USB port question

[Rlaf75]

Ok so I dont believe my 21 BTS has a cigarette lighter, or at least I havent paid enough attention to one if it is there so, I have a couple questions about the abundance of USB ports.

I keep a compact air compressor in the truck that plugs into the cigarette lighter for emergencies. Since I dont think I actually have a cigarette lighter, can I buy a USB to cig lighter adapter so I can still use the compressor? Are the USB ports capable of supporting the constant use of the compressor to fill a tire? I know adapters are available but I dont want to plug it in and fry some wiring. Anyone know?

 

[Dean2]

Don't know exactly which truck you have but my 2020 Grand Cherokee and my 2021 2500 Ram both have cigarette style power outlets in them. The 1500s do too.

 

[GeometryFletch]

No you can't. If, you don't have a CL then buy an adapter where you can clamp directly on to the battery pos/neg while the truck is idling. I can only assume you want to use the Air/C when stopped

 

[John Jensen]

I thought all the 2019+ trucks had the 12v power outlet in the tray on top of the dash. A very poor location by the way.

USB ports are only 5v, don't try to adapt for you AC

 

[WY-Dave]

I did this when I had the Jeep, forgot to take it out when I traded it in. Get a 4 wire trailer cable and put on a female lighter socket. Wally sells 25ft version of the trailer cable.

 

[mb33458]

You can buy an adaptor that plugs into your trailer light socket, that will allow you to plug in 12vdc divices that normally plug into a cigarette lighter socket.

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[Dean2]

I don't get it. Why not just use the 12v outlets already provided. There is also the 115v outlets if you want to run a regular compressor. This seems like looking for a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[John Jensen]

Here's another one:
Trailer plug with 12v power outlet

 

[John Jensen]

I don't get it. Why not just use the 12v outlets already provided. There is also the 115v outlets if you want to run a regular compressor. This seems like looking for a problem that doesn't exist.

The trailer plug is a 30amp circuit, the cigar lighter is a 20amp circuit. Air compressors that are strong enough to fill a truck tire above 50lbs will blow a 20amp fuse. The 30 amp circuit may also not work, that's why they connect straight to the battery.

And, I don't believe the truck's 110v circuit can operate any 110V compressor.

 

[Dean2]

The trailer plug is a 30amp circuit, the cigar lighter is a 20amp circuit. Air compressors that are strong enough to fill a truck tire above 50lbs will blow a 20amp fuse. So a 30 amp circuit or connecting straight to the battery is necessary.

And, there's no way the truck's 110v circuit can operate any 110V compressor.

Get it?

Actually, I have run a ton of compressors off the cigarette lighter on my one ton and 3/4 ton trucks that all take 70 pounds for over 50 years and it works just fine. Real life experience talking, get it? As far as running a compressor off the converted 115 I have not actually tried that but I am going to cause I see no reason it shouldn't work. I have no idea why guys like u feel the need to diss others or be such a butt *** when it really isn't called for.

 

[John Jensen]

Okay, I'm really glad you've had such great experience over the last 50 years.

My comments are based on my real life experience over the past 73 years of driving trucks. The better 12v portable compressors I currently own come instructed to attach to the battery for a reason. Every one will blow the cigar lighter fuse, not initially, but before they reach the desired psi. The compressors I own that come with a cigar lighter plug will not fill a 285x70-17 truck tire over 53 lbs.

As for your remark, "I have no idea why guys like u feel the need to diss others or be such a butt *** when it really isn't called for." is uncalled for and mean. The poster said, "I don't get it, etc". I was not dissing him, I was merely trying to help him "get it".

Cheers!

I really don't know why I'm taking the time to explain myself to you, as your attitude isn't worth it.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Have you ever actually used one of those cigarette lighter outlet pumps? Do me a favor invest in on the direct connects to the battery, you will thank me later.

EDIT: I re-read the posts above and see I am late to the party

 

[Farmer Fran]

Also the RAMBOX outlet is only rated to 400W - so maybe 3.5A

 

[odinjunior]

Just traded for a '21 3500 and I am disappointed in it only having one 12Volt outlet. Great place to put it, on top of the dash. Have to leave the cover sticking up when in use and it's not switched. Second night home I forgot to unplug the GPS. Caught it in the AM when I saw it was lit up.. Not a very functional Cab..

 

[John Jensen]

Just traded for a '21 3500 and I am disappointed in it only having one 12Volt outlet. Great place to put it, on top of the dash. Have to leave the cover sticking up when in use and it's not switched. Second night home I forgot to unplug the GPS. Caught it in the AM when I saw it was lit up.. Not a very functional Cab..

My 2020 is switchable, yours should be too.
If you move Fuse 90 to F91 that should do it.
Its a It's a three slot receptacle, just move it to the vacant slot

 

[Dean2]

My 2020 is switchable, yours should be too.
If you move Fuse 90 to F91 that should do it.
Its a It's a three slot receptacle, just move it to the vacant slot

I don't actually know if mine is switchable or not as I haven't used it in the new truck yet but that is great info in case it isn't. Thanks for posting that.

 

[turkeybird56]

The 12V upper is switchable, either BATT or 12V. Depending upon vehicle, which fuse. My 15 ED was under the hood. MY 19 Hemi is in interior box under dash. No knowledge ref 2500/3500 applications.

 

[turkeybird56]

Also the RAMBOX outlet is only rated to 400W - so maybe 3.5A

To obtain Amps you need both Watts and Volts:​

Insert the number of Watts (W) and Volts (V) below and click on Calculate to obtain Amps (A).

400 W / 110 V = 3.6363636 amps


URL:

Convert Amps, Volts, and Watts (A, V and W)

Converts Amps, Volts and Watts (A, V, and W). Calculates power, current and voltage

convert-formula.com

 

[Farmer Fran]

To obtain Amps you need both Watts and Volts:​

Insert the number of Watts (W) and Volts (V) below and click on Calculate to obtain Amps (A).

400 W / 110 V = 3.6363636 amps


URL:

Convert Amps, Volts, and Watts (A, V and W)

Converts Amps, Volts and Watts (A, V, and W). Calculates power, current and voltage

convert-formula.com

I have a degree in electricity

I tend to error on the side of caution for safety of others. People have a tendency to push things. Even though in this case you will most likely just blow a fuse if you go to far.

 

[turkeybird56]

I have a degree in electricity

I tend to error on the side of caution for safety of others. People have a tendency to push things. Even though in this case you will most likely just blow a fuse if you go to far.

BOIRD got a degree ( I actually got one), too: I respect that electrical socket, LOL. I can do lil things, but I will eventually have electrician come in and Change out the House Box: I know when I am in above my head. Kinda like popping hood on RAM and messing with stuff, I do not know. Torn down 1963/67/68 Motors, and such but these electronic behemoths are beyond my knowledge.

FUNNY CAVEAT: My wife, when U mention degrees, wanted me to go back to college and finish my BA. I said what for: Spend gazillion $$$ and time for a $50.00 a month payraise, lmao. Incentive pay: $50 a month for AS, $100 for BA, hee hee.