Power Port

[Steve Curren]

I don't know if this is the proper place is ask the question but here goes. I remember someone writing about a power port that was designed to withstand the off road roughness and keep the plug from working it's way out. I recently installed a Lowrance and I would like to find a port that I can use.

 

[k6uk]

I am starting to use Anderson Powerpoles for my electrical connections:

They are pretty cool and come in 15, 30, 45, and 75 amp versions.
they can be locked together (side by side) and have a pretty strong grip.

This little device:

allows you to lock sets together for high vibration environments.

PowerPoles can also be configured in a spiffy chassis mount:

and they make a mating plug for the chassis mount if you want to go that route:

These have become the standard electrical connector used for emergency communications equipment, and you may recognise the larger 350 amp powerpoles:

used often in industrial applications.

-Mike

PS. I should also mention that West Mountain Radio makes a pretty neat line of power distribution products featuring powerpoles - with individually fused circuits. I wish they were a little more space saving though. Here is a pic of their largest one, but they make several smaller ones:

 

[Steve Curren]

Thanks for the information, I guess I am going to have to hard wire the GPS, I was hoping to keep the plug on it but i guess for a proper connection I will have to do it your way.
Thanks for your help.
Steve

 

[asteffes]

Make yourself an adaptor with a PowerPole and cig socket. Plug the Lowrance into the cig socket and tape over it. Plug the PowerPole into a power source. That should be secure, but not too permanent.

 

[asteffes]

FWIW, I like the larger PowerPoles but find the smaller 15 and 30 ampere models way too fragile. Stepping on one can crack the plastic beyond repair. If you use them, use hefty ones.

 

[Steve Curren]

Adam,
Thanks for the advise, I will do with the cigarette type and then secure to a power source with a Power Pole. I am not at all concerned about stepping on it, I have the power routed to overhead on my cage bars. I guess if I rolled I might step on them but I am praying that I can keep it upright at all times.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[Steve Curren]

I checked out the Power Poles and they seem to be what is needed, I am ordering the Dee series box because they are short in height and will carry current in as well as use the Power Poles. I guess that since they are connectors I will still be able to remove the GPS as well as radios and make me feel more secure.
Thanks again for all the help,
Steve Curren

 

[ldivinag]

you can try these locking marine type cig lighter:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=265-274

you can get these at your local WEST MARINE stores too...

 

[Steve Curren]

Leo,
Thanks for the information, I like the plug and the socket, guess I am sending off for another fix. It really looks like a good solution to the problem of the plug working loose.
Steve

 

[elcoyote]

Steve,
Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier...anyway, the 12 volt sockets that we mounted in your trailer are the locking marine variety. All you need to do is convert the 12 volt plug on your GPS to the locking type and replace or add the locking socket to your dash. We've got the sockets by the bucket and we can get the plug for you. Drop a line and we'll set you up.
Later dude