Using the cigarette lighter as a power point?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
You can get an aftermarket plug with a angle to the plug in so that you miss the tank on a full handlebar turn. Can't remember where I got mine, but you should be able to find one if you search for it. I use the Garmin 765T with it plugged in the cig lighter and it doesn't rub.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
My personal observations over the years have influenced my use of lighter sockets.
Being as they're originally designed for lighter use, their is a slight chance of grounding a charger or power supply cord if bumped beyond what might be considered normal.
A power specific supply socket does not have the extended grounding clips which catch a lighter upon depressing, thus greatly reducing the chance of grounding out or shorting out my/your expensive equipment.
Nuf said? ask me how I know!
not just my $0.02
aka Bob
Being as they're originally designed for lighter use, their is a slight chance of grounding a charger or power supply cord if bumped beyond what might be considered normal.
A power specific supply socket does not have the extended grounding clips which catch a lighter upon depressing, thus greatly reducing the chance of grounding out or shorting out my/your expensive equipment.
Nuf said? ask me how I know!
not just my $0.02
aka Bob
Last edited by Turbo Turtle; Dec 26, 2010 at 06:27 PM. Reason: because I can
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 866
Likes: 18
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario
I haven't had that problem. Nothing has hit the tank. As mentioned earlier you can use a shorter plug if it is a problem.
You can also use a regular mobile USB charger with most garmin GPS units. You don't always need the Garmin charger.
You can also use a regular mobile USB charger with most garmin GPS units. You don't always need the Garmin charger.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
I fold the cord and wrap it with a shoe string around the bar with some slack. You can always use the string for something else on the raod camping etc... in fact need to replace that with some parachute cord which is way stronger.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
This is quite common and it warrants checking the polarity before plugging in a device. The cigarette lighter is just a short and is irrespective of polarity.
In terms of current draw, the lighter will support just about anything you throw at it. Its supporting circuit is designed to handle a direct short (the cigarette lighter) which is dramatically more current than a GPS, phone, MP3 player, etc.
In terms of current draw, the lighter will support just about anything you throw at it. Its supporting circuit is designed to handle a direct short (the cigarette lighter) which is dramatically more current than a GPS, phone, MP3 player, etc.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
You can get an aftermarket plug with a angle to the plug in so that you miss the tank on a full handlebar turn. Can't remember where I got mine, but you should be able to find one if you search for it. I use the Garmin 765T with it plugged in the cig lighter and it doesn't rub.
