground my case blue is power white ground. Drill mounting hole. Since the cab wall is quite thick it is necessary to cut about 1/4" off of the plug retaining ring (see photo). Insert outlet and secure from rear. Hook wire from center of outlet to power wire using 3M connector or solder and tape if preferred. Attach wire from retaining ring to ground wire the same way. Test and reinstall speaker and cover.

USB technology vs old style cigarette receptacle - which do you prefer?

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