Cigarette Lighter Splitter?

[INSANITI]

My 2005 V35 coupe only has 1 cigarette lighter which is most of the time is limiting. I would need two at least 1 for gps and 1 for phone charging.

Is it possible to http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Black-Car-Dual-2-Way-Socket-Cigarette-Power-Adapter-Lighter-Splitter-Charger/261293083858?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D163%26meid%3D4827745536789110761%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D321206499274%26 buy this and use this to split into two? according to the manual it was not advised.

why was it not advised to use 1 to 2 splitter?

Or should i get one installed instead?

what are your experiences and thoughts on this?

Thanks

[The Max]

What GPS do you have? If it's just a charger which essentially supplies USB power, the better approach would be to get a dual USB charger such as a Griffin one, which supplies a higher amount of current to suit hungrier smartphones and had a very low profile so you can leave it in and still be able to close the ashtray compartment after you've unplugged your devices from it.

There's no reason why you can't otherwise use a double adapter for your cigarette lighter socket but it will look ugly.

Alternatively, you can also get one which has a combination of USB ports and a cigarette lighter socket. That might help neaten things up a bit.

[INSANITI]

thanks didnt know a dual usb cigarette adaptor exist.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GRIFFIN-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Dual-USB-Charger-for-Galaxy-Tab-S2-S3-S4-iPhone-5-/350998005341?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item51b91c865d&_uhb=1

[The Max]

That's the one. It provides 1A per output. Ideal.

[INSANITI]

Thanks!

[Nightcrawler]

Even better put either of these in your car (like I did) - the smaller one fits perfectly in the map holders by your knee either side of the centre console. Just cut off the plug and wire it into your accessories - easy, easy job.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Charger-4-way-Splitter-USB-Plug-LED-Light-Switch-/360859399386?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item5404e574da

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fast-Dual-USB-Socket-Car-Charger-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter-for-Apple-iPhone-5-5G-/310638788804?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item485383c0c4

[The Max]

Keep in mind though that the USB ports only output 0.5A maximum. That's a slow charge for the majority of phones and won't be of much help if you're hoping for a decent charge over a short drive.

[Ben C34]

The only reason the manual didn't advise to run a splitter is because you could plug in 2 items that could draw too much current.

You could plug in heaps of phone chargers no worries, so split away! It's the high current draw items you should not use a splitter with eg cigarette lighter, oven, compressor etc

Edited February 15, 2014 by superben

[GH05T]

oven?

[blackrex]

Belkin makes a 2.1A dual USB lighter adapter as well. http://www.belkin.com/au/F8J071-Belkin/p/P-F8J071/

[The Max]

It's a trade-off between current and physical size.