Has anyone installed a USB chargers? Any how to's? I am also curious to see if anyone has idea for good location for the charger. I like to keep the cigarette lighter in the middle console since I am using that lighter to charge the GPS, but I would like to be able to charge two phones as well. I am wanting to install one of these blue sea, which has 2 chargers: 1045 or 1039.

 

Just use the rear seat cigarette lighter socket in the bottom back of the center console facing the middle of the rear seat.

 

I always used the 12 VDC outlet in the center console and I bought a splitter which allows 2 12VDC devices (or adapters) to plug in. Couple that with an adapter like the one mentioned in your post and the possibilities are nearly endless!!

 

edit Agree with the rear seat suggestion (or even console under lid).

With this technology changing so much, is it worth it to do an install? Meaning most devices are now USB C, so yes the other end is the same, but it doesn't take advantage of fast charging standards unless the power delivery part has those standards. (maybe I am not up on it and already these installs have what I mention)

I just switched to iPhone (ugh) because of a crazy Verizon $750 off deal (I couldn't pass it up, just couldn't), and come to learn Apple cheats in so many ways. To fast charge it, you must spend like another $58 for what everyone else already gives you in the box!! lol (then they give you a wired Apple headset, with no means of plugging it in--have to buy an adapter--dumb, and then if you get the XR, I heard the screen is 720 when iPhone has been 1080 since iPhone 6!)

To fast charge an iPhone, what is needed now is a USB C PD port, plus a USB C to lightning cable. So isn't it easier just buying the latest greatest 12V plug that has all of the above for $12 or $20.....

I was thinking same with permanent dash cams. You install it, then the tech changes to 4K from 1080, isn't that wasted labor (1080 actually is "not" enough for true license plate reads unless right behind with perfect lighting)

 

Yeah, I put a flushmount twin USB high amperage smart charger in that for passengers, and keep neatly wrapped silver Lightning and microUSB cables in the armrest compartment to match the car. Anker makes very good ones.

I wouldn't bother with an install, USB will become obsolete eventually. There's already flushmount cigarette lighter chargers with one USB and one of Apple's new USB C ports.

 

I am not worried about installation and running the wires, the problem is location I can put that chargers. I am definitely not drilling into the wood and leather covered panel. hmm... having a USB charger with two USB, and small footprint may work and probably involves least amount of work. I basically need to be able to charge the GPS, two phones (mine and wife's who sit in front seats) and another one for my kid in the back seat. I am ok if it is slowly charging the phones because this is mostly for when we are driving on long trips.

 

Personally I'm thinking even if you get the craziest 12V adapter for $29, they try to make them stylish these days, so you're out $29 and it does everything (the price is due to the PD USB C port). There is logic inside of those plugs, I wonder if a install has circuitry to protect devices? We take all these things for granted now, I mean gone are the days where we simply apply high current to a battery and get it charged...

If it's looks then why not take advantage of the port inside of the console. I'm thinking put a notch or simply pinch the cable. When not using, hide it....

 

So are you looking for something like these ?

I wouldn't really recommend it since it's just going to be another source of possible part failure. Plus you still need to get around the fact that it needs a conversion anyway. Just go get a 12v to USB plug in adapter. Preferably one with USB A style plugs, those won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I use . It sits flush so you can close the ash tray / console cover without removing it.

 

Mobius1, i'm using the same thing. it is nice so i usually keep my cover closed unless i need to charge my phone.

i bought this to mount my phone. so when it's in there, i just use my 1.5' USB cable from adapter to phone.