Thread: Charging from cigarette socket?

I don’t know if you can attach the battery directly into the cig socket but I’m looking to do something similar. Though I have an Ark Powerpack and I needed to get a dc-dc charger specific for the box to use the cig socket. I’m only using it to top up the box.

Originally Posted by goofyr

I don’t know if you can attach the battery directly into the cig socket but I’m looking to do something similar. Though I have an Ark Powerpack and I needed to get a dc-dc charger specific for the box to use the cig socket. I’m only using it to top up the box.

My ARK battery boxes came with a AC-DC charger AND a DC-DC charger that runs from a cigarette lighter 12v plug

There should not be any issues although bear in mind the cig socket is usually only rated at 10amps which could possibly be exceeded if direct charging a part-discharged battery plus supplying the fridge power -worth checking fuse size. Also unless the cig socket switches off with the engine then both main and second batteries will be permantly connected together so the fridge could discharge both easily rectified by unplugging cig socket overnight.

Set the fridge cutout on its lowest setting and just power it from the car, i usually turn mine off overnight and sits still around 4c in the morning.

I have done exactly that, I have a portable battery in the rear I used to charge it from the Cig socket in the rear compartment. To limit the charging current I used a Redarc 6 amp DC to DC charger so that I can't draw more than 6 amps from the cig socket. If you tried this without doing that you may well blow a fuse.

I have now run high current cables down the back and installed a merit socket but i still use the 6 Amp DC to Dc charger in line and it works fine. Of course you can charge it faster with a higher current but if you are driving most of the day its not really an issue.

One issue with the cig cocket is the plugs can fall out so you need to watch it. I use a wireless thermometer in the fridge to keep an eye on the fridge temperature. Got a cheap indoor/outdoor wireless one from Jaycar and it works fine.

Thanks all - Yes, the cig plug isn't ideal, but will do until I fit the DBS. The fridge is connected to the battery box with screw terminals and an anderson plug, so if the cigarette plug comes out, the fridge shouldn't stop

The circuit can handle 15A apparently, and the fridge draws 7A flat out, so hopefully enough overhead before blowing fuses...

Something to aware of is that IF the battery is connected to the lighter socket directly you'll get the single beep if you try to lock the car with the fob button and it will not lock. At least that's what happens with my car with the battery connected to the socket in the rear but it may well be VERY different in a D3 or D4.

We spent 12 days in Tassie with the fridge plugged straight into the lighter socket in the D2. We were on the move most days, but never had any issues at all.
The D4 has Tims DB setup, but before I installed that, I did the same as the D2 for a long weekend up to Albury. Again, no issues.