12 Volt DC receptacle
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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12 Volt DC receptacle
Can you use the 12 volt dc receptacle (cigarette lighter) on the Ultra Classic for running a GPS or heated gloves without damaging the electrical system? I was thinking of getting heated gloves for this winter and doesn't look like the battery type gloves will last long enough on one charge. Any thoughts?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
There isn't much room between the lighter and the tank when you turn the handle bars to full lock (left). I think the manual even says not to run anything except the lighter. The one in the tour pak should be able to run accesories but then you would have the long cables to deal with.
It's not hard or expensive to add a cable from the battery to your crotch area for use with electric gloves. Depending on the make of gloves (they have different connectors), you can even use the cable as a connection for your battery charger when the bike is in storage.
It's not hard or expensive to add a cable from the battery to your crotch area for use with electric gloves. Depending on the make of gloves (they have different connectors), you can even use the cable as a connection for your battery charger when the bike is in storage.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 16
I adapted my lighter to plug into the battery charger cable in the side panel. This way, I plug it in only when I need it and I thread the cable up under the tank and place the lighter in my handlebar bag. I used it to charge up my phone and run a airpump for my air mattress when on a camping tour. The battery charger cable has an inline fuse rated at 7.5 amps. The pump needed 12 amps so I up'd the fuse to 15A. There have been no problems.
When I use the cable for battery charging, I put the smaller fuse in so I don't challenge the system.
When I use the cable for battery charging, I put the smaller fuse in so I don't challenge the system.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I don't see a problem running anything from the lighter as long as it doesn't draw more than about 10A on the 15A fuse. There is little more on that fuse than the turn signals and brake lights. Gerbing G3 heated gloves draw about 2.2A, so they won't be a problem. The only thing I run from the lighter is the 12V tire pump, but I don't see any electrical info on it, and I've had no problems with that.
OTOH I agree that there are better solutions, like to wire gloves to the accessory connector under the seat. That way you can use the ACC switch on the dash, or on the necelle on RK's, and have better access to the connector.
OTOH I agree that there are better solutions, like to wire gloves to the accessory connector under the seat. That way you can use the ACC switch on the dash, or on the necelle on RK's, and have better access to the connector.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 636
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
GPS is fine, hell, I have ran an air pump to fill a buddy's tire once. There is a wire in the fairing that runs off the accessory that I have my GPS ran too, power is turned off when key is off. That way I leave the plug open, plus I would worry about clearance when turning, which has already been mentioned.
Cale
Cale
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
I run my heated Jacket off a plug type receptacle that comes directly off the battery and then my heated gloves (which I RARELY use) run off a plug from the sleeve in my jacket. I use the same receptacle coming off the battery for the battery tender by buying a $5.00 adapter from the H-D Dealer that converts the connection from the usual flat to the round type. This way you only need one connector coming off the battery and you do not need to plug anything into the cigarrette lighter.
That said, when I do travel on Fly & Rides I made up a cable that has a cigarette lighter plug on the end and a round plug for my heated jacket on the other so I can plug in my heated gear in without having to remove the seat on the rental bike & hook up anything to the battery. You do have to be very careful though, because some plugs will hit the gas tank when the handlebars are turned all the way to the left. I did this for 8 days out West last year and everything worked just fine.
regards,
TCB
That said, when I do travel on Fly & Rides I made up a cable that has a cigarette lighter plug on the end and a round plug for my heated jacket on the other so I can plug in my heated gear in without having to remove the seat on the rental bike & hook up anything to the battery. You do have to be very careful though, because some plugs will hit the gas tank when the handlebars are turned all the way to the left. I did this for 8 days out West last year and everything worked just fine.
regards,
TCB
Last edited by twocoltbob; Oct 30, 2010 at 03:44 AM.
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