12v connectors, want 2 set up better system than Cig Lighter

[BobnSofi]

Hi All,

We do lots of dry camping

as time goes on we have more and more 12v connection needs for laptops and phones, and the cigarette lighter connection is not so fun (rubber bands to hold them tight).

our laptops run at 20v, and we have cigarette lighter power supplies (12v => 20V), and we use them in different areas of the coach.

How do you all PROS get away from the cigarette lighter 12v connector for quick connect?

We could set up an inverter system, but it seems inefficient to from 12vdc to 110vac, and back to 20vc.

SO, THE Q IS

WHAT TYPE OF 12V QUICK CONNECT, QUICK CONNECT, QUICK CONNECT IS BETTER THAT A CIG LIGHTER QUICK CONNECT?

!!! thanks in advance !!!

[jrnymn7]

o.k., thanks doug.

thunderbolt, Ah, yes, to avoid reverse polarity, good point.

[64thunderbolt]

jrnymn7 wrote:
Those trolling motor connections look pretty sturdy. But why the third prong? Is that just to improve sturdiness?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Wire-Trolling-Motor-Plug-and-Socket-Set-for-Boats-8-Gauge-Wire-/1305825234...

for orientation to prevent reverse polarity & 12/24v

[DougE]

Some trolling motors are dual voltage so one prong is 12v and the other can be 24v. Other configurations as well. Just ignore the 3rd wire for a standard auto 12v hookup.

[Matt_Colie]

I did a lot of boat work before the depression and used a lot of Amp/Tyco round plastic connectors. Not cheap, but infinitely more reliable than a 12V mousehole. A pair of 4 wire with two each GOLD pins ended up at about 15$. I would always buy enough for the job so I could set every the owner had and give him a couple more with red/black already fit.

Order from Mounser or Jameco. You have to order all the parts separately, plug chassis mount, back shell and pins (male and female). Once you do, you will never want a mousehole set again.

Matt

[wa8yxm]

About half my motor home is wired with Anderson Power Poles, I buy em by the dozens,, You can get power distribution strips, adapters to/from standard Acc outlet and all the stuff you need inclding one darn fine Ratcheting crimp tool from www.westmountainradio.com among other suppliers.

All sorts of adapters, splitters, Rig-Runner strips, poles and more.. Very useful

NOTE the connectors are asexual, there is no Male or Female, you put them together in a standard pattern (Tab up red right looking at the end of the connector as I recall) and you can fit 'em together any way you want.

These are a much smaller version of the connectors many tow trucks have for their jumper cables.. They work.. GREAT

Only caution: From time to time unplug and re-plug them, (They are self cleaning and like all self cleaning stuff, they need to self clean from time to time).

[Chris_Bryant]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Anderson Power Poles

available in sizes between 15 and 350 amp capacities, along with
good mounting options
.

[jplante4]

Clicky

or

Clicky

[jrnymn7]

Those trolling motor connections look pretty sturdy. But why the third prong? Is that just to improve sturdiness?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Wire-Trolling-Motor-Plug-and-Socket-Set-for-Boats-8-Gauge-Wire-/1305825234...

[time2roll]

BobnSofi wrote:
How do you all PROS get away from the cigarette lighter 12v connector for quick connect?

We could set up an inverter system, but it seems inefficient to from 12vdc to 110vac, and back to 20vc.

Yes you lose some efficiency but for these small items it does not add up to much.
Convenience to plugging in at any outlet is well worth it.
Small inverter, small transfer switch or two, and you are all set.

[beemerphile1]

BobnSofi wrote:

...the cigarette lighter connection is not so fun (rubber bands to hold them tight)...How do you all PROS get away from the cigarette lighter 12v connector for quick connect....

Buy better quality 12vdc receptacles.

[Johno02]

This is what I used, with a 20A fuse:



One in Bedroom to power CPAP, At least one at front of coach for computer, inverter, gps, whatever.

[2oldman]

BobnSofi wrote:
We could set up an inverter system, but it seems inefficient to from 12vdc to 110vac, and back to 20vc.

It might be slightly 'inefficient', but it's a whole lot cleaner.

[Johno02]

Go to a dealer for truck parts, and get "power Points" rather than "cigarette lighter plugs". They are made better and with larger wiring, especially designed to probide 12v power for whatever. Connect to an good source of power, either coach or chassis, whichever you desire. Use fused and good sized wire(12G) or better.

[Dog_Folks]

This is what we used on our boat.

Multiple female sockets around the cabin, and male plugs as needed.

Link: Connectors

Hope this helps.