I don’t think any of you here have been challenged enough with questions from the non-electrical-savvy masses (), so here goes:
I have always used the off-the-shelf DC outlets in my work trucks - ones that fail after a couple of years, usually. It was no big deal because after that amount of time, I’d be due for a new truck and - as an admitted gear whore - would look for a “newer/better” version, anyway.
Now I’m looking for one for my 200. I’d like it to last longer than the ones I’ve had in the past, all of which were essentially plug (into the existing DC outlet) and play, with three outlets. Are there any of these types that are more durable and long lasting, or is that territory that’s reserved for versions that are hard-wired to the battery?
Also, my work trucks were always set up with a kill switch to shut everything down at night. I’m a game warden and in addition to the stuff I listed above, the radios, siren, laptop, rifle rack and whatnot had their own power demands. Can a DC outlet unit be had with (possibly) a similar kill switch for each plug, individually?
Finally, at what point do you have too many devices plugged in and maybe need a second battery, especially if you don’t have the aforementioned kill switch? For now, I won’t be using my fridge, since the entire state of MN is about to become one gigantic fridge, anyway. But having flashlights, battery pack for the flashlights, phone, GPS, etc. can a single battery handle that?
Thanks and sorry for the multi-part question!
I have always used the off-the-shelf DC outlets in my work trucks - ones that fail after a couple of years, usually. It was no big deal because after that amount of time, I’d be due for a new truck and - as an admitted gear whore - would look for a “newer/better” version, anyway.
Now I’m looking for one for my 200. I’d like it to last longer than the ones I’ve had in the past, all of which were essentially plug (into the existing DC outlet) and play, with three outlets. Are there any of these types that are more durable and long lasting, or is that territory that’s reserved for versions that are hard-wired to the battery?
Also, my work trucks were always set up with a kill switch to shut everything down at night. I’m a game warden and in addition to the stuff I listed above, the radios, siren, laptop, rifle rack and whatnot had their own power demands. Can a DC outlet unit be had with (possibly) a similar kill switch for each plug, individually?
Finally, at what point do you have too many devices plugged in and maybe need a second battery, especially if you don’t have the aforementioned kill switch? For now, I won’t be using my fridge, since the entire state of MN is about to become one gigantic fridge, anyway. But having flashlights, battery pack for the flashlights, phone, GPS, etc. can a single battery handle that?
Thanks and sorry for the multi-part question!