Laptop Power and Interior Mods

[harleyboy]

Hi,

Does anyone power a laptop in a deli? Can I just get a regular cigarette lighter power kit from the computer shop to charge the better in my laptop or is there something special I need to do.

I was also wondering about doing some interior work. I wanted to rig up some racks/mounts to hang surf-boards, backpacks and etc. I want to get all the stuff off of the floor and up on the roof/side walls so I can sleep on the floor. Is there anyone that does this type of work to rig up a really slick system.

Thanks

Mark

[Green1]

Does anyone power a laptop in a deli? Can I just get a regular cigarette lighter power kit from the computer shop to charge the better in my laptop or is there something special I need to do.

Any inverter will do the trick... only catch is that the cigarette lighter sockets are only active when the vehicle ignition is "on" or "accessory"

I was also wondering about doing some interior work. I wanted to rig up some racks/mounts to hang surf-boards, backpacks and etc. I want to get all the stuff off of the floor and up on the roof/side walls so I can sleep on the floor. Is there anyone that does this type of work to rig up a really slick system.

Many places do that sort of custom work, it all depends what you're willing to spend... I would recommend talking to places that outfit work trucks about interior racking, the other option is to do it yourself, which will certainly be cheaper, but it will depend on your own abilities.

[39Ronin]

Talk to Falco on this one, he was by my place the other day showing me the Millineum Falco..n set up that he has. Cool stuff, I just hope you don't have an online Poker addiction you need to feed while driving! LOL!

[mararmeisto]

Careful with the cigarette lighter outlet, I don't think there is enough 'juice' to power an inverter large enough to support a laptop (i.e. you'll either pop the fuse, or worse overheat the wire in the dash). Remember, the outlet was designed for a device nearly 50 years ago and it really hasn't been updated. Even vehicles with 'power outlets' have a higher rating than the one in the dash.

[Schwa]

I've used 4 different laptops in my van, they all worked individually, but 2 at once is too much for 1 lighter socket with an inverter. I plug the inverter into the rear socket so there's no wires messing up the driving area.

[TardisDeli]

As Mararmeisto says, the "Cigaretter lighter" is not strong enuf, as the wires are VERY thin and only meant for the occasional use for a few seconds. You intend to use for longer times.

To avoid overheating and electrical fire (very expensive) buy a marine grade 12v 12 volt outlet plug, install it near the battery, to reduce wire length, reduce run, reduce voltage drop), put an inline fuse YES, and use that.

Inverters are cheap, way too cheap, which is why I know of 2 inverters recently, one smoked, and one that caught fire. Neither was in use at the time, they just decided to bonfire themselves. Fortunately both owners were in the vans at the time, and shut off engine, and dealt with it. SO put inline fuses! One was a little 75 watt inverter that plugs into "cigarete lighter" and had provided much happy service, so owner yanked it out of socket and hurled it outside. Other was a screwed in to the engine wall 1000 watt inverter, but no inline fuse, hence 2 inch flames, used the fire extinguisher.

If you use a cheap cigarette lighter style, keep it visible, so if it smokes you see it, and can keep it cool with air around. There are now the llittle 300 watt ones at CrappyTire for cheap, cheap is cheap skinny wires, cheap solder, and made small cuz that's what people want, so no room for air circulation. Don't leave plugged in unattended. Touch it when in use, get to know how hot it runs normally.

Our 1000 watt Xantrex inverter is the same brand (from Cdn Tire) as the one that burst into flames, so I am a bit worried. We have an inline fuse 300 amp, which the research says is the right size (marine grade BlueSea.com from Bellingham).

To determine your electrical size, look at the watts label on stuff, then multiply by 1.5 (or double if you're worried) then get an inverter that size so it can handle peak loads. Remember with your laptop, if you have any modifications, or are using multi programmes, or running other stuff in USB port etc, you are putting on a bigger load than the average rating on the laptop label.

Our microwave we only run while engine running, so that batteries load is OK. We do charge up battery occasionally, as the usual vehicle with alternator doesnt charge to 100% (true for all vehicles).

So, plan what you will use. Write it down. Buy the bigger size inverter, don't cheap out. Put an extra inline fuse in. Make sure everything has space to cool down. Make sure your alternator is charging well, so you don't kill your battery (are you already pumping a huge stereo system, in addition to other toys like the laptop, the coffer warmer, the overhead lights).

In the Tardis, I need a microwave, electric blanket, tea kettle, space heater, 12v cooler for the milk for my tea, air mattress pump, handheld search & rescue radios, cell phone charger, laptop. In addition Jay needs his stereo, dvd player, gps. We rough it! Removed our rear bench and put in sleeping platform with room for milkcrates under.

Oh, recharge times for your electronics may take longer with inverter. Think about this: your laptop runs 12v, but you plug in a power cord that converts it to ac (that's why the black boxy thing in the line). Now you plug that ac plug into a 12v inverter. The inverter takes the dc power of your engine, and converts it to 12v. There (Rather Heath Robinson mentally -- joke).

But if your item is a 12v item to start with, it may recharge faster than at home. Be aware.

Cheers, Christine.